Salads...

Do you love salads? We do! and the possibilities are endless! Here are a few we/I have enjoyed over the last few months.

 

Cobb Salad with Honey Mustard and Onion Vinaigrette

Almond Strawberry with Red Wine Vinaigrette

 

Red Onion Blueberry Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

 

Veggie Chicken and Brown Rice Saute over Mixed Greens

 



Craisin and Feta Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

 



It depends what mood I'm in. Sometimes a salad with protein works best or sometimes one that is lighter and fruity. Sometimes the kind in the 2nd to last photo works best because it is warm... and crunchy... and is a whole meal in one. I enjoy lighter dressings and most often I simply sprinkle red wine vinegar and olive oil sweetened with stevia over my salads. The boys stick to the Homemade French dressing and eat it with just about everything, including grilled meats, on sandwiches, in wraps, etc. I'm happy to say that my husband and the boys enjoy salads as well I do. Serena is still in the "you have to eat a few lettuce leaves stage" but she'll get there. :)

I like to keep hard boiled eggs, some kind of cooked or grilled chicken, and cooked brown rice in the fridge for easy and fast meal prep. Wraps, salads, snacks, etc.

I'm putting more emphasis on 'what you eat is what you are' these days and recently my dramatic second born son was raiding the cupboards, finding nothing, and when I reminded him that the fridge is full of real food that is also fresh he let out a roar of frustration and said,"one day I'm going to wake up and there won't be anything but health food in the house"!!! Haha, to which I replied, "and 20 years from now when your buddies are all headed to the doctor for blood pressure/cholesterol band aids you will thank me. :)

I am by no means opposed to a sugary treat now and then, as is evident by the things I enjoy baking, but I do believe in teaching our kids moderation and I am a firm believer in telling them the truth about junky eating habits and where they lead to. And the truth is, if it's not in the house, no one will eat it. Snacks are difficult to train them out of after they've become attached to the junky ones, but I have found that stocking the fridge with apples and berries and veggies that they like helps a great deal. The deer jerky helps too. :) And while they might not think about it, I believe they feel much better when they choose healthier foods. And their skin stays a lot clearer when they make those better choices.

That is my health rant for the day.

Funny thing though, it's not what was on my mind at all when I sat down here to post. haha

Stop in later this week for a Spring Favorites Giveaway! :)

Happy Monday everyone!