Liberation (or going green)

I have been slightly liberated. From what you ask?

The dreaded question "what's for dinner, Mom?". You could substitute lunch in there if you would like.

See, I came up with something about two months ago. It was a genuine aha moment for me. While I'm sure that I'm not the first to do this, it has made a big difference in our family.

I decided that one meal a day would be salad. There it is. Simple. Easy.

If we have a salad for lunch, then I would make a meal for dinner. And vice versa. When I approached Dusty with the idea, he was completely onboard. We both agreed we need more raw, fresh food in our daily lives.

Some people might think that making a salad would be just as hard as making a meal. Not if you keep it simple. :)




First, I always keep the fridge stocked with ready-to-eat lettuce greens. For me it is easier to slightly splurge on the freshly bagged organic greens (as opposed to yucky bagged ice-burg lettuce), or lettuce that I would have to wash and cut first.
It's really not that much more expensive and it tastes so great. I have found that I am more willing to eat lettuce like this than if I have to work first to get it ready. Call me lazy....whatever..... it works for me.

I always have croutons on my salad. This helps satisfy my need for carbs and adds spices that smell/taste yummy. My favorite brand is Fresh Gourmet because there is no trans fat (anything partially hydrogenated) and there are so many styles to choose from. The organic version is fabulous, and has only ingredients that I know what are.

I usually open up a can or two of black beans to add to the salad. The beans last for a couple of days and add some protein.



Some days I cut up a tomato. Some days I don't. Some days I add something new. But most days it is a simple salad. And guess what? I love it. Every time. After two months I am still not sick of it, and that is saying something.

Tyson likes to eat the greens because he is a "herbivore". He loves black beans too.

When it comes to dressing, we have lots of variety. There are many good dressings that are low in fat and tasty. We have found ones that we like and stock up when they are on sale. The last time I was buying dressing, the checker asked if I was preparing a salad bar for a party. No, we just eat lots of salad. :)

I really love this because it cuts down the time I have to be preparing something in the kitchen and help my family eat better.

Don't get me wrong. I love cooking. I love new recipes and making a wholesome hearty meal. In fact, I have really been on the freezer meals band-wagon lately (another post about that on the way), making all of my favorites.

But this is a good thing for us. I think it is here to stay. For like, ever.