Another factor of summer arriving is that we are generally more likely to want to eat more healthily. Most clients wax lyrical about how good they have been and the increase in salads being eaten is quite dramatic. Thing is, a lot of people tend to stick to the old favourites of lettuce, tomato and cucumber as the core of their salad. Boring food will never quite hit the spot and it is a great excuse when making a salad to throw in a few items that are both highly nutritious and add good variety to your diet.

Here are top five salad ingredients that will get your family talking and hopefully asking you for more.

Alfalfa sprouts

Cress like in appearance, they are full of goodness, high in anti-oxidants, amino acids, phytochemicals, that help fight disease and plant estrogens that can help with PMS, osteoporosis and the menopause, an all round power packed number.

Asparagus

Asparagus is in season now and a fantastic addition to any salad. Ideally steam the stems for a few minutes until al dente, and then plunge into cold water so it keeps its crispiness. Packed full of calcium, magnesium and folic acid as well as being rich in vitamins A, C and E. Even just one cup of asparagus can provide you with your RDA (recommended daily allowance)of vitamin C.

Pumpkin seeds

Gently dry toasted in a not too hot frying pan , pumpkin seeds add a nutty taste and great texture to any salad. Rich in vitamins B, high in protein and a great source of magnesium, iron pumpkin seeds are a nutritional powerhouse and clearly one to add.

Chickpeas

I suggest you buy tinned chickpeas for simplicity. Soaking your own is a fine art and only to be attempted if you have time on your hands. Chickpeas are a fantastic source of fibre and protein and are a great way to add colour and texture to your salad.

Carrots

Grated carrots on a salad add welcome colour and again are nutritionally alive and full of goodness. Beta-carotene is a great anti-oxidant; there are also loads of vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1 and B6.

So, don't be afraid to try something new and be surprised how tasty and how energised you will feel afterwards

Original Post by Steve Halsall @ mirror.co.uk.