Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Smart Salad Selection Tips

Opting for the salad bar can be a great meal choice. It’s a great way to access a quick lunch with lots of nutritional punch, as long as you put a bit of care into navigating the options. Here are some quick tips that will help you make the best selections:

For a salad bar meal, choose foods with:
  • adequate lean protein, carbohydrates, vitamins/minerals
  • less sodium, sugar, total/saturated fats
The best salad bar choices:
  • dark, leafy greens
  • plain vegetables
  • fresh fruit
  • whole grains
  • low-fat dairy &/or lean meat, legumes, soy, nuts, seeds
Consume these ingredients sparingly:
  • cheeses, egg yolks
  • marinated vegetables
  • dressings, dips, condiments
  • crunchy toppings
A salad meal should follow the ChooseMyPlate guidelines recommending consuming ½ your plate in fruits/vegetables, ¼ whole grains, ¼ protein. You can find a wide variety of top salad bar choices at any KU Dining location! Aim to consume the healthiest ingredients in a salad!