By now most of us know that it’s not a bad idea to build a P.E.P. Which includes getting multiple servings of veggies and a little fresh fruits every day. It seems many folks feel that this is a difficult thing to do at times. The truth is, even if you eat out every day for almost every meal you have lots of ways to get those fruits and veggies in to your personal eating plan. One way is to replace your rice, potato’s or pasta with extra fruit and or veggies. Whether you are dining at a fancy restaurant or the local Denny’s there are always some sort of fruits and veggies available.

If you are a sandwich person and you often find yourself at one of the many local deli chains, try the following. Order your favorite 6″ sandwich and ask for double meat, extra veggies, no mayo, (have olive oil & vinegar instead) and hold the cheese. For more fruit just ask for it in place of the chips, cookies or what ever you usually have for dessert.

My favorite way to get more fruits and veggies into my personal eating plan is to eat at least one big salad every day. To me the best salads and the best salad dressings are the ones you make yourself. You might think it’s a pain to make a big salad every day, and creating a tasty dressing may seem like rocket science to those who rarely cook. I am going to make it really easy for you by giving you both a delicious dressing recipe as well as a great salad that will give a nice boost to your daily veggie quota.

Make the salad and dressing the night before and place them in some type of reseal-able, to-go containers. This way all you have to do is grab them on your way out the door and you’ll be well stocked for later in the day. As I mentioned above, have a piece of fruit as dessert after your salad. Stick with fruits that are grab and go like Apples Oranges and Bananas.

For you fast food junkies who spend your lunch break hanging with the King, the Clown or that guy with the big round head and pointy hat, remember that even the fast food chains have some form of salad and fruit options these days. Finally, if all else fails and you are really pressed for time, you can always buy one of the many pre-made salads at your local super market.

So you see, there really is no excuse not to eat a salad.

TAKU

BONUS:

Quick and tasty Caesar dressing:

1 Tbsp Olive oil.
1 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar.
1/2 Tbsp Lemon juice.
3 cloves garlic (crushed).
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
1 tsp Anchovy paste.
1 tsp creamy Dijon mustard.
1/2 tsp pepper (black or white).

Mixed Veggie salad:

Romaine lettuce, 1-2 cup’s (use about 8 leaves torn).
Green peppers, 1/4 cup chopped.
Celery, 2-3 stalks chopped.
Cucumber, 1/4 cup sliced.
Cherry tomatoes, about 5 halved.
Mushrooms, 1/4 cup sliced.
Hard boiled eggs, 2 sliced.
Feta cheese, 1-2 ounces crumbled.
Dressing of your choice, 2 Tbsp. (Try that Tasty Caesar)

TAKU’s NOTE: I like to make my own dressings as I find it easy and the best way to guarantee that I love the taste. That being said I have found the PRIMAL brand to be worth investigating. They make a ton of tasty products (including lots of salad dressings) all with great ingredients.

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