Why is salad/lettuce not recommended?

Don't go fat-free with salads or veggies, for that matter. Most of them contain fat-soluable vitamins so you need a little fat with them for your body to absorb them. Use olive oil instead of butter (extra virgin olive oil is worth the money...a little goes a long way and brings out the flavor better than butter and has numerous health benefits) on veggies and try to use fresh veggies even for cooking whenever you can...they just taste better. But salads, use reduced fat, not fat-free, dressings so you can get the nutritional benefits from them. Nancy

When I'm dieting I usually just put lemon juice or rice wine vinegar on the salad.  How about that spray salad dressing???  I bought some, but havn't used any yet.  Debbie

Whatever it is, it needs some fat in it...otherwise, it's important you LIKE it... Nancy

Hey Nancy? Just wanted to let you know -- I appreciate your straigh-forward answers and advice. I've meant to comment before but I'm commenting now :) I like straight-shooters - you and Sandy jump to mind. Thanks for sharing and congrats on your success! Krista in Quispamsis Awaiting Lap Band

The question was about lettuce!  Here in the UK lettuce is the pale green leaves which have virtually nothing apart from water and some vitamins. You may use different words in the US. I agree that there are many excellent greens out there. I make a nifty healthy salad, thanks!!  Kate

I agree, Nancy.  I have always been told (since WW days) that the darker the greens, the more nutritional value.  Also adding other veggies finely chopped ups the nutritional value.  I love salads!  They are many times my saving grace in restaurants...I can get a grilled chicken or shrimp salad! 

Hi Debbie, I agree with Nancy. i thought everyone was aware of the lack of nutrtional value that Iceburg lettuce has. I haven't bought that in all my adult years, but I grew up on it. I lost over 70lbs, my first 4 months (with no fill) eating 3-4 oz of Chicken Breast strips (usually lemon pepper) and a hearty salad made with one cup of the following; spinach lettuce or Romaine, one boiled egg, olives, sometimes feta cheese, and salad dressing. If I deviate in any way from that food plan and substitute my fully loaded salad for a cup of vegatables, it does not fill me up the same and I am usually hungry sooner. Note to self: Self...maybe you don't need a fill, maybe you just need to get back on your food plan. Stop eating Chili. Stop eatiing dark meat, it doesn't work the same. Go back to Steak and Chicken Breast and stop being to lazy to cook everyday!

I love salads and just had one the other day since my second fill...I never make my salads with iceburg lettuce as I dont' like iceburg...I will make mine with fresh spinach, green leaf or red leaf...I add alot of protein to my salads...shrimp, tuna. eggs, cheese and of coarse some veggies..I do not use alot of dressing..just enough to give it some moisture...I am a dipper with the dressing..always have been...but I love salads and chew them very well..never had a problem eating them before my second fill and proved the other day that even with my second fill (which is tight) I can eat one fine.

I love having salads..I buy grilled chicken strips @ the grocery store and then a bag of salad..I also love getting grilled chicken salads from subway as well...I always eat the chicken first then if i am still hungry i have a little bit of the salad... ~Kristen

I think the problem is that most salad isn't full of nutrients. I'd try eating spinach raw instead of lettuce, it is so much better for you (iron, fiber) and you can't really tell the difference. Regular lettuce is pretty much jus****er.