Salad ingredients, eating healthy, and loosing a few?!


Question: I am by no means looking to go vegetarian, im just looking to drop a few pounds and eat a tad bit healthier than i have been , let me rephrase that, ALOT healthier!

Ive started tonight.
I had a hefty workout session and jogged a couple miles but thats something im no stranger too.
When i got home however, and went looking to start my healthy meal benge for the next little bit i realized i had no clue what i was doing. after shopping for all the veg's i like, i built myself a salad for dinner containing:
Some lettuce, 1/4 a cucumber, 1/4 a green pepper, half a carrot, half a tomato, a small amount of low fat ranch (luckally, im not a huge fan of dressing). and a couple low fat crutons. the salad was quite large.

im wondering if this size of a salad would have any negative effects on me? or if im on the right track.

also, what other foods would help me along the way? and would there be any complications with eating nothing but salad


Answers: I am by no means looking to go vegetarian, im just looking to drop a few pounds and eat a tad bit healthier than i have been , let me rephrase that, ALOT healthier!

Ive started tonight.
I had a hefty workout session and jogged a couple miles but thats something im no stranger too.
When i got home however, and went looking to start my healthy meal benge for the next little bit i realized i had no clue what i was doing. after shopping for all the veg's i like, i built myself a salad for dinner containing:
Some lettuce, 1/4 a cucumber, 1/4 a green pepper, half a carrot, half a tomato, a small amount of low fat ranch (luckally, im not a huge fan of dressing). and a couple low fat crutons. the salad was quite large.

im wondering if this size of a salad would have any negative effects on me? or if im on the right track.

also, what other foods would help me along the way? and would there be any complications with eating nothing but salad

The salad is a good start. To cut some extra calories off take the peel off the cucumber :) just a little secret for those trying to drop some weight. And then the green peppers are totally cool. All those little add in's are totally cool. You are just like me, im not really a fan of dressing and sometimes if i add enough goodys as i call them i dont even need any dressing. Careful and watch out for the crutons though because they can end up adding up but for now your cool.
The size of the salad doesnt matter because all that stuff is good for you although doesnt keep you full for very long. If i were you i would through some kind of protein on top of it because that is what your body really needs after working out. In order for your muscles to repair it needs some kind of protein.
Also be careful with just eating a salad after such intense work out because sometimes since the salad doesnt keep you full for very long you will overeat in the long run.
Good Luck and happy loosing!!

God Bless
=)Kasey

Okay. I'm not exactly a pro at eating super healthy, but i know that these are a few tips. Make sure that you get a lot of vitamins on your salad. Research different vitamins and you can figure out what type of veggies have the right vitamins. Don't forget protein. I bought some Muscle Milk at the GNC store. I can basically mix it in with anything (oatmeal, milk, yogurt, pudding, smoothies, etc.) and I will get lots of protein. Also try putting meat on your salads. Make sure that you also have whole wheat bread or something with your salad to complete it. Use balsamic vinager instead of ranch dressing because ranch is actually really fatty. Make sure you get a variety of foods!

I'm definitely no expert, but i guess yes technically you could live the rest of your life on salad - depending on what you put on it. It sounds like you're missing a little protein / good fats. I imagine after a big workout your body will need some other nutrients. You can try adding small portions of lean meats or a sprinkle of nuts or soy beans for some protein. I would recommend avocado (maybe up to a 1/4 of an avocado). If you're afraid of fat - cut the salad dressing (it's not a healthy fat). I'm not sure what kind of lettuce you prefer - but try a spring mix vs. romaine or iceberg - more fiber and other nutrients your body will like.

Just make sure you get a mix of protein and fat with your new eating habits. In small portions they aren't as bad as everyone thinks and they make 'salads' or whatever else keep you fuller longer. Fiber also helps. I've found a great way to eat healthier is eating less processed foods will help you a lot. Sorry it's hard to get more specific without knowing what types of food you like/dislike.

Veggies and Fruits are a great start!

Salads like the one you described leave you with no protein. Not a good thing, especially if you are excercising regularly. Add a modest sized portion of protein through chicken, tuna, or beans and you'll be good to go. The size of the salad would only be an issue as it relates to the amount of calorie heavy things in the salad, like the meats, dressings, croutons, and cheeses. Most of the veggies are so low in calories that you'd get full before they could have any negative effect. Eating only salads for one of your meals every day would be OK, but if you mean for all or most of your meals then definitely not. You need other things to balance your diet. Fruits, grains, dairy, etc. Everyone needs a little healthy fat in their diet as well, its part of what keeps the body running. Best of luck!





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