Question:
How much salad is too much?

My DH has me a bit worried. For dinner tonight, I had put a handfull of chopped lettuce, probably about a loose cup or two, a tablespoon of shredded cheese and 2 tbsp of fat free reduced calorie dressing in a bowl. He freaked out when he saw me eat the entire bowl (in about 30 minutes). I was satisfied and full, but I saw it as not that much food. Lettuce crunches down to almost nothing right? Do you think that was too much? To me it wasn't, but can someone give me an idea of how much salad they can eat? Just to calm us both down a little. Other solid foods I can only eat a max of 4 ounces depending on what it is, usually more like 2 or 3, so I know there is nothing else going on and I am not stuffing myself.    — salymsmommy (posted on January 7, 2003)

January 6, 2003
I can eat more salad then anything else. Your fine. And your right. It mushes down to almost nothing.
   — Vicki L.

January 6, 2003
Your DH needs more learnin. You are just fine.
   — faybay

January 6, 2003
Yes, it crushes down AND it has lots of water, which we ALWAYS NEED! Good job!
   — Kristy J.

January 6, 2003
How much salad is too much salad? When you puke it up or you eat it so often you forget what protein is. You are fine. It is the one "safe" food to order in a restauant when you don't feel like explaining anything. You can eat it till you are bored.
   — M. A. B.

January 7, 2003
The others are right-salad chews down to water. However, watch the fat free dressing as most of them have alot of sugar in them. Better to have the full fat dressings.
   — Cindy R.

January 7, 2003
Make a duplicate & drop it in the blender with a T or 2 of water. Moosh it. NOW how much food is it? No, you don't have to eat it. Just use it for a visual for you & for him.
   — vitalady

January 7, 2003
Just wanted to add my agreement... bring on the salad! I could eat a mixing bowl full of it, but only three or four small bites of beef or pork too. Salad is easy to add protein to. I usually add shredded chicken, sunflower seeds, cheese, mandarin orange slices, etc. Just watch your dressing ;)
   — kultgirl

January 8, 2003
I eat a salad every single day. Here's what my salad consists of: Lots of lettuce, about 1/2 of a small tomato, half of a small (kirby) cuke (the pickle size), some fresh broccoli and cauliflower (about 1/4 cup together), sliced onion AND pieces of ham and cheese (there's my protein). I use 1 or 2 tsp. of regular salad dressing. The salad fills a large salad bowl. I eat as much as my body allows me (usually about 1/2 the bowl), then put the rest in the frig for a future meal. I am still losing weight and I think this is the healthiest meal I eat. You're more than okay with what you're eating.
   — Arlene S.