The purpose of a meal is to leave you feeling full and nourished, and with the right components, a salad can be one of the best ways to get you there.
It's easy as can be to throw together, and after you get the hang of it, it will be your favorite "I don't have a plan" go-to.
Grab your favorite big mixing bowl, fill it with lots of greens, and top with at least 2 of these salad powerhouses:
a) PROTEIN (rebuilds muscle and promotes feelings of fullness): black beans, garbanzo beans, lentils, peas, edamame, hummus, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, meat or cheese
b) FAT(helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and promotes feelings of fullness) : avocado, olive oil, cashews, almonds, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, nut or seed butters
c) COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATE (replenishes empty muscle stores and stabilizes blood sugar): brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, whole grain pasta, sweet potatoes, root vegetables, corn
Add a squeeze of lemon or your favorite dressing*, any veggies hanging out in your fridge, and mix well. Now you've got an impromptu and filling bowl that gives your cells, stomach, and taste buds everything they need.
*Note: a dressing seriously makes or breaks a salad and we take salads very seriously around here;) If you have a high speed blender, add cashews, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, and water. Store in a lidded jar, and you've got quality that trumps most anything at the grocery store.