Happy Hump Day!
Continuing on the trend of healthy food ideas–with summer approaching, one of my goals has been to cut down on excessive carbs and sugars.
Every body is a bikini body! However, eating clean has plenty of health benefits. I find that when I eat clean, my body feels fitter, faster, and I have more energy overall. Not only this, but eating well makes me feel confident and translates into positive energy.
Not gonna lie… Salads don’t generally excite me. I don’t “naturally” gravitate towards lettuce. However, this simple salad recipe incorporates crunch, color, and a touch of sweetness, making salad a joy (not a job) to eat.
I didn’t do any grocery shopping prior to creating this simple, springtime meal–all I had to do was take a look in the fridge. Eating healthy doesn’t need to be a hassle! Give this guilt free meal a try, it will only take 10 minutes of your time.
Simple, Springtime Salad
Time: 5 minutes
-1/2 heart of romaine, chopped (ribbon cuts)
-1/4 of a green apple, sliced
-3 baby carrots, chopped
-1 strawberry, sliced
-handful of halved, roasted pecans
Wash and dry all ingredients before chopping. Arrange bed of lettuce and top with apple, carrot, strawberry, and roasted pecans.
Unfortunately, when making my salad, I did not have pecans on hand. However, they are a great addition for protein, crunch, and nutty flavor. I suggest popping the raw nuts in the oven for a couple minutes–it brings them to a whole new level.
Pro Tip: Squeeze a lemon over your apple slices. The acid from the lemon keeps the apple from going brown and adds a nice tang!
Fresh Raspberry and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Time: 2 minutes
-1 tablespoon of fresh, mashed raspberries
-1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
-2 tablespoons EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
-crack of black pepper
This is my favorite salad dressing of all time, I swear by it. I promise that soon you will too.
Whisk ingredients together, that’s all it takes! If the dressing separates, give it a quick stir and you’re good. The fresh raspberries add natural sweetness, no sugar added.
Cinnamon-Agave Apple Slices
Time: 2 minutes
-1/2 thinly-sliced green apple (use remaining apple from salad)
-squeeze of lemon juice
-drizzle of raw agave nectar
-sprinkle of cinnamon
Healthy dessert? This recipe is pretty self-explanatory. Simply arrange your apples, add a squeeze of citrus, drizzle with agave, and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Pro Tip: Pop these suckers in the microwave for 30 seconds for a “crustless apple pie” like treat.
Lastly, if you’re craving a soda, give this alternative a try:
Pomegranate Fruit Fizz
Before we get started–yes, this recipe contains added sugar. However, this is a good lower sugar alternative to many sodas, sugary fruit juices, and cocktails. When I’m craving a sweet drink, this is what I turn to.
Time: 1 minute
-1 cup sparkling water
-3 pumps Monin Premium Gourmet Syrup (pomegranate flavor)
-a few cubes of ice
Mix this fizzy drink together and toast to healthy eating!
To Note: You can find Monin syrups online in a variety of flavors. One bottle will last you months, so it’s a worthwhile investment.
Now go on and feel good today!
See you Sunday!
Cheers,
Iman & Chloe
This salad looks so so good! I love salads any time of the year. But they especially tasty in the summer since the produce is just so fresh. This is a must try!
XO,
Anna
http://www.blushingrosestyle.com
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Thanks so much for stopping by our blog and taking the time to comment. Hope you like the salad 🙂
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Sounds so tasty! I love apple, strawberries and pecans… yum!
♥
Amber
All the Cute 🎀
Today’s Post: Pink Floral Print Dress
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There’s a reason it’s my favoite salad 😀 Be sure to give it a try and let us know what you think!
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They all sound great but that salad looks awesome – and I LOVE “every body is a bikini body” – YAS girl – you preach that body-lovin’ confidence we all love! ❤
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
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Thanks so much! Everyone deserves to strut their stuff 😛
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