In today's age and time, while everything else in the world is progressing at a fast pace, there is one thing we do not really have the time to think about. That thing is our health. Most of us are worried about our increasing weight, but we are not really sure of what to do to keep our health and weight in check.
We go out, we party, we eat junk. But, we do not do much to detox our system and eat healthy. So, to correct that, we have these quick salad recipes that you can make at home to get back into shape, after you have spoiled yourself with junk food.
1. Fruit Salad For Weight Loss
Fruit salad is one of the easiest salads to make. It is high in fibre and water content. As fruits contain natural sugar, you can have them for breakfast. The sugar in it will give you enough energy for the day and deal with your sweet cravings too.
Ingredients:
1 apple, diced
1 pomegranate
1 cup diced pineapple
8-10 roughly chopped strawberries
2 cups non-fat yoghurt
In a bowl, mix all the chopped fruits with low-fat yoghurt. You can add nuts like almonds, walnuts and pistachios to make this salad more wholesome.
2. Chickpeas Salad - Low Calorie Lunch Substitute
Chickpeas are a good source of protein, dietary fibre, folate and manganese. These nutrients are important for the nourishment of the body when one is trying to lose weight. This is because low-calorie intake can rip your body of the essential things. It is a perfect lunch substitute.
Ingredients:
3 cups boiled chickpeas
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, chopped
3 tbsp. coriander chutney
2 tsp lemon juice
Black pepper and cumin powder to taste
In a bowl, mix chickpeas with all the vegetables. Add chutney and lemon juice and mix well. Add black pepper and cumin powder. You can add coriander as well for some freshness. This salad does not need extra salt.
3. Rocket Leaf Salad - A Complete Meal
Rocket leaves are dark in colour, thus they are rich in certain phytochemicals that protect us from many types of cancer. Since these leaves are low in calories, you can have this salad for dinner. Other condiments that go in this salad make it a complete meal.
Ingredients:
1 packet of rocket leaves
1 cup of cherry tomatoes
1 packet of button mushrooms, sliced
1 cup of black and green olives
3-4 tsp of balsamic vinegar
10-12 drops of honey
Salt and pepper to taste
In a pan, put balsamic vinegar and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat, add honey to it, and let it cool. In a separate deep plate, make a bed of leaves and throw rest of the vegetables on it. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on it. Finally, drizzle the balsamic and honey dressing on it. You can also add some feta cheese to it for taste.
4. Mediterranean Quinoa - Fiber Rich Salad
Quinoa is a good source of protein. As it is a grain and not a type of cereal, it is fulfilling without being high in calories. The flavonoids present in quinoa are higher than that of any kind of berry. Since this salad is low in calories and rich in fibre, you can have it at any time of the day.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup diced mixed bell peppers
1 cup small cubes of zucchini
2-3 garlic pods
3 tsp of Olive Oil
2 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley
In a bowl, mix 2 tsp of olive oil, salt, pepper with the vegetables, and put them in a grill pan. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining olive oil, garlic paste, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix the grilled vegetables with quinoa and salad dressing. Top it up with lots of parsley.
5. Watermelon Salad To Aid Weight-Loss
Watermelon is known to aid weight-loss. With high water content, it keeps you full and is great to improve bowel movements. This salad is so light and refreshing that you wouldn't want to stop eating it. The best part is, you can have it as much as you want.
Ingredients:
6 tbsp. lime juice
1 small red onion
1 big bowl of watermelon, diced
250 grams feta cheese
1 bunch fresh parsley
1 bunch fresh mint, chopped
4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
100 grams pitted black olives
Black pepper to taste
Slice the onions into half-moons and soak them in lime juice. Cut the feta cheese into bite-sized chunks. In a large bowl, mix watermelon, feta, parsley, mint, olives, and onion along with the juice. Drizzle olive oil and black pepper on it.
6. Beetroot Salad To Improve The Blood Circulation
Beetroot is a winter vegetable, which is packed with health benefits. It improves the blood circulation which in turn keeps you healthy. This salad is all that you will be needing for a meal. Replace one of your meals with it and you will see great results.
Ingredients:
2 beetroots
1 bunch of arugula leaves
1/2 cups toasted pistachios
100 gms of goat cheese
3 tbsp. of balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp honey
5-6 cloves
2-3 star anise
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
In a pan add cloves, star anise and bay leaves. Bring it to a boil and cook beetroots in it till they soften. Strain the liquid and reduce it with honey and balsamic vinegar until a thick sauce is formed. Peel and slice the beetroots. Place them on a plate on a bed of arugula leaves. Top them with cheese, nuts and drizzle the dressing on it. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the top.
7. Fruity Quinoa Salad To Lose Weight
Quinoa is an anti-inflammatory grain, which has a low percentage of calories. Needless to say that it is a perfect substitute for cereals if you are trying to lose weight. Its qualities make it a super food as well. Also, the apple cider vinegar that goes into making the dressing is famous for cutting fat.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 mango, peeled and diced
1 cup strawberries, quartered
1/2 cup blueberries
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp lemon juice
Chopped mint leaves, for garnish
Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon zest and juice in a small bowl. In a large bowl, combine the fruits, quinoa and the dressing. Serve it with a beautiful garnish of mint leaves.
8. Greek Salad To Lose Extra Pounds
Greek salad is very refreshing and if made right, very healthy as well. All the ingredients that go into making this have high water content along with dietary fibres. They will keep you full and help you to lose those extra pounds.
Ingredients:
5 cups romaine lettuce
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the dressing, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Toss all the vegetables in this dressing and serve it fresh with goat's cheese on the top.
These salads are wholesome and give your body all the nutrients it needs. In order to lose weight one need not starve. All you have to do is eat right and eat on time. Start replacing your meals with salads and you will see a great difference within a few days.
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