Building your best salad

Eating a salad at the start of your meal will not only keep you from stuffing your face with the main course, but also give you the vitamins you need to keep your metabolism at optimum idling speed.

While most people focus on the balance of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat), vitamins and minerals are left out. These are the compounds that your body needs to utilize the macronutrients you eat to produce energy and build muscle. Vitamins also help boost your immune system.

Let’s get started!

Step 1) Choose your lettuce: Spinach and mixed greens are your beat bet when looking for nutrients (iceberg lettuce is just water and electrolytes without any nutritional value!)

Step 3) Additional veggies: Some suggestions: -tomatoes (lycopene is a potent antioxidant) -carrots (beta-carotene for eye health) -beans (good source of plant protein) -mushrooms (phytonutrients which aren’t fully understood, but are still beneficial for the body)

*pile on any other vegetables you like

Step 4) Fruit -blueberries,craisins (antioxidants) -citrus fruits (Vitamin C, some studies have shown an increase in immune function)

*When you are adding fruits or vegetables, you can’t go wrong

The most