As the weather warms up and the prospect of getting out of bulky winter clothing causes us all to suck our stomachs in a bit more, changing up your diet is a great way to inject “fresh” motivation into a weight loss journey, or merely increase your general health and mood. Spring is the beginning of the growing season, and fresh salads are a great way to cut calories whilst still remaining full and satisfied.
These are three of my favourite springtime salads. In addition to being low-calorie and full of great, fresh taste, they represent a different approach to salad eating in general. One is a meal salad, one a side salad, and one a meat salad. By mixing up the ways in which you eat salads, you keep your meals more diverse and your palate interested but keep to lower-calorie options that help to supercharge your weight loss and get you into warm weather shape.
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Beautiful Barramundi Salad
Beautiful Barramundi Salad
Fish is such an important part of our diets. I try to eat fish several times each week both over salad as well as on its own. The Barramundi is a light, white fish which offers a mild flavour perfect for serving over salad greens, as in this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium Barramundi fillet
- 200 grams fresh baby spinach
- 225 grams diced beetroot, drained
- 30 grams low-fat cheddar cheese, crumbled
- Juice of ½ a lemon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180° C.
- Place fish fillet on an oven tray lined with baking paper and squeeze the lemon over the top.
- Place in oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Place spinach in a large bowl and add the beetroot and cheese.
- Flake fish into pieces and sprinkle on top of the salad.
Stunning Strawberry Melon Salad
Salads are not all about the veggies. In fact, fruit salads make a lovely side dish that pair well with low-fat meats like chicken and fish. By pairing sweet fruits with savoury additions like onion and coriander, this simple side salad takes on a more elevated flavour that is great for company as well as when dining alone.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsps. finely chopped red onion
- 2 Tbsps. lime juice
- 1 red chili, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsps. chopped coriander
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cups watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
Instructions:
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- Whisk onions, lime juice, chili, coriander, and salt in a large bowl.
- Gradually add in olive oil while continuing to whisk.
- Add in the chopped up fruit and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately as a side dish.
Toothsome Turkey and Broccoli Salad
When you want a heartier “salad” the old standbys filled with mayonnaise are a tempting option. However, it is possible to still enjoy the creaminess of a meat-based salad whilst paying attention to calories. The secret? Using yoghurt instead. I love this turkey and broccoli combination for the crunch, fibre, and health benefits added by the broccoli – not to mention the taste!
Toothsome Turkey and Broccoli Salad
Ingredients:
- 500 grams broccoli, fresh or frozen
- 100 grams turkey, cooked and chopped into cubes
- 100 grams low-fat natural yoghurt
- Cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Microwave broccoli until cooked (9 minutes if frozen, 5 minutes if fresh)
- Add to turkey and stir through yoghurt
- Finish with cracked black pepper, if desired.
- Serve atop fresh spring greens.
Images courtesy of Sally Symonds.
Featured image via Pixabay under Creative Commons CC0
Sally Symonds
Sally Symonds has been described as “one of Australia’s leading health and fitness experts” (Good Health magazine). A published author of three weight loss books and motivational speaker, she is also the director of Love Your Weight Loss. Sally is a shining example to anyone who wants to lose weight, get fit and healthy and enjoy a fresh new lease on life for Sally has truly ‘been there and done that’. She is one of a few people in the world who has lost over 50% of their body weight and one of the 5% of people who lose weight who keep it off! Follow Sally on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.