A Salad that Sticks

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Catching up on weekend posts?  I ran the Girls on the Run 5K!

 

Happy Monday! 🙂 I’m really hoping that I can bang out a productive week.  Here’s to trying, right? 🙂

 

Got things started bright and grilled with a Grilled Banana Sandwich.

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Oh, wonderful stack of ooey, gooey goodness.

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And after getting some work done at home, I headed to the clinic with the Husband to see some patients.

 

I packed my lunch in just 2 MINUTES (yes, I timed myself!):

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Into the romaine lettuce container went:

 

  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Feta
  • Sprouts
  • Edamame (I pre-cooked and stashed a few servings in a tupperware)
  • Craisins
  • Pre-cooked cloves of garlic

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This is definitely the kind of salad that fills me up! 

 

Oh, and before lunch, I had an amazing ‘medical’ massage from Donna Mathis (contact info is here; I tried  to convince her that she really needs her own website!).  The Husband has been networking with Donna for a while, and she offered to give me a free massage so I could ‘test-drive’ her services and better recommend her to patients.  It was THE. BEST. MASSAGE. EVER.  She specializes in orthopedic and sports massage, so she did a number on my IT band and back.

 

Donna said to drink lots of water and skip my run today, so I’m going to take time off.  Which is fine by me.  🙂

 

Going to close up the clinic for the day and hole up at Starbucks to plow through some work.

 

What ingredients are key for getting a salad to stick to your ribs?  I need some sort of cheese + beans/tofu.

{ 76 comments }

 

  • Lauren @ Clean Eats in the Dirty South December 6, 2010, 12:55 pm

    if i want a filling salad, i’ll definitely have spinach, tomato, shredded carrots, peppers, beans/tofu, and some nuts for added nutrients. as for a dressing, i like to get a bowl and mix together a serving or two of hummus and thin it out with some water. sometimes i’ll add dried spices into the hummus dressing too… it is divine 🙂

  • Kim December 6, 2010, 12:59 pm

    I like cheese, either feta or blue, and some nuts of some sort, usually walnuts.

  • Annette December 6, 2010, 1:02 pm

    Chicken or feta/blue cheese. I also love any type of bean on top. I adore salads and try to make them as creative as possible- so thanks for all the ideas on your blog!

  • Jen December 6, 2010, 1:06 pm

    I go for hummus (I don’t like most salad dressings, so I make my own with hummus and lemon juice), nuts, and/or chicken. I also like more filling vegetables like sweet potatoes.

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin December 6, 2010, 1:16 pm

    I love using the salad container to make a salad! For me, cheese and beans are definitely helpful in making a salad stick to my ribs. I also like to add some cottage cheese or hummus instead of dressing!

  • Amanda (Eating Up) December 6, 2010, 1:16 pm

    I need some sort of protein for sure. I hate when you eat a big salad, and you still feel unsatisfied!

  • Lauren December 6, 2010, 1:17 pm

    I love adding chickpeas to salads

  • Leah @ L4L December 6, 2010, 1:18 pm

    Nuts + seeds are my filler-uppers!

    This weekend, I had a big spinach salad with parmesan, craisens, almond slivers, sesame seeds, onion, and a citrus viniagrette! It was amazing! I love fruity salads!

  • grocery goddess jen December 6, 2010, 1:20 pm

    To make a salad a meal I definitely need either nuts or grains or both, or maybe cheese and avocado, something heftier. I sometimes add cold brown rice or barley or something, and that’s good. Tempeh is good for that, too!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat December 6, 2010, 1:20 pm

    Sounds delicious! Key salad ingredients for filling me up are some sort of protein (usually chicken, chickpeas, edamame, tuna, hard boiled eggs, or a combination of any!) and plenty of dark leafy greens.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) December 6, 2010, 1:21 pm

    I tried grilled bananas for the first time today (I had them in my yogurt). I have been missing out all my life! Oh my goodness! 🙂 It was pure bliss.

    Your salad looks so yummy! 🙂

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! December 6, 2010, 1:21 pm

    My favorite salads include: romaine, purple cabbage, carrots, nutritional yeast (major stick-to-ribs factor!), gluten-free veggie burger (Amy’s Bistro Burgers are the best), grilled eggplant, avocado, and dressing made from fresh salsa. That kind of salad keeps me going for hours!

  • Joanna@ Drizzle of Sunshine December 6, 2010, 1:22 pm

    Ooo… filling salads are yum! I like egg, chickpeas, corn, any type of nut is also good and avocado!!

    p.s love your bright yellow jacket btw!

  • Erin @ Bishella December 6, 2010, 1:33 pm

    Ok, I feel really dumb for saying this but in the spirit of being honest…THANK YOU FOR THIS POST! I never would have thought to buy lettuce like that so I can make my salad in the container..

    so, like all your other great posts(which are all of them)…thank you 🙂

    http://www.bishella.blogspot.com

  • janae @ hungryrunnergirl December 6, 2010, 1:35 pm

    I am all about your fiber. Broccoli, beans, spinach, nuts….keeps me full:)

    I love making your grilled banana french toast, my favorite.

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence December 6, 2010, 1:36 pm

    I need protein- chicken is my favorite and fiber!

  • Jill E. December 6, 2010, 1:38 pm

    most certainly protein but i notice that if i have a half cup more greens i am way more filled.

  • Kelly December 6, 2010, 1:41 pm

    Needs to have a lot of spinach and a protein for me!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) December 6, 2010, 1:43 pm

    Protein! I need hummus, beans, egg whites or nutritional yeast or I am hungry a little while afterwards. I just enjoyed my hummus filled salad for the day. Chili is on the menu tonight so a huge taco salad with be lunch tomorrow…I can’t wait!

  • Laura December 6, 2010, 1:45 pm

    I like to have mostly toppings with just a little lettuce or spinach. Also, adding a non-traditional dressing like barbeque sauce makes it “feel” more substaintial.

  • Halley (Blunder Construction) December 6, 2010, 1:45 pm

    I agree, need protein in the salad! I like feta or cheddar cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and beans. I also like to throw in a handful of raisins for some chewiness. I’m loving the new coat, by the way!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg December 6, 2010, 2:05 pm

    Oooh, cute coat!! Avocado in a salad always helps to fill me up really well.

  • the veg meg December 6, 2010, 2:05 pm

    a protein and a fat and something crunchy (like nuts or seeds!). i also really love salads with raisins or dried cranberries (or just regular ol’ grapes!)

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In December 6, 2010, 2:06 pm

    For some reason salads only fill me up when I purchase them. If I make them at home, no matter what I put in it, I’m starving soon after. Makes no sense.

  • Madeleine @ Stepping to the Bright Side December 6, 2010, 2:06 pm

    I’m a fan of throwing hummus in my salad, as well as quinoa and/or lentils… I always boil up a big batch of each and keep a container in the fridge to toss in when I’m in a hurry. I feel you on being productive- the holidays are so close but there’s still so much to do before 2011!

  • Carpensm @ A Life Without Ice Cream December 6, 2010, 2:09 pm

    Loved this post! I actually do the plank time activity and push up count at least once a week. I realized a few months back that I HATE HATE HATE doing plank and push ups because I find them hard… and then I realized that that is not a good reason to not do something so now I time myself.

    Thanks for the tips on keeping the focus off the numbers.

  • Ellen @FirednFabulous December 6, 2010, 2:12 pm

    Chicken, chickpeas, egg whites and plenty of veggies!

  • Heather December 6, 2010, 2:14 pm

    I love using half full lettuce containers for lunch!

    I can recycle them at work and not feel guilty about using a “throw away” container!

    One of my fitness goals is the pull up…currently I am on my way to doing at least one:)

  • April @ Crazy Fabulous Life December 6, 2010, 2:15 pm

    Avocado, tomatoes, and lots of veggies!

  • Nikki M December 6, 2010, 2:17 pm

    Mmmmm salad, my fav. lunch! I am in a nut rut, so I have turned to beans of all sorts. Currently chickpeas are my go to. I load up my spinach/leafy greens with tons of veggies. Then I always add raisens, dill pickels and usually some nooch. I love Annie’s Goddess dressing 🙂 Give me all that in a container and I am one happy veg head 🙂

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations December 6, 2010, 2:18 pm

    I think adding beans really makes a difference… fruit and nuts work too.

  • Ashley December 6, 2010, 2:20 pm

    I love my salads to have variety and the bigger the better. I usually add hummus to bulk it up.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday December 6, 2010, 2:28 pm

    I like to add nuts or seeds, chick peas (I sorta hate edamame), and avocado

  • Rachel December 6, 2010, 2:30 pm

    Some grain or beans and protein help make a salad stick. I also like grilled or roasted vegetables along with raw veggies. Maybe it’s the added oil from the cooked veggies that make them more filling.
    Good to see a plastic lettuce container being recycled! Those things are perfect for a big salad.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman December 6, 2010, 2:31 pm

    My favorite jumbo salads have beans and cheese. Actually, all salads need cheese.

  • Sana December 6, 2010, 2:37 pm

    Cheese and chickpeas 🙂

  • Deb December 6, 2010, 2:38 pm

    Gotta have nuts in my salad to make it stick to the ribs!

  • Rachel @ EatMoreMeatLess December 6, 2010, 2:38 pm

    BEANS!!!

  • Heather December 6, 2010, 2:42 pm

    I have to have some sort of cheese or maybe hummus instead of dressing. I also like to have a little carb on the side, like a flatbread or something.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing December 6, 2010, 2:52 pm

    I STILL have not tried that grilled banana sandwich… need to get on that!!!
    And I have to have some sort of protein, fat, and carb for a salad to stick with me.

  • Sarah for Real December 6, 2010, 2:53 pm

    I’ve been really enjoying garbanzo beans and olives on my salads. Dressing makes a big difference too. I need a (little) full fat dressing to satisfy.

  • Amy December 6, 2010, 2:53 pm

    White beans, roasted veggies, sunflower seeds, and goat cheese are must-haves! Toasted walnuts are a nice bonus too. Mmmmm.

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing December 6, 2010, 2:57 pm

    In my salads, I need some kind of cheese, cauliflower (maybe my favorite salad ingredient) and hard-boiled egg, and I often enjoy edamame and sprouts as well. ONIONS are required of course, because I love them.

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black December 6, 2010, 3:06 pm

    I need to add protein to get salad to “stick.” I usually do chicken but I love beans or edamame!

  • jen December 6, 2010, 3:12 pm

    Your salad looks awesome! I had my best salad ever today! Spring mix lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, chili powder/cheesoning roasted chickpeas, sliced string cheese. Delicious.

    Jen

  • kate December 6, 2010, 3:13 pm

    Cheese makes a salad. Feta, blue, cottage…bring it on!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) December 6, 2010, 3:20 pm

    That banana sandwich seriously made my tummy rumble!! I guess I know what I will be having for breakfast tomorrow 🙂

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) December 6, 2010, 3:20 pm

    That banana sandwich seriously made my tummy rumble!! I guess I know what I will be having for breakfast tomorrow 🙂

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie December 6, 2010, 3:21 pm

    YUM! I love a good hearty salad.

    My fav toppings are beans, salsa, hummus and all that good stuff.

  • Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries December 6, 2010, 3:41 pm

    Oh my gosh…YOUR COAT = love!! So gorgeous!!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey December 6, 2010, 3:42 pm

    I need that massage… BAD!!! Salads are totally my go to meal – I <3 adding tofu to them or using hummus as a dressing…. i <3 sunflower seeds too!

  • Amber K December 6, 2010, 3:44 pm

    Definitely beans and some sort of fat, avocado or sunflower seeds usually.

    I have never had a professional massage (save for a couple of minute-long ones they have at fairs). It sounds wonderful.

  • Keri December 6, 2010, 4:08 pm

    Goat cheese, chicken or hummus have proved to be fool proof for me! Yum!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit December 6, 2010, 4:08 pm

    I’m hooked on walnuts + goat cheese as a salad topping! So delicious and filling.

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life December 6, 2010, 4:13 pm

    Nuts for sure, either almonds or walnuts!
    I love getting a “medical” sports massage. It can be pretty painful, but the end results are worth it!

  • bakingnbooks December 6, 2010, 4:14 pm

    CHEESE – definitely cheese 🙂 Hummus, salsa thrown on top too. And big veggies – not just lettuce 😉

  • Lizz (leadingthegoodlife) December 6, 2010, 4:17 pm

    I like mixing in some precooked & cooled grains, like quinoa, couscous, or rice.

  • Natalia - a side of simple December 6, 2010, 5:05 pm

    Salsa, tuna, eggs, or cheese are always favorite fill-me-up mix ins for salad!
    Professional advice for a day off running? Sounds good to me 😉

  • Charlie December 6, 2010, 6:06 pm

    I always add sliced almonds or beans & cheese (feta, goat cheese or parmesan). I also love raisins/dried cranberries in my salads!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 6, 2010, 6:37 pm

    Avocados and some kind of protein always make a salad more filling for me. But I find I usually need some bread or crackers on the side for it to really stick!

  • Lee December 6, 2010, 6:45 pm

    Definitely beans and avocado. I also like hearts of palm and feta cheese in my salads.

    I like your coat.

  • Ashley @ Thefitacademic December 6, 2010, 6:47 pm

    I love the addition of nuts to salads to make them a little more hearty – whether its slivered almonds or whole walnuts….delish! And I LOVE me some avocado for sure, too!

  • Camille December 6, 2010, 7:38 pm

    Beans or tofu really helps me with a salad. Any protein and fiber is always helpful!

  • Kris December 6, 2010, 7:49 pm

    Haha, did you really want to eat cloves of garlic in your salad when you are working at the clinic? I know it’s healthy and all, but …

    • Caitlin December 6, 2010, 7:50 pm

      I scurred away all the vampires!!! Gahhhhlric breath.

  • April December 6, 2010, 8:51 pm

    Hey Caitlin!

    I live in Lakeland…I am trying to maybe get involved with GOTR. I have a bachelors in exercise science and I am an RN so there is probably lots that I could do besides run! Let me know if you know of any ways I can help!
    April

    • Caitlin December 6, 2010, 8:55 pm

      Hey April! Just check out the GOTR website and reach out to your local chapter!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) December 6, 2010, 9:49 pm

    Beans and tofu are a necessity on salad. Throw in some grains and dried fruit, and that is my kind of meal!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 6, 2010, 11:57 pm

    Cheese does it for me 🙂

  • Lili December 7, 2010, 1:31 am

    You got me hooked on your grilled banana sandwich. I made it for the 2nd time this past weekend! Soooo good and simple to make! and shared your recipe page w/ a friend as well:)

  • Wei-Wei December 7, 2010, 3:00 am

    I haven’t found my secret yet – maybe I should start adding nuts? But for the winter, I’ll skip salads for now.

  • natalie @ http://healthybalancingact.blogspot.com/ December 7, 2010, 3:19 am

    tuna, i must have tuna or chicken or some sort of lean protien to make my salads filling..it works well 🙂

  • Marika December 7, 2010, 4:10 am

    Also a fan of beans or hard-boiled eggs on salad. Not only do they make it filling, but the soft/creamy texture is such a nice contrast to crunchy greens and carrots.

  • Laura (Starloz) December 7, 2010, 4:34 am

    hmmm, i’d say avocado & beans are a must

  • Lacey @ Lake Life December 7, 2010, 6:27 am

    Roasted Garbanzo beans and goat cheese make a crunchy and filling salad topping 🙂

  • Melissa December 8, 2010, 11:06 am

    Like some others have said, I find a salad more filling if it includes a protein. I like grilled chicken, chickpeas or boiled eggs with my salads. I also find cheese makes it more filling. My family refers to me as the salad queen, because I always volunteer to bring a salad to gatherings. There are so many yummy ways to make a salad!!