Today I will share some easy & practical pointers on how to chose the healthiest salad dressing!
- Healthy fats are a MUST
- Keep it NATURAL
- Add some ACIDITY
- Use the right amount!
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Healthy fats are a MUST
In order to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins that are plentiful on your plate, add some oil OR avocados!
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- Vitamins A, D, E, K
- Only absorbed in the presence of fat
- Can be stored in the body for later use
Water-Soluble Vitamins
- Vitamin B-complex and Vitamin C
- Require presence of water for absorption
- Cannot be stored – must be replenished daily
**Fat free salad dressings not only inhibit the absorption of vitamins, but replace fat with sugar and syrups in order to add flavor **
2. Keep it NATURAL
Many bottled salad dressings contain a ton of artificial ingredients. Look at this list! Did you know that you are eating 4 coloring dyes, preservatives, artificial flavors, modified food starches, and syrups? This is marketed as “fat-free” – but is it really healthy?!
Instead, choose dressings with only a few ingredients – items that you know and recognize.
At that point, it’s easier, cheaper, and healthier to make your own!
3. Add some ACIDITY
Raw vegetables have hundreds of phytonutrients hidden inside of the cell walls. Acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar) help your body to break down the cell walls more efficiently so the nutrients are free to be absorbed by your intestines!
4. Use the right amount!
Your veggies don’t need to be swimming in a river of dressing in order for your to enjoy the flavor of the dressing or the salad. Start with about 1-2 tablespoons, or until your salad is lightly dressed. If you need more, add it gradually!
When you go out to a restaurant, ask for the dressing on the side so you can control the portion.
Here’s a trick my mom taught me years ago: with your dressing in a separate container, dip your fork into the dressing, then grab some veggies for a flavorful mouthful! This enables you to get a taste of the dressing in every bite – but without drowning your veggies.
Homemade dressings transform a regular salad into a healthy, unique, flavor-popping masterpiece to share with friends and family!
They also turn a side salad into a meal full of absorbable phytonutrients to make you feel your best!
I will be posting LOTS of dressing recipes to inspire you to try it out! Check out my recipes section and check back often!
An easy one to start with, Heather! I’ll be ready for your first recipe!