If you’ve ever worked at a restaurant that serves soup, then you already know it’s nearly impossible to pour a bowl without making a mess. I say the messier, the better! If you have the chance to eat at McAlister’s Deli, do it! You won’t regret it. The food is not only delicious, it’s incredibly fresh and great lunch stop.
I love ordering soup for a side. As a pescetarian, it’s not always easy to find a protein option for salads at restaurants. The bowl above is Fire Roasted Vegetable and it’s incredible! It has a little over 22 grams of protein so it certainly makes up for the loss source.
One of the trickiest decisions that turns people off is choosing the salad dressing. I get it. When I first started my weight loss journey, I was confused. I did what everyone else told me to do. I did what the books told me to do. But sometimes you have to do what works for you. I always get questions like “Taralynn, what salad dressing do you use”, or “Taralynn, I can’t eat salad without ranch. What should I do?” I’m not a professional, but can still tell you what I have learned from personal experience.
I used to worry way too much about the calories, fat, and sodium in my dressing. I’d always order the lightest one, even if it made my salad bland. But shouldn’t we enjoy the food we eat? I think so and that is why I don’t care how many calories my dressing has, how much fat it contains, or how high it is in sodium. I know what you guys are thinking “Taralynn, what the heck?” but I’m tired of eating bland salads.
The key to enjoying the things we love is in moderation. That is how I manage my healthy lifestyle. It has to be tolerable and doable. And moderation is key. That is why I order my dressings on the side. I can still enjoy the taste of creamy Caesar dressing. You’ll be shocked with how much less you actually use when it’s not poured over your salad. Most likely you’ve replaced the usually cheeseburger with a salad, but why replace the dressing, too. I think you’ve sacrificed enough. Although a healthy lifestyle shouldn’t be a sacrifice.
Hi Taralynn,
I’ve followed your blog for a couple years now and you’ve helped me a lot with my eating and how I look at exercise now. I’ve been able to lose 10 pounds lately and am loving this new site! I like that you pointed out that a salad is already a healthier substitution so the dressing can get away with being a bit unhealthy, because this was a big problem for me for a long time. You seem to be much happier and more accepting of who you really are lately. You’re a huge role model to me and I know you are for many other girls out there.
Thanks Tasha and great job with the 10lb loss! I can’t stand light or gross dressings. I tried! Someone told me lemon and olive oil…(JUST NO)…I have to meat healthy and unhealthy in the middle sometimes and that’s what makes my lifestyle so doable!
I totally agree! I have so many friends who make their own salad dressings from olive oil, ginger, lemon, etc.
Ain’t nobody got time for that!
Haha, but really.
I order mine on the side too and find myself using just like a tablespoon! Too much dressing overpowers the salad and gets all mushy! Plus, don’t we need some fat to absorb nutrients? Maybe I made that up…
My new thing recently is using salsa on my salads instead of dressing! Especially at mexican restaurants! So yummy. I even buy some to bring home.
Quick question— love your new site. So much easier to navigate! Do you mind to tell me who it’s through/website wise?! I love the layout and am getting ready to start a blog for my surrogacy adventure (eek!!!!) and like the simplicity of this one.
Thanks!!!