When we think of salad, we often think of a healthy, low-calorie meal option. But what many people don’t realize is that the type of dressing we use can significantly impact the nutritional value of our salads. In fact, the average person gets more fat from salad dressing than from any other food source! In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at why you should pay attention to your dressing choices and how to make healthier options.
The Hidden Calories in Salad Dressing
While salad dressings can add flavor and variety to our salads, many store-bought dressings are loaded with fat, sugar, and calories. In fact, just two tablespoons of dressing can contain up to 10-20 grams of fat! That’s more than many people consume in an entire meal. This can quickly turn a healthy salad into a calorie bomb, leading to weight gain and other health issues.
Making Healthier Dressing Choices
Fortunately, there are plenty of healthier options when it comes to salad dressing. Here are a few tips to help you make better choices:
Choose Oil-Free Dressings: Oil-free dressings are a great option for those looking to cut back on fat and calories. Look for dressings that use vinegar, lemon juice, or other low-calorie options as a base.
Choose Fat-Free Lemon Juice: If you’re looking for a low-calorie option, try using fat-free lemon juice as a dressing. This will add flavor without adding any fat or calories.
Make Your Own Dressing: Making your own dressing is a great way to control the ingredients and avoid added sugars and preservatives. Use lighter oils like olive oil or avocado oil in moderation, and add flavor with herbs, spices, or fresh fruit.
The average person gets more FAT from SALAD DRESSING than from ANY other food source!
2 Tbsp’s of salad dressing may contain up to 10-20 grams of fat!
Choose oil-free dressings, or make your own with lighter oils,
or choose fat-free lemon juice instead
In conclusion, while salad dressings can be a tasty addition to our salads, they can also add a lot of unwanted calories and fat. By paying attention to our dressing choices and making healthier options, we can enjoy a delicious and nutritious salad without sacrificing our health goals. So next time you reach for the dressing, choose wisely and enjoy your healthy salad!