As most of you know, over the past year or so, I've really been focusing on my health. Everything from sleep to movement to nutrition has become a top priority as I've tried to make my long-term health a top priority. As a result, I'm feeling great and have lost weight, too. I've shared a little bit here and there about "how I do it," and I wanted to share a few of my favorite eats: SALADS! Honestly, I've never been a person who loves salads. They were always something I'd skip on a menu. What changed? Easy—my mindset.
These days, I really listen to my body. I eat when I'm hungry and I stop when I'm full (not stuffed). I eat to live, instead of living to eat, and as such I really do regard food as fuel and I want the very best in my body. And that means plenty of vegetables daily, plus some fruits, limited carbohydrates (mostly in the mornings), and the right kinds of protein. With that balance in mind, I knew I needed to be open minded to salads—they just provide a great balance of vegetables and proteins, with just the right kick of fruit and fats to be palatable, and they honestly keep me sated all day when I have one for lunch.
Over the next few weeks, I'd love to share my favorite salads with you. In addition to being super healthy, they're also super easy! I almost always start with a base of spinach (sometimes a spring mix), and then I add a variety of topping goodness with a crumbly cheese, fruits, nuts, veggies, and a dressing uniquely suited to the blend (I prefer homemade dressings—I'll share those, too!)
Spinach
Grilled chicken (cubed)
Bacon pieces
Red onion (thinly sliced)
Candied pecans (I like to make these myself!)
Japanese pear slices
Grapes (halved)
Crumbled bleu cheese
Then, drizzle with this wonderful creamy balsamic vinaigrette—here's the recipe:
1 tsp. granulated garlic
3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
4 Tbsp. honey
2 Tbsp. dijon mustard
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Place first five ingredients in blender. When mixed completely, slowly add olive oil until all ingredients are blended well together.
Delicious! Watch for other upcoming, easy ideas to make every day a "salad day." To your health!
Jeanette,
ReplyDeleteThat sounds wonderful. Guess I know what to make for dinner. Thanks for sharing. I am always excited to get recipes for homemade salad dressing. The premade store bought type is so unhealthy.
Have a great week!
Nan B
Thanks Jeanette for sharing what's changed for you. I, too, have started to try and change my "mindset" and I've lost about 10 lbs in the last month. Salads are not my favorite either, but mine don't look anything like this! I'll have to give it a try. Though, I worry about the candied pecans. Those are addicting! :)
ReplyDeleteThis salad looks very yummy ... definitely going to make it! Love homemade dressings, too! Thanks for sharing it with us and look forward to your other salad recipes. Would you mind sharing your recipe for the candied pecans as well?
ReplyDeleteI'm so very proud of you, Jeannette!
ReplyDeleteWe want you around feeling great for a long time, so yeah for salad and a healthy happy you!
Thanks for the great salad recipe! I thought I would share a salad that I love with you.
ReplyDeleteSweet Summer Red Quinoa Salad
Dressing
2 Tbsp Olive oil
zest of one lemon
2 Tbsp Fresh lemon Juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salad
1 3/4 cups frozen corn, thawed
1 large avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 large red pepper diced
1 orange peeled and cut into small pieces
3 cups cooked red quinoa made with water flavored with zested ginger, approx. 1/3 piece
2 apples diced.
Toss with dressing and refrigerate at least two hours. Serve cold. Keep up to 3 days in fridge.
Enjoy!
Good for you, Jannette! I'm so happy to know you are doing well! Thanks for the recipes!
ReplyDeleteLooking Good Jannette! Love that recipe and will be making that for dinner tonight! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow Jeanette! Thanks for the recipe and inspiration. I too, have changed my mindset. I have lost 15 pounds this year, and I know this time it will stay off. I am also exercising and walking. Salads are a true calorie saver! I'll see you at Convention...you must look and feel amazing! You are my hero in more ways than one!
ReplyDeleteyum, looks good. I love a salad with pears and gorgonzola cheese, very similar to yours.
ReplyDeletejkstiles77 - for the candied pecans, I don't have a terribly formal recipe, but it is terriffic! I typically get a huge bag of pecans from Costco, melt real butter in a sauce pan and coat the nuts with a natural sweetener (I use a calorie-free one from a local health food store) over high heat, stir until caramelized. Cool on wax paper and store in an airtight container until you're ready to sprinkle on a salad.
ReplyDeleteJust made your salad. It's to die for. And, the dressing is EVEN BETTER than that! Been searching for a salad dressing like this for a long time. Now it's MINE too. Thanks for sharing. I didn't have chicken to put on my salad so I added an extra strip of bacon to even things out - not as healthy, but it's what I had. Can't wait to see your future salad creations. You are a scrapping star AND a food inspiration as well.
ReplyDeleteI would love it if you would share your candied nut recipe. I have tried a few recipes and haven't been satisfied with them. Too soggy. I was hoping to make some for gifts this Christmas. Can't wait to see more of your salad combos. I love salads but am always looking for new varieties.
ReplyDelete