It is one of the most common foods on our tables, but few people really know which one to choose. Between nutritional value and taste pleasure, a nutritionist has decided. His surprising choice is based on a very specific reason.
A Nutritionist’s Favorite Salad
Few salads are as divisive as iceberg lettuce. Often considered “too bland” or “of no nutritional interest”, it nevertheless sits in the kitchens of many homes. And for dietitian-nutritionist Lauren Manaker, her choice is clear: she consumes almost nothing but herself. A preference that she fully accepts, and that she explained in the columns of the magazine Eating Well.
Iceberg lettuce is distinguished by its rounded shape, tight leaves and pale green. In terms of nutrition, one serving provides approximately 8 calories, 2 g of carbohydrates, 0.7 g of fiber, 0.5 g of protein and no fat. It also contains 80 mg of potassium, 286 IU of vitamin A and 14 mcg of vitamin K: enough to support immunity and bone strength, all without unnecessary calories.
A pleasure of texture above all
For Lauren Manaker, the secret lies elsewhere than in the nutritional figures. “As far as I’m concerned, lettuce is all about crunch and taste. Of course, I could probably get better value with a darker head of romaine or a bunch of spinach. However, when I really enjoy the taste and texture of something, I’m much more likely to eat it regularly“.
A simple, but extremely effective argument: enjoying a food is already the best way to consume more of it, and therefore to improve your overall diet.
“It’s also a fantastic base for other nutrient-rich ingredients like chickpeas, grilled chicken and artichoke hearts…or even a burger. This makes it easy to prepare a nutrient-rich meal“.
A salad more useful than you think
Its softness and crunchy texture make it an ideal ally for composing varied meals. Lauren Manaker confides: “This versatility helps keep my meals balanced, nutritious and exciting“.
And for her, the important thing is elsewhere: “Since most of us don’t eat the recommended servings of vegetables per day, I consider adding any vegetable to my plate a win“.
A simple, but inspiring philosophy: better an often-eaten iceberg lettuce than kale forgotten in the refrigerator.