11 Healthy Alternatives For The Person Who Hates Salads
If you didn't think it was possible to eat healthy without all downing all those leafy greens thrown in together in a salad, you are in for a treat!
While salads are really good for you, let's be honest, they can get a little boring. And that's why most of us give up eating healthy because then there's no looking forward to having the next meal. But it really doesn't have to be this way.
Eating well and taking care of your body is the highest form of self-respect and that's why we have rounded up 15 healthy alternatives to salad so you can stick to your fitness goals and also fall in love with eating clean.
1. Berry Yogurt Parfait
On days when you don't feel like eating anything, this berry parfait will help you power through. The best part? It takes five minutes to make (literally) and you can use any fruit. To create a berry parfait take yogurt, two to three spoons of granola and mix it with blueberries, strawberries or raspberries.
2. Oats Idli
For a healthy lunch or dinner, try making oats idli with roasted oats, grated carrots, chopped chilies served on the side with sambhar. All those who are conscious about their calorie intake will be happy to know that this meal is under 300 calories and super filling. We are sure this is a meal you will enjoy guilt-free!
3. Buddha Bowl
The reason this bowl of veggies and fruits is called Buddha Bowl is because Lord Buddha carried a bowl with him on his journeys and accepted food as donations, which he would eat at the end of the day. The base of the meal has to be rice so you can choose white or brown as per your preference. After that feel free to chop in any fruits that you might have in the fridge. For vegetables the only additional step is that they have to be boiled. So think a lot of broccoli, kale and potatoes.
4. Three Bean Chaat
To create this magical and super delicious dish, all you need to do is toss some kidney beans, chickpeas and green beans, and drizzle a little olive oil, with a light dressing of chaat masala and lemon juice. Once you make this, you will be eating this chaat religiously.
5. Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Risotto
This mushroom risotto is a recipe I make often. It*s quick, easy, guaranteed deliciousness. Also for those who are trying to eat clean: you don*t need any cheese to achieve this creamy texture and full flavor! The best part about eating risotto is that it's healthy yet comforting thereby putting an end to those junk-food cravings.
6. Millet Bhel Puri
A low fat and healthy snack with the goodness of millets and ragi. Prepare this mixed millet bhel puri at home with a generous squeeze of lime. A treat you can enjoy without worrying about calories.
7. Baked Cauliflower
First off, roasted cauliflower is genuinely delicious. When the oven works its magic, crisp cauliflower transforms in to sweet and savory soft bites that you can happily pop nonstop. It*s also an incredibly versatile roasted veggie, easy to customise with your favorite seasonings, or to add to your favorite salads, pastas, soups and more. Boil some cauliflower and then put them into the oven for 25-30 minutes and you have a healthy treat ready!
8. Ragi Cookies
Move over chocolate-chip cookies. Opt for ragi cookies that are as delicious but way healthier. This recipe will yield calcium rich cookies with the goodness of ragi and cane sugar. Munch away.
9. Sweet Potato Fries
These fries are legit crispy. As in, they*re baked instead of fried which is why you won't spot a single soggy fry. Second, they have a light garlic seasoning, which achieves that irresistible salty-sweet balance that*ll keep you reaching back for more. Third, they*re naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. But mainly... they are totally do-able in your very own kitchen, which is great news for sweet potato fry lovers everywhere.
10. Cardamom (Elaichi) Granola Bar
Cardamom and honey give these bars an exotic flavor. Pecans can easily be substituted for the walnuts if you prefer.
11. Homemade Hummus
Making hummus has never been easier. You can use this spread on anything (bread, celery, wraps, etc.). Store it in the fridge and you're good for the week.