When eating healthy, most people would think they only need to eat fruit and vegetable alone, and that's it. What they often miss is that the amount and the combination of everything are also crucial to consider. According to NHS, for the body to have enough and balanced energy and nutrition, one should also have a balanced meal to compliment the need. So what does your salad need for it to be perfectly balanced?
According to Saving Dinner, there are several things your salad should have for it to become the balanced meal you would want to include in your everyday diet. These things include vegetables, protein, and fat.
VEGETABLES
Vegetables are the ultimate classics when it comes to the sources of nutrients and minerals your body needs to heal, to become strong, and healthier. Best veggies to include in your salad are the greens (kale, lettuce, and romaine) cucumber, celery, cauliflower, carrot, broccoli, scallion, mushroom, bell pepper, pea, tomato, and radish.
One of the most beloved veggies that are always included in a salad is cucumber. Cucumber is an amazing source of not just nutrients but also antioxidants and water, perfect for people trying to lose weight and maintain their blood sugar levels.
The best thing about cucumber is how it can easily jive with your meal. Aside from salad, you can also include this veggie in your diet as a juice or as a part of your sandwich. It is so juicy, crunchy, and fresh you can already eat it as is.
PROTEIN
Another important component for your well-balanced salad is protein. There are several lean proteins you can add in your salad, but the best to have are chicken breast, eggs, salmon, and shrimp. Make sure to choose organic so your salad won't have synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides, which can harm your body.
FATS
Most people thought fats are not healthy. But some are beneficial. Dietary fats help the body produce the energy it needs for its system to function at its best. It also supports the growth of cells and protects the organs. Furthermore, it also helps maintain your body temperature and keeps you warm especially during cold nights.
Given all these benefits, why not include ingredients in your salad that has high dietary fats in it? Drizzle a few drops of balsamic vinegar or olive oil to your meal. You can also add some avocado, walnuts, or olives if you want too. These would add exciting flavors to your salad for sure.
