I have confession to make. Blogging has been bad for my health. There, I said it. After a recent physical I had, I realized that my more sedentary ways and eating habits had become even worse than I thought. What was revealed was a 13 lb. weight gain over the last year and cholesterol on the high side. Yikes! Time to do something. In addition to exercise, I have tried to incorporate more vegetables and whole grains into my daily menu. (Remember my
Italian Lentil Salad from a couple of weeks ago?) This Superfood Salad that I'm sharing with you today has been a great meal for me many times over the last few weeks.
Superfood Salad
(makes about 2 cups of salad- you could easily increase the amounts to be able to serve it as a side dish for a crowd)
1/2 cup cooked barley
1/2 cup steamed lentils
1/2 cup baby spinach, chopped
1/4 cup diced yellow pepper (optional)
1 Roma tomato
2 pieces marinated artichoke hearts (optional)
1 Tbsp. crumbled feta cheese
1 Tbsp. red wine vinaigrette- I use a homemade dressing
Combine all ingredients, salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Here is some information I have gathered online about some of the ingredients in this Superfood Salad. It should be noted that I am not a health expert, but I have always heard these vegetables and grains were good for me and I went looking for why they are so important and what makes them a "superfood".
~
Lentils~
High in fiber and protein, low in fat
Helps reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure
Effective in fight against Type 2 diabetes by lowering overall glycemic index of diet
High in folate which helps prevent birth defects and certain forms of cancer
Contain an abundance of antioxidants
~Barley~
Nutrient dense...packed with fiber and B Vitamins
Helps prevent colon cancer
Helps reduce cholesterol
~Spinach~
Loaded with vitamins A, K, D, and E and Iron
Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory properties
Strengthens Bones
~
Tomatoes~
High in Vitamin C which aids in absorption of other nutrients like calcium and iron
Contain Lycopene which is a cancer fighter, particularly in the prevention of prostate cancer
Low in calories
High in heart healthy nutrients
This salad also has olive oil and yellow peppers which are also considered "superfoods" for their anti-inflammatory and heart healthy qualities.
When I eat this salad, I am full for a long time and I feel like I am doing a good thing for my body. What's great about the lentils and barley are that they add to the fullness factor and blend in well with all the flavors. They say you eat with your eyes first. Well, this Superfood Salad is very colorful to look at and even better to taste. Now, if only exercising were as easy as eating these delicious nutrient-rich powerhouses! Do you have a favorite Superfood?