What you choose for lunch can make or break your productivity for the rest of your workday. The right balance of nutrients to your lunch can energize your brain and body so you can crush your afternoon to-do list, but a less balanced meal can have the opposite effect. A high carb-heavy high-fat meal can make you sluggish, ever wonder why your eyes get heavy around 3 p.m? If you choose a lunch that is too light in calories and a meal without the protein can leave you hungry and distracted. Salad is an easy option and one of the best options. Greens make nutritious foods, and the water in lettuce and other veggies can help you stay hydrated, another key to staying alert when you’ve got stuff to do. Not all salads are created equal, change it up! 

 

Let’s Get Leafy! 

 

To get your most nutritional value choose dark, leafy greens like kale or spinach as your base.  The most important nutrients like iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and also folate, is in your these leafy greens. What better way to support efficient brain function and stable mood! All lettuce is a good source of fiber and contains a lot of water to help you stay hydrated.

 

No Starchy Vegetables Here! 

 

Stick to cucumbers, celery, peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower are great sources of key vitamins and minerals as well as fiber to help you stay full. Raw veggies will be lower in calories but adding in roasted or grilled vegetables is a delicious way to add flavor and variety.

 

Don’t Forget The Protein! 

 

It’s really easy to go overboard with higher-calories toppings like avocado, cheese, nuts, dried fruit, and grains, so choose the one you love the most that day. Prioritizing what you really want to avoid feeling deprived and lets you be flexible.

 

Don’t Do Over Do It With The Dressing!

 

Most bottled salad dressings are loaded with sodium, sugar, and preservatives. You don’t want to have a heavy hand and end up tacking on more calories than you need. Skip the usual bottled dressing in favor of olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar or ask Bricco Salumeria to put your dressing on the side so you can control how much gets added.

 

This formula helps make your work life easier by allowing you to enjoy a balanced salad without overthinking. That leaves more brainpower for tackling your day! Next time you’re thinking salad for your next event come on down to Bricco Salumeria and order a salad off our catering menu!