Happy New Year! With the new year often comes resolutions involving being more active or making healthier food choices. When it comes to eating healthy or clean, Mike and I strive to do so everyday. That doesn’t mean however that we do not have “cheat days” or meals. But one thing I want to stress is eating healthy does not have to be boring, flavorless and awful. You don’t have to eat salads every single meal or cut out bread completely.
When I cook at home, which is essentially everyday, I make sure to include large servings of vegetables and fruits throughout the day. We also limit packaged or processed foods and follow the “Mediterranean Diet” pretty closely. What I like about this way of eating is that it’s not a fad diet or something made up with no real evidence supporting it. It is based off a way a culture ( people in Greece and Italy) have been eating. It focuses on eating primarily vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, seafood and olive oil. Dairy and chicken are eaten in moderation and red meat is eaten very rarely. I don’t like to associate it with the word diet but more of a lifestyle. It also includes being active and spending quality time with family.
We eat salads pretty regularly in our home. Our produce is sourced from a local company, Farmivore, which is delivered every two weeks. You can completely customize the box and choose how often you would like to receive it. It is a great way to support our community and small businesses while enjoying high quality organic produce. If you live in Ventura County be sure to check them out! You can also save 70% off your first order with our code “Aysha70” :).
In each box we receive a variety of lettuces as well as sometimes microgreens and cabbage. I love to mix greens for salads and try a variety of different add-on’s like cranberries, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds and goat cheese. Get creative with your add-on’s and your dressings and salad will become a lot more enjoyable to eat!
These two dressings are the ones I make most often: Cilantro Garlic Vinaigrette and Dijon Vinaigrette. Both are excellent healthy options that taste amazing. You aren’t limited to using these dressings just for salad either! Dip some crusty French bread in them, pour them over a rice and vegetable bowl. They are so versatile and great to have on hand in your refrigerator.
Main Ingredients & Their Benefits
Cilantro
- Helps remove heavy metals from blood
- Great source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins A,C, E K
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTI’s)
- Protects against food poisoning
- Protects against colon cancer
- Help prevent heart disease
Garlic
- Reduce blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Boosts immunity
- Antioxidant and antibacterial properties (Helps combat common cold and flu)
- Improves heart health
Olive Oil
- High in antioxidants which can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases
- Lower your risk of heart disease, blood pressure and improves function of blood vessels
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce your risk of stroke
- May reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes
Cilantro Garlic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 Medium Bunch Cilantro, washed
- ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- ½ tbsp Lime Juice I recommend 1/2 -1 tbsp of lime juice according to preference
- ¼ tsp Salt
- Dash of Black Pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth! Keep in air tight container for 5-7 days in your refrigerator.
Dijon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Can also use rice or white vinegar
- ½ tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Honey Can also use cane sugar, agave, or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Oregano
- ½ tsp Basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to large jar and whisk together until combined. Keep in refrigerator for 5-7 days.
