Summer is a season that welcomes the beginning of the holidays and is a time for rejuvenation and fun. Summer is also the perfect time to treat your body like a temple for those looking to start eating healthy. For healthy meal prepping, salads offer one easy way where one can improve the diet and can even help with hydration in the summer heat. Ingredients often found in a salad like cucumbers, celery, tomatoes and lettuce have high water content and would be perfect for refreshment and water intake in the summer heat. Here are some ways to make nutritious summer salads for your loved ones this season.
Include Protein Sources
Though one might think of leafy greens and vegetables when a salad comes to mind, protein sources are also a crucial part of a healthy salad. Examples of these can include grilled chicken, various types of nuts, seeds and beans. These are easy and very convenient to add to your salad at home.
Consume Leafy Greens
It is important not to limit your diet only to veggies like iceberg lettuce. Embrace variety and try incorporating greens like kale, cabbage, and spinach into your diet as well. Besides being able to add more flavor to your salad, these vegetables are also rich in vitamins, antioxidants as well as fiber and can help to boost your immune system.
Incorporate Healthy Fats
For your home salad, opt for healthier sources of fat like avocado, feta cheese, salmon and hard-boiled eggs. Salads bought from grocery stores and restaurants are often filled with unhealthy dressings, fried chicken bites as well as processed cheese, which can be detrimental to the body in large amounts. Olive oil is also a much healthier option as compared to dressings like the Thousand Island Dressing.
Reduce or Remove the Sugar
Try to reduce or remove ingredients that are high in sugar in your salads. These can often be subtly found in salad dressings, dried fruit, granola as well as glazed nuts. Excessive sugar can result in obesity and increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Reduce Sodium Intake
Sodium can also be detrimental to our health and body. It is thus crucial to monitor your salads for sodium content and reduce the intake of ingredients like cheese, croutons as well as processed meats. Some dressings can also be high in sodium, like the ranch and Thousand Island dressing.
Get Nutritious Meals at Morada Albuquerque
To ensure that your loved ones get the best nutrition, good food and a healthy diet in their aging years, be sure to choose Morada Albuquerque. Here at Morada Albuquerque, we offer delicious downhome dining that ensures that healthy and nutritious food will always be provided for your loved ones that will satisfy their taste buds. Prepared by our professional chefs, you can rest assured that your loved ones will be experiencing only the finest that we have to offer. Contact us now to find out more!
