Participants in the HCG diet (and many other diets too) eat a lot of salads. Meals containing lots of dark leafy greens (Romaine, spinach, kale, and Arugula) plus other chopped vegetables and possibly some fruit or chicken are high-fiber, low-calorie choices. They contain only the carbohydrates found in vegetables and fruits, plenty of flavor, antioxidants, vitamins, and more plus they fill a person up quickly. The problem for dieters, however, is that salads can taste bland and become dull if they have been the staple meal for many weeks.
How to Jazz Up a Salad
There are lots of foods omitted from the HCG approved salad dressing diet but also a number of products one can experiment with. Changing up the fruits, nuts, and vegetables can make a big difference to how a person feels about his regular salad. Blending certain staples together could lead to the creation of an HCG-approved salad dressing. You don’t have to invent these dressings; there are several examples on the internet written by dietary experts, HCG participants, and people who just like healthy food.
The Main Ingredient in HCG Approved Salad Dressing
One ingredient stands out more than all the rest of them in recipes for HCG dieters: apple cider vinegar. Health food lovers and nutritionists have been lauding this ingredient for years because of its all-body benefits. People use it in their shampoo and put it in their shakes; add it to marinades and sprinkle it on salad dressing. There are supplements which make this product easy to swallow in order to promote healthy digestion.
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
Studies are inconclusive around weight loss and apple cider vinegar although it is not restricted from the HCG diet. There is strong evidence, however, that consuming this type of vinegar not only promotes digestion by adding good bacteria to the stomach but also reduces blood sugar. Since yogurt and other dairy products are not a part of the HCG diet, you need sources of healthy bacteria to promote regular bowel movements. Meanwhile, lower blood sugar cuts the cravings which lead to overeating and incessant hunger.
Other Ingredients
You can’t put cream, milk, or oil into an HCG salad dressing but almost any seasoning is fine if you are eating an HCG-approved or inspired diet. That goes for basil, oregano, thyme, cumin, chili powder, mustard powder, pepper, and sea salt. Sugar is omitted, but Stevia contains no calories and offers a natural alternative to sugar. Lemon juice is another vinegar base to consider. Other fruit juices supply some of the sharp base needed to create a great dressing while onion and garlic often feature as well.
Caveats about Salad Dressing
While a little bit of salad dressing is okay, remember that it’s the vegetables and proteins in the salad itself you want to taste. Go easy on an HCG approved salad dressing. If you pour on too much this will not only spoil the flavor but potentially put you off apple cider vinegar and other ingredients. A bad experience is enough to make this season of salad eating almost impossible to endure.
How to Mix Salad Dressings Properly
You can probably shake up a dressing in a jar without the use of electricity. To get the best out of certain flavors though (onion and garlic especially), either choose a powdered version or mince those ingredients finely in a food processor or chopper. Don’t buy pre-minced examples because those are packed in oil. A well blended mixture is best for flavor and balance.