Don't Over Dress! The Dangers of Salad Dressings

Think you are being healthy by choosing a salad for lunch? Well, salads are only as nutritious as their dressings. Many salad dressings have a lot more calories than desired. Heavy salads can be packed with fatty dressings and covered in other goodies like croutons and cheese. Grocery stores have a variety of choices of salad dressings, but how can you tell which one to choose? Oil and vinegar-based dressings have the most nutritional value. Some heavier dressings also come with low-calorie versions that are more beneficial and less fatty. The best way to know that you are making the right choices for dressing is to read the nutrition labels and to be careful not to over-do the croutons and cheese.

Manufactured salad dressings are not always as healthy as they taste. The labels may say “Low-fat”, “Light” or “Reduced”, but these are only the tricks of the manufacturing companies. Make sure you read the labels and compare some brands before you make your choice. Most manufactured salad dressings contain hydrogenated oils, lots of sugar, artificial flavor, and even some preservatives. This means that they are very high in bad fats. When people put dressing on their salad they usually put more than one serving, which means MORE bad fats. When you are looking for a nice dressing at the food market, make sure you read the food labels so you know exactly what you are adding to your healthy salad.

Another alternative to choosing a salad dressing is to stay at home and make your own! That way you are sure of what is being added over your nutritious greens. Try adding your own olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Another choice is to combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. There are plenty of healthier versions of your favorite dressings right in your kitchen! It is even more fun to try and concoct your own new recipes. There are many substitutes to making a better, more nutritious salad like chicken instead of ham, romaine instead of iceberg, and almonds or walnuts instead of bacon bits. There is an endless array of alternatives to salad dressings and toppings to make your salad a healthy and filling meal.