But a good salad. Not a soggy, sad salad. I'll eat salad anytime. Why? Because I spent so many years in grad school and supervision and became intimately familiar with the benefits of plants.
Gimme some greens, vegetables (starchy and non-starchy!) fruits, herbs of all types, and some seeds. Throw a bunch of those things together with a little yummy dressing and some more plants (legumes like chickpeas, lentils, edamame) or an animal source of protein (chicken, fish, eggs, etc), and you have a very efficient way to promote cellular regeneration and feed those adorable bacteria in your gut the things they love.
Keep your tummy happy with a salad. I know that sounds too simple and I know that many people struggle with a love or patience (the prep!) for salads, but here's one that is easy and yummy and filling. Start with a salad a day and see how your energy levels change. Here's one I love that also happens to be vegan. Add things you love to make it more of what you need.
Chickpea salad- this makes 2 servings
1 1/2 cups Chickpeas (cooked- if using canned, rinse to get rid of excess sodium)
1/2 cup Quinoa (cooked)
3 cups Any greens (romaine lettuce, spinach, arugula)
1 Red Bell Pepper (medium, diced)
1/2 cup Red Onion (diced)
1/2 Cucumber (small, diced)
Add in some Vegan Caesar Dressing (see below)
Optional: Add in some chopped cauliflower, some olives, fish, chicken, grated carrot, grated beetroot, any fresh herbs. Make it different every time!
Vegan Caeser Dressing
1 tbls Dijon Mustard
2 tbls Nutritional Yeast
1/2 cup Raw Cashews
2 tbls sugar-free soy milk
1 tsp Crushed Garlic
2 tsps Capers
2 tbls Lemon Juice
1 tbls Soy Sauce*
1 tbls Maple Syrup
1 tbls Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
1/4 tsp Distilled White Vinegar