The art of the Man Salad

Salad is the new meat and potatoes.

Paleo, Ketogenic, primal and caveman diet friendly. Boom.

Lately I have turned the art of salad making into more of a sport. Whether you are gluten free, vegan, raw, Paleo, primal or simply a lover of food this sport is for you. Say goodbye to boring side salads that are dry and bland… take your meals to the next level by playing the “add-in” game. This can be done in under 5 minutes and you can make a habit of using what you have in the fridge. Packed with essential nutrients and loaded with protein! 30+ grams!

The key is the satiety factor… you must keep it soaked in flavor. Mouth-watering, nourishing, delicious, green goodness.

Most restaurants will make you some grilled veggies if you ask… request this before any of your meals if not having this as your main course. This is not about restricting calories or depriving yourself. I occasionally eat 1-2lb salads full of as much plant-based goodness as I can find. There is not much on earth that can provide this much flavor and nourish your body so well.

Start with your base of “nutrient dense” leafy greens:

Spinach, Arugula, or Kale. From there add in veggies, seeds, nuts, and healthy oils… don’t make the  mistake of defeating your efforts with a sugar-laden high calorie dressing… if you are still using a ton of high sugar or ranch dressings, you might as well be eating fast food.

A great alternative for these dressings is a natural base like apple cider vinegar that aids digestion and brings with it a nice flavor. Apple cider vinegar, lemon, and a splash of olive oil can go a long way. Use the most natural ingredients possible… A great option that only takes a couple of minutes is throwing some chopped garlic, peppers, onions, asparagus, or ginger on a pan and steaming it with some coconut oil and water for a few minutes… the water creates a perfect dressing flavored sauce to pour over your base of leafy greens. Add avocado, some healthy spices like cayenne (great for circulation), superfood greens mix, juicy grape tomatoes, or nutritional yeast. Now you have created a full meal with great texture.

Try adding some sauerkraut or kimchi for a natural probiotic boost. Loaded with vitamins, enzymes, and healthy cultures. Pretty good too! Surprisingly…

Next add an additional protein source like some pumpkin or sunflower seeds loaded with healthy protein and nice texture for the salad. Even flax or hemp seeds is a good mix.

Grab a big bowl and make a soup out of it if you’d like… taste great all soaked in. Provides you with fiber, all of your vitamins, protein, healthy carbs and fats… plus tastes amazing!!!!

The benefits are endless… from stress relief, to better hair and skin, better energy, and a general sense of being well. Take care of the inside and the outside will shine through!