If you make healthy choices like having a salad to eat, but start piling your favorite toppings on top of it, not only will you not make any progress when it comes to your health, but you'll be doing your silhouette a disservice. The following are the least healthy salad toppings:
Too much cheeseAlthough it can be part of a healthy diet, not all cheese is produced equal. If you abuse high-calorie cheeses - such as cheddar, brie or mozzarella - you will make your salads lose their healthy qualities, turning into pure sodium and cholesterol. Bet on low-fat cheeses, but always keeping the portions under control. Another option is to put dairy aside, substituting avocados for them. If you miss the saltiness of the cheese, sprinkle some salt and pepper over your salad.
Fried foodAlthough it would be great if it were, fried food does not magically become healthy when placed on a bed of lettuce. Instead of your typical battered chicken salad toppings, add some chunks of grilled chicken, a hard-boiled egg, baked beans, or a little salmon. You will get the proteins, saving you the calories.
Creamy dressings: Without a doubt, one of the easiest ways to multiply the number of calories in a salad. In addition to being high in sodium and trans fat, industrial salad dressings can contain high fructose corn syrup. The same smooth, creamy texture can be achieved with healthy fats, such as avocado. If what you like about them is their powerful flavor, try adding a little lemon juice and herbs such as basil, mint or parsley.
Note: Although it is crunchy and has an intense flavor, iceberg lettuce offers hardly anything, nutritionally speaking. Cabbage, spinach or arugula are much more nutritious green leafy vegetables for your salads. In addition, they are sold in sprouts, which, being smaller, can be eaten better; and they keep all their flavor.