May 31, 2008

Trying to Expand My Salad Choices, Not my Waistline


Since the whole low-carb thing has reached somewhat of a plateau, I am trying to now go more raw fruits and veggies without completely gaining back the 8lbs I've lost. I could keep going low-carb, but I don't feel that healthy eating a bunch of eggs, meat and cheeses. Over the last two days, I've been trying out some new salad options, and I'm loving them. So far, no weight gain, but I've haven't lost anymore either. Two of my favorite salads right now are grilled chicken Caesar, and then a combination of a spring mix of greens, walnuts, mild crumbled feta, and raspberry vinaigrette. Skip basically looks at me and says, "Are you enjoying your leaves and twigs." He's not so much a salad guy. Can you tell?


Here is my request...Since all of you have done such a great job giving me book titles last week (please keep em' coming), now I would love to hear some of your favorite salad recipes. If your not much of a salad person, but do know of a healthy low carb entree or side, send that my way too! I'm not ready to venture into the land of breads and starches yet, so keep that in mind. It has taken me three weeks to get over the dreams of warm Texas Roadhouse rolls filled with honey-butter, and Crispy Creme doughnuts. I'm not going back there for some time. Maybe when I reach my goal, I'll have a crouton. A girl can dream, right!
*I almost forgot to mention that this is my coolest new find. I only need 4 or 5 sprays, and that means only 5 calories. I've only tried the Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette, but when I went to their website I found many other choices. And for a bonus, they have salad recipes to go with their dressings online.

9 comments:

Donnetta said...

I'm afraid I don't have any fabulous recipes to offer, but I will be back to see what other's say! I, too, could use some great and healthy salad ideas.

Mayhem And Miracles said...

Hey Susie, I have learned to cut out the dressing altogether (but not EVERY time!) by tossing with lemon juice, then sprinkling with salt and pepper, or by using potato topper, or homemade salsa, all of which are extremely low fat or no fat. I've also found that just taking turns on the choice of greens mixes it up a lot. (No pun intended.) Other than that, my theory is that by definition, a salad is just a mix of lots of things that you like, so nothing within your diet is off limits to throw in there. Whatever you are craving, find something to match (sour, sweet, etc.) and toss it in! Good luck. I wanted to work on weight loss this summer too but once again decided that time wise, I don't know what else to eliminate. SIGH.

Sandy said...

Hi Susie - any kind of mixed greens or spinach - lots of veggies chopped up (small) and just balsalmic vinegar and oil on top. YUM! Oh, and some kind of meat for the protein. I have stopped the nuts and cheese. My hubby and I eat salads almost every day.

Pam said...

I'm with Sandy, especially with the darker greens like spinach or romaine.

I love to stick all kinds of things on salads. One of my favorites right now is strawberries (one of your lowest carb fruits). Slice those up and top with some grilled or pan broiled chicken tenders (I do this with about a tablespoon of olive oil EVOO if you're Rachael Ray).

Then I use the balsamic viniagrette that Sandy mentioned or Brianna's Blush wine viniagrette. It has a strawberry on the label. Very tasty with just about any kind of salad, but especially yummy with strawberries.

Another one that's great is one I duplicated from Panera. Same idea as above, only add blueberries, pineapple tidbits, a few toasted pecan, and use a lowfat poppyseed dressing.

An idea that might help in limiting your dressing intake is to have a little bowl/ramekin of dressing on the side and just dip your fork in it every other bite or so. That way you're not tempted to drown your entire salad in high calorie dressing.

Enjoy and know that you are being lifted up in prayer over this venture, friend.

Cindi said...

Susie,

I stumbled onto your blog through NeeNee's. I just finsihed a stint on the low carb diet. I have since moved on to a low fat diet because I had plateaued on the low carb diet after losing 65 pounds. I would be happy to share some of my low/no carb recipes if you would like. If you are interested, shoot me an email at cindialbrightson dot sbcglobal dot net. I will happily share and also some burger secrets if you really want to enjoy that burger joint! Cindi

Totallyscrappy said...

One of my favorite, yummy salad is one I call Highlands salad and I posted that recipe on my blog http://mudpiestodragonflies.blogspot.com/2008/03/easter-dinner.html

I also like a salad of greens, grape tomatoes, black olives, red onions, cukes, sliced pepperoni, and a Greek vinegrette.

Christina Ketchum said...

When I eat spaghetti or alfredo I replace the plate of noodles with green beans! I can eat this while the rest of the family is eating noodles and not feel deprived. I also love broccoli salad using no fat mayo and Splenda.

DA Wagners said...

I've seen that salad dressing spray at HEB and I had to take a double-take! I've been contemplating the spray ever since. I couldn't seem to get my understanding wrapped around the purpose of it, but you have now alleviated that problem! Thanks!

Robin said...

2 c red or orange grape tomatoes (halved or quatered)
4-5 green onions chopped
4 c corn kernels ( I buy frozen and thaw)
8 oz fresh mozzeralla cut into small cubes (get the ball not block, it's fresher)
1 1/2 c fresh basil

3 tblspn white wine vinegar
2 teasp. kosher salt
1//4 c EVOO
fresh ground black pepper

Whisk vinegar, salt, pepper and EVOO in small bowl.

Toss all other ingredients in large bowl, drizzle with EVOO mixture. Cover and let sit 15min-2hrs, serve with fresh basil.

This is the most awesome recipe EVER. I promise you (and Skip) will enjoy it.