Top Ten Salad Ingredients

Organize for Success® Turns 10 

In honor of 10 years of business for Organize for Success®, I will be posting a "top 10" list to this blog each day through Wednesday, May 31st. Each Sunday, my team will randomly select from those who commented on the prior week's "top 10" blog posts for a gift card giveaway and free download of one eBook from OrganizeForSuccess.biz/shop. The grand prize for celebrating Organize for Success, LLC's 10 years will be awarded on Thursday, June 1st, randomly selecting from all those who commented on any of the month's "top 10" blog posts as well as those who have subscribed to my eNewsletter for a winner to receive downloads of all 5 eBooks, a pass for my Stress and Time Management online video course as well as a 60-minute productivity consultation via video conference.

In honor of this National Salad Month, let's cover my top 10 salad ingredients; although I'm a big fan of chicken salad in a bowl or on a sandwich, I'll focus on the traditional definition of salads, saving room by skipping over the leafy greens and salad dressing options:

10. Blueberries - That bright blue is a great pop for any salad, particularly as some nutritionists believe adding blueberries would be the most important change you could make to your diet.

9. Sliced Almonds - Adding almonds to my salad reduces hunger, promotes healthy weight and lowers cholesterol via lots of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E.

8. Bell Peppers - Particularly when I mix in green, yellow and red bell peppers, they add wonderful color to my salad. Plus, I really like each of their flavors and the texture they contribute.

7. Apple Slices - Whether the variety is Honeycrisp, Fuji, Jazz or Empire, crunchy slices of a sweet, red apple add such delicious flavor, color and texture atop any salad; plus, rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and dietary fiber, apples reduce the risk of cancer, hypertension, diabetes or heart disease.

6. Broccoli - As mentioned in my "top ten favorite foods", broccoli is hands-down my favorite vegetable, and those large, flowering heads are an ideal addition to a fresh salad, providing a flavorful ingredient that's low in calories, has wonderful texture to compliment other components and adds excellent vitamins.

5. Boiled Eggs - I love how this high protein and low-calorie addition better controls my hunger. Plus, I feel like I'm really eating something when I add two halves of an egg to my salad.

4. Green Peas - Having these little, green balls rolling around in my salad seems to add a bit of fun to the meal! Although low in fat and calories, these veggies are high in protein, fiber and micro-nutrients, helping manage weight, fight aging, protect my heart, boost my immune system, provide anti-inflammatory properties, lower bad cholesterol and give me energy.

3. Orange Slices - As oranges scream spring and summer, they add sweet flavor to any salad, providing an abundance of vitamin C, dietary fiber and plenty of helpful vitamins.

2. Salmon - Adding salmon to my salads sneaks in much-needed nutrients, especially omega-3 fatty acids. As a back-up meat, I'd go with grilled chicken, but salmon is definitely my preferred option.

1. Cucumbers - These vegetables offer valuable anti-inflammatory properties, fight infection, boost energy and fill me up while not adding too much weight. I like how they are good for my heart, taste really delicious and provide lots of water to keep me hydrated without drowning myself drinking liquids.

What are your favorite salad ingredients? Are there any on this list you'd like to try?

Top Ten Favorite Foods

Organize for Success® Turns 10

In honor of 10 years of business for Organize for Success®, I will be posting a "top 10" list to this blog each day through Wednesday, May 31st. Each Sunday, my team will randomly select from those who commented on the prior week's "top 10" blog posts for a gift card giveaway and free download of one eBook from OrganizeForSuccess.biz/shop. The grand prize package for celebrating Organize for Success, LLC's 10 years in business will be awarded on Thursday, June 1st, randomly selecting from all those who commented on any of the month's "top 10" blog posts as well as those who have subscribed to my eNewsletter for a winner to receive downloads of all 5 eBooks, a pass for my Stress and Time Management online video course as well as a 60-minute productivity consultation via video conference.

Today, let's talk favorite foods, including some recipes and restaurants. While there is much discussion about whether folks eat to live or live to eat, I lean towards the "eat to live" camp. I think I'd forget to eat more often than actually eating if I didn't use meals as a time to connect with others or get a headache that reminds me it's time to refuel. However, our bodies need nutrition to function properly, and it's important to pay attention to our bodies' needs. With that in mind, here is today's top ten list, which are all foods that feed my soul as well as nourish my body:

10. Soup - Depending on my mood, my favorite soup can waiver between lentil, tomato bisque or bean and bacon. I absolutely loved the tomato bisque at Joule Coffee + Table; however, with its closing in December 2016, I think this favorite recipe from Ashley Christensen might've become hidden for awhile. I have wonderful memories of bean and bacon soup with Dad at Mayberry Ice Cream Restaurants, and I really like how lentil soup is both flavorful as well as filling, especially for lunch on a cold, dreary day.

9. Grilled Cheese - Whether lining the outside of the bread with butter or the new option of mayonnaise before grilling, you can't go wrong with a fresh, hot, grilled cheese. I especially like the Grown Up Grilled Cheese from Jubala Coffee, and a good grilled cheese is always an excellent pairing for any of the aforementioned soups.

8. Shrimp and Grits - There are plenty of tasty options for shrimp and grits, but I especially like the Crispy Shrimp and Grits from Driftwood Southern Kitchen as it's a little bit different from others.

7. Hot Dog - I prefer the red, Bright Leaf hot dogs made by Carolina Packers in Smithfield, NC, and, when I get mine from Char-Grill, I like to pair them simply with slaw and ketchup. It's a quick, easy and inexpensive way to shop local right here in NC.

6. Salmon - My favorite fish is a nicely grilled salmon, and, as long as it's not cooked too long, there are so many tasty variations; however, my favorite is the Cashew Salmon from Winston's Grille, which pairs well with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.

5. Sweet Potato - There is no wrong way to serve this root vegetable. From baked with cinnamon sugar and butter to as a casserole such that it's mashed with marshmallows on top, sweet potatoes can be good enough to eat for dessert.

4. Broccoli - Hands-down my favorite vegetable, broccoli is its best steamed with a little bit of butter on top; however, it's also mighty good as a casserole. Whether fresh or frozen, it's flavorful while being low in calories, but it must be broccoli, not broccolini.

3. Pimento Cheese - I prefer Musten and Crutchfield's Pimento Cheese, which is made in my hometown of Kernersville, NC, but whatever kind of pimento cheese used by Jubala Coffee on its delicious biscuits is certainly a great second option.

2. Biscuits - I've grown up loving Bojangles' biscuits, but, since its opening back in January of 2011, Jubala Coffee's biscuits have found a place in my heart. These sweet, made from scratch and highly addictive biscuits pair equally well with apple butter, honey, season jam, pimento cheese or fresh berries and whipped cream.

1. Macaroni and Cheese - I'm a sucker for macaroni and cheese in any form or fashion, but I do have a couple that top my list. Y'all have not lived until you eat the Macaroni Au Gratin from Poole's Diner, but the Ashe Co. Pimento Mac-N-Cheese Custard from Beasley's Chicken + Honey is a nice second option.

Now that we are all sufficiently hungry, it's your turn to share. What are your favorite foods and from where can I get them for a taste? Are there any here that you'll try?