Thursday, July 7, 2011

Super Salad: Build a Better Salad Today

Salad bars are the latest craze. Just because its on the menu doesn’t mean that it’s a healthy option. Hiding within all the nutritional bounty are some pretty evil add ins.

Use this guide to build a better salad on your next visit to the salad bar:

#’s reflect calories per average serving
 
Let’s start with your base:

c  Arugula: 28
c  Iceberg: 6
c  Mesclun: 35
c  Romaine: 18
c  Spinach: 26

While iceberg is the least caloric, spinach and romaine pack a higher nutritional bang despite their higher calorie counts.

Add Ins:
 
c  Artichoke hearts: 20
c  Asparagus: 8
c  Avocado: 65
c  Beans (varied): 105
c  Beets: 20
c  Broccoli: 20
c  Butternut squash: 30
c  Carrots: 30
c  Celery: 8
c  Corn: 60
c  Cranberry: 95
c  Cucumbers: 8
c  Edamame: 75
c  Eggplant: 40
c  Grape Tomatoes: 20
c  Green peppers: 10
c  Hearst of palm: 20
c  Lentils: 70
c  Mandarin oranges: 25
c  Portabella mushroom: 15
c  Radish: 8
c  Red onions: 15
c  Roasted red peppers: 25
c  String beans: 15
c  Sun dried tomatoes: 95
c  White mushroom: 6

Aim to spend 100-150 calories on add ins by sticking with hearty, low calorie vegetables that pack a high nutritional buck. Remember: Colorful = Nutrient-ful!

Not all Proteins are created equal:

c  Blue cheese: 165
Egg Whites = Protein Powerhouses
c  Cheddar: 160
c  Egg whites: 20
c  Feta: 100
c  Goat cheese: 60
c  Grilled chicken: 150
c  Hardboiled egg: 85
c  Hummus: 80
c  Mozzarella: 115
c  Parmesan: 100
c  Tofu: 60
c  Tuna (nonmayo): 75

Watch: cheese portions 
Pile on: eggs whites
 
Toppings:
c  Croutons: 120
c  Crushed chips: 100
c  Pumpkin seeds:  70
c  Tortilla strips: 110
c  Walnuts: 160

Steer clear of loading up on these crunchies. Choose seeds and nuts over fried bread (aka tortilla strips and croutons).
 
Dressings:
c  Balsamic vinaigrette: 220 (SUPER SHOCKER!!)
c  Balsamic Vinegar: 10
c  Caesar: 150
c  Olive oil: 240
c  Ranch: 150

Safest bets: BYO, mustard or balsamic vinegar



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