Spirited Essence Works

Dieting is never easy. It never fails that the stuff that tastes so good is always the worst for you. So, you get a jump start on your diet by eating more salads. Great! But if you are using mayonnaise-based dressing, you are ruining your diet with empty calories and saturated fats. Ranch and 1000 Island are two of the worse you could have. There is hope for a tasty salad still. Here are three options to zest up your salad and help stay on your diet:

1. Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E. It is good for skin and hair as well as lowers your risk for heart disease. Balsamic vinegar is good for stabilizing your blood cholesterol levels and blood glucose. It also helps normalize your blood pressure levels. You should only use about 2 Tbsp of olive oil on a salad, but feel free to use as much balsamic vinegar as you want.

2. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is great by itself or just with a little salt and pepper. I love to have it with fruit, but you can use it in your salads as well. It’s a great source of protein and calcium. It will help you leave the table feeling full and pleased.

3. Avocados

Avocados do have polyunsaturated fats but don’t be afraid. Those are the “good fats.” They will help you feel satisfied longer instead of needing to scour the pantry for a snack in between meals. Avocados are also heart healthy and good for your skin. To use avocados as dressing, just mix together a 1/2 of avocado, 1 Tbsp of lemon juice, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, and salt and pepper for taste.

I hope these dressing replacements will help you stay on track with your diets and help you leave the table full and happy.