Staying full with salad

Hey guys - with the lovely warm weather here in Michigan today, I am really thinking about making a salad with some grilled chicken breast for dinner tonight. Here's my problem - salads never keep me full. I can pack away cups and cups of veggies until I feel like I'm going to burst, but then two hours later I'm starving again. Any advice on how to make my salad stick with me?

Pair it with soup or whole grain bread. Add some beans (for added fiber) or a bit of cheese (for added protein).

i would say make sure you include some protein (chicken is a good start), and maybe don't use "fat free" dressing. you could always save some calories for a sweet treat after, like a yogurt.

Use olive oil as a base for the salad dressing - there is some property of olive oil that signals the body to feel full.

Here's a Good Recipe:

- Grilled Chicken

- Spinach

- Bell Peppers

- Cherry Tomatoes

- Sun-Dried Tomatoes

- Olives

- Grilled Vegetables (Eggplant &/or Onions &/or Zucchini) - Olive Oil Basted

- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus 

Olive Oil Dressing: Olive Oil, White Wine Vinegar, Dijion Mustard, Salt, Pepper, Garlic & Thyme. 

*Fat Keeps You Fuller Longer! 

Drink lots of water. Like 4 big glasses.

Yes I have to agree with the previous posters, adding some fat to a salad definitely makes it much more filling, and you will fill much more satisfied. And a little bit of carbohydrates always helps me too, like say a small piece of whole wheat toast with some hummus or something!

If you are hungry again after a couple hours, reward your healthy meal choice by allowing yourself to have a yummy treat, like some yogurt and fruit with a bit of oatmeal, or something! Or something to drink like some tea with hot milk and honey!

You should not be packing away cups and cups of vegetables if you are not satisfied. Why get all of your calories in vegetables and not eat other foods also. I cannot eat a salad and get enough. You need fat, protein, low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits and veggies. Think about a meal that includes all of that. Eating some veggies with the rest. Clean/balance is what you want. We are not rabbits. We need more than salad.

I'd recommend adding a small serving of carbohydrate.... a bread roll, some cooked pasta/rice/noodles, some cooked salad potatoes or a jacket potato.  A little olive oil dressing could also make it more satisfying. 

I like to put a 1/4 cup of cottage cheese in my salads (the low-fat chive and toasted onion kind - thank you to whomever it was that suggested it because it's now my fav!) - that way, when i mix it up, even if i use low-fat or fat-free dressings, it makes me feel like i'm using a creamy dressing but i'm not getting all of the full fat and calories of a creamy dressing.. and i agree with cellophane - a slice of whole grain bread with it - yummmm :)

A handful of beans tossed in there will go a long, long way. :) Or a bit of homemade olive oil mayo (so you control the fat amount) mixed with yogurt.

Since no one's mentioned them, you can also try throwing in some nuts, edamame, and/or croutons. 

I use spinach as my salad bases all the time. I find that spinach fills me up way more than romaine does. Adding some more protein to the salad like edamame, or black beans helps too. I find if I put carb based items like croutons or even cheese it doesn't fill me up. Load it with fresh raw veggies like colorful bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Happy salading!

I use real dressing instead of the low calorie fake stuff. Makes a HUGE difference for me. I do measure it out to 1 serving (2 TB) so that I am sure not to use to much.