While there is little to no argument that salads are good for you (go veggies go!), there is a great salad debate lurking over many a dinner table. The question? Do you eat your salad before OR after your meal? Let’s explore!

4 REASONS TO EAT SALAD BEFORE YOUR MEAL

1 – Studies show that vinegar has the ability to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the effects of type II diabetes.

2 – Another study showed that if you consume a salad before your meal it increases vegetable consumption by 23%.

3 – Another advantage is that since salad is high in water and fibre, it will fill up your stomach quite nicely before your main dish, reducing the amount you eat overall.

4 – When it’s dinnertime, my kids are always famished from playing. Serving the salad first will ensure they eat more vegetables before moving on to other foods.

3 REASONS TO EAT SALAD AFTER

1 – Lettuce, with its live enzymes, can improve digestion after a meal.

2 – The French suggest serving salad at the end of a meal to prevent the acidity of vinaigrette dressing from interfering with the taste of the wine.

3 – When Nona tells you to eat after your meal, you listen. Culinary traditions often contain valuable wisdom we can’t yet prove with current science.

The most important thing? Eat your salad – anytime is better than never. But avoiding processed oils and sugary pre-made dressings is the real take-away here.

Whether you’re serving salad before or after your meal, use real, natural ingredients like lemon juice and olive oil to zest up your greens.

PS: Try this exquisite Beet Salad or spicy Shrimp Salad!