25 Easy Ways to Achieve Your Summer Body

5/25 Previous Next

© Unsplash / Dan Gold

Choose your salad toppings wisely

One of the worst diet mistakes you can make is to assume all salads are healthy. Ironically, many restaurant-style salads end up being among the most caloric menu options, often due to fat-laden dressings and excessive portion sizes. And even the DIY salads you make at home can quickly rack up the calories if you're not careful.

When it comes to toppings, be selective and stick to three low-calorie ingredients like cucumber, tomatoes, onions, fresh or cooked mushrooms, shredded carrots, etc. Then pick one healthy fat, such as mozzarella cheese, feta, avocado, nuts or seeds. Add a lean protein like a hard-boiled egg, chicken, turkey, plain tuna, etc., or opt for plant-based proteins like black beans, chickpeas or red beans. Keep the protein portion to a palm-sized serving. And of course, stay away from creamy, high-fat salad dressings, in favor of homemade vinaigrette or lemon juice if you really want to cut back on calories.