Salad Bar versus Sandwich

Beetlebum

Hi Guys,

I’m trying to become more healthy for the new year so I’ve started eating salads at lunchtime
Instead of my usual sandwich but I’m starting to wonder just how healthy these salads actually are.

I try to choose the best possible salad they have on offer in the cafe beside work. I never choose things covered in dressing or mayonnaise. My usual salad box would contain things like –

Baby spinach mixed with blue cheese and figs.

Grated carrot and sesame seed

Chickpeas with grated parmesan (love this!)
Broccoli and roasted garlic (no dressing)

Noodles with black olives and sun dried tomatoes (this is amazing and I reckon it can’t be healthy!)

Are these actually healthy choices?
Thanks everyone

astra2000

Hi beetlebum are you trying to loose weight or just eat better?
If you are looking to loose weight avoid the cheese as much as possible as its high in calories. Google superfoods and it will give you a list of healthy foods. Best of luck with your new plan:)

Bottle_of_Smoke

I don't think any of them have enough protein in them. And don't be so worried about dressings/mayonaise. If you have salad instead of carbs(bread/pasta etc) you have no need to worry about calories. And there's good stuff in mayonaise/dressing nutrient wise too.

If your healthy food is too bland you won't stick to it, trust me

You could just make your own, very quick

Chicken, cucumber, tomato, cheese

Tuna, tomato, lettuce, cheese

You'll save money if you make it yourself, personally I would add in garlic mayonaise. My recipe for that is a squeeze of lemon juice, garlic cloves, yoghurt/hellmans mayo 50/50 mix and a sprinkle of pepper.

Kimia

I think they all sound fabulous, bar the noodle one. I would second Bottle of Smoke's assertion however that they are low in protein (except maybe the chickpea one) - add in some chicken or tuna and enjoy!

dudara

Get some protein in there, and I wouldn't be too worried.

Learn to make thai salads with prawns & chicken.

Nicoise salads - yummy!

Fresh Caesar salad with chicken - delicious

The only salad in your selection that I would personally avoid would be the noodle salad, due to the carb content. Otherwise they all look good - but add some protein to fill you up and keep you going.

Beetlebum

That's great, thanks for your help;)