At lunch today I went to the grocery store to pick up some salad fixins’ per the 20 Salads in December Challenge.

However, the grocery store near my work isn’t the best so the result was kind of lackluster.

Still, there were tons of veggies, which is the whole point.

Since I had to prepare my salad at work, I didn’t want to have to do a lot of shopping. So I picked up things that were easy to assemble.

• A bag of pre-washed veggies (broccoli, carrots, peas, sprouts)
• half an avocado
• grape tomatoes
• crumbled goat cheese
• toasty bread

In my opinion, no salad is complete without a fat souce (or two) and some doughy carbs. Just sayin’.

So, even though my salad wasn’t a masterpiece I was still happy with it. Lots of green freshness + I was super full after I ate it. Can’t beat that.

As for dressing, I just used a bottled balsamic. Sigh.

Growing up my mom, who is an incredible cook, would make a salad with homemade salad dressing almost every night.

I have several recipes from her that are amazing, but I haven’t had time to whip any up yet.

Homemade dressing really does take a salad from just okay to amazing.

But don’t worry, I’m just getting started with the salad eatin’. More exciting combos soon to come!

Q: What’s your favorite salad dressing?

First thing’s first. I’ve got to confess… I’m drinking coffee right now.

I went two days without it, but I was up all last night with a headache and I had to give in. The plan is to just drink less of it for now – like two or three cups per week.

I don’t like tea, and when I do drink it, it tends to upset my stomach so my only other lighter caffience option is diet coke, which also gives me a headache.

So, back to the 20 Salads in December Challenge. I’m so excited that so many of you are going to join! Woo hoo!

Since I was stressed and feeling sorry for myself yesterday, I didn’t really clarify what the challenge was going to be about. I shall do that now.

My Unofficial Rules for 20 Salads in December

• Obviously, the main goal is to eat 20 salads in the month of December. Hence the name.
• I would prefer for my salads to be homemade. However, because I’ll be out of town for a week, this won’t be possible. My personal goal is to have at least half of them be homemade.
• Creativity is the key! Salads don’t have to be boring. I’m going to try really hard to make them as interesting and delicious as possible.

That’s it! Easy.

It should also be noted that this challenge is in no way a weight-loss goal. I just know I slack on my veggie intake during the winter, and Lisa and I thought this would be a great way to get them in! Check out her post about it for even more info.

Q: It’s December! If you’re not joining the challenge, do you have any goals for this month?