What do you think of, when you think of a weight loss diet? If you’re like most people, you think of salad. More specifically, you’re probably thinking you have to live on salad for the next six months while you shed your extra pounds.
But truthfully, living on salad wouldn’t be the best way to address your goals. At least not if “salad” means a bowl of lettuce and nothing else! You absolutely do need protein in your diet. Luckily, there are ways to add protein to salad, so you can enjoy low-calorie meals while also including the nutrients that are vital to health.
Next time you make a salad, or order one in a restaurant, try these six ideas to add protein to your meal.
Sprinkle on some chia seeds. Just a tablespoon of chia seeds contains a gram of protein, so toss as much as you like onto your salads!
Toss some beans in your bowl. Some people think adding beans to salads sounds like a weird idea, but beans actually contribute quite a bit of flavor. They also make your salads, because they also contain quite a bit of fiber along with protein. Add black beans to a southwest-themed salad, or white beans to a Caprese salad. You won’t be disappointed.
Try chickpeas instead of croutons. Seasoned chickpeas taste a lot like croutons, and they pack that crunch you crave. But unlike croutons, they’re full of the protein you need your diet.
Throw some egg in there. Boiled eggs make a great addition to a chef salad, or you could get a little more creative and toss a runny, poached egg into your greens. It sounds a little weird, but runny egg yolks make a great dressing without a lot of work.
Get nutty. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds make great salad toppings. They’re crunchy, like croutons, but a lot more nutritious! Aside from protein, nuts contain essential fatty acids that boost brain power and help you absorb essential vitamins.
And of course, add meat. You really just can’t go wrong with a sliced chicken breast, or even a little steak. Add meat to your salad, and you’ll enjoy a huge protein boost along with the flavor.
If you’re reading this blog, you know you need more protein in your diet. But how much is enough? Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment for you. We can talk about ways to obtain the right balance of nutrients in your diet, and answer any other questions you might have about your weight loss plan.
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