This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
Everyone knows that it is important to pay attention to the meals you make when you are trying to lose weight, but most people overlook one type of food they are eating, which can lead to instant weight gain: the toppings.
You can have the most healthy meal, but it can be easily negated by topping it with a food high in carbs, sugar or fat. And one of the most common offenders of this is a salad dressing.
Salad can be the most healthy meal when done right. Leafy greens are high in nutrients like iron, vitamins and minerals, and low in fats or carbs. However, most people tend to add rich salad dressings to boost the flavor but this also boosts the fats and carbs. While there are plenty of tasty, healthy salad dressings out there, one of the most popular types of dressings is also the most unhealthy.
If you tend to prefer creamy salad dressings, you need to find a new option. Creamy dressings are typically made with a high-fat recipe to bring out the thick consistency. Plus, these dressings are loaded with sodium, trans fats and carbs.
Next time you crave a creamy salad dressing, try swapping it out for a low-fat vinaigrette or keep it simple with olive oil and vinegar. This more natural topping can intensify flavor while keeping carb and sodium levels low.
If you absolutely must have a creamy salad dressing, make your own. Homemade dressings typically contain less sodium and sugars compared to store-bought options. This way, you can use low-fat yogurt as your base instead of a full-fat milk, to keep your food as healthy as possible.