A Personal Confession and a Salad

Let's get real, the terms "weight loss" and "salad" typically give me the heebie-jeebies. I mean, who wants to gnaw on rabbit food while everyone else is indulging in deliciousness? But hear me out, because this isn't your average sad desk salad. This is actually a good-tasting salad that has helped me lose a few pounds, without feeling like I am being deprived of anything. Seriously. I am somewhat shocked myself.

My journey to this salad was on the back of a desperate search for a healthy lunch option that wasn't a beige, flavorless nightmare. I'd tried umpteen "diet" salads, only to order pizza an hour later. So frustrating! This time, I decided to take matters into my own hands, and this revolutionary salad was the result. This is not a magic bullet, but it's a great building block toward healthier eating and feeling better.

The 'Miracle' Salad Recipe-It's Not Actually Miracle, But It's Pretty Darn Good

This is not some super-complicated recipe, which incidentally is one of its great charms. It's all about good ingredients and not some super-long list of various obscure spices. A friend of mine named Sarah calls it "the ultimate customize-your-own salad," and she's absolutely right.

Ingredients:

• 5oz Grilled chicken or chickpeas (for vegetarian option)
• 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, romaine-whatever you like!)
• 1 cup chopped veggies-bell peppers, cucumber, carrots-get creative
• ½ cup berries-strawberries, blueberries, raspberries-add some sweetness!
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional-but good for a tang!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill or bake the chicken until cooked, or roast the chickpeas to tenderness. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl toss the greens and veggies together.
3. Toss in the chicken or chickpeas along with berries.
4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and pour it over.
5. Top it off with feta cheese.
6. Enjoy! Serious as a heart attack-just ENJOY it! If you don't love this, I'm taking it back! Just kidding-sort of.

Beyond the Bowl: Why This Salad Works

All right, so why does this salad work its magic? It's for two-fold reasons, actually:

• Protein Power: The chicken/ or chickpeas just put you through a full energetic cycle and make you not really feel hungry afterwards, suppressing all cravings later on.
• Fiber Frenzy: The mixed greens, veggies, and berries pack a fiber punch - promoting healthy digestion and making them very filling.
• Healthy Fats: It contains olive oil, which is a great source of essential fatty acids essential to health in general.
• Flavor Explosion: Let's be honest-a delicious salad is so much more motivating than a sad, bland one. The design of this recipe is such that it's actually delicious, so you'll actually WANT to eat it!
• Portion Control (Kind Of): This is a big salad, but it's not overwhelming. It will help you learn how to eat a satisfying amount of food without overeating.

Making it Your Own: Salad Customization 101

This isn't a formula in concrete. You can play with the ingredients, depending on your preference and what is in season. A few suggestions are as follows:

• Protein: Add some grilled shrimp, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs.
• Veggies: Roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, or broccoli florets would all be delicious additions.
• Nuts & Seeds: Sprinkle sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or sunflower seeds around for healthy fat and crunchy texture.
• Dressings: A variety can be used; the vast majority are low in sugar and low in fat, but that can be influenced in their preparation.

Discover what will work for YOU-better yet, what you honestly enjoy eating. Because it is plain and simple: if you do not like it-you are not going to adhere to it. Simple enough, right?

It's More Than the Weight Loss Factor

It is not a magic trick behind this salad. In terms of sustainable weight loss, small changes can be made both in nutritional and lifestyle manners. So, this recipe is merely one tool in your collection. Enjoy the process of feeding your body healthily and nourishing it. But generally speaking, if it's difficult for you, don't forget to listen to your body, seek support from friends, family, or maybe even a professional. You got this! Now, go make that salad and let me know how it goes!