Dress It Up!

Nutrition Action Health Letter, a well written health newsletter published by the center for science in the public interest, reviews a different food bi-monthly. The authors, who are very knowledgeable and schooled in nutrition, many of them holding PhD credentials, rate different brand names based on various health parameters. In the case of salad dressing, this editions food pick, compares calories, saturated fat, and sodium to find the sauce that is “Dressed for Success,” as the article is titled. Their best bites in each category are as follows:

Raspberry Vinaigrette- Cindy's Kitcken Raspberry Nectar Vinaigrette

Other Fruit Vinaigrette- Wild Thymes Pomegranate Salad Refresher

Asian Vinaigrette- Drew's All Natural Shiitake Ginger

Balsamic Vinaigrette- Cindy's Kitchen Balsamic Vinaigrette

Thousand Island- Naturally Fresh Thousand Island

French- Whole Foods 365 Organic French

Note: Whole Foods 365 Brand foods have no artificial ingredients or hydrogenated fats. They are named “365” for their organic everyday value. The prices remain the same 365 days per year. Shop around and you'll find these are the lowest organic prices.
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/private-label.php

Poppy Seed- Annie's Naturals Organic Papaya Poppy Seed

Ranch- Marie's Creamy Ranch

Caesar- Cindy's Kitchen Roasted Garlic Caesar

Blue Cheese- Cindy's Kitchen Real Bleu Cheese

In general, these brands faired well in all categories. No matter how healthy the dressing is, it is still adding some calories and fat, so opt for dipping the salad in the dressing. Ask for it on the side when you order out, or add 1 Tbsp. for about 2 cups of salad and mix it yourself. Dressing is a great way to enjoy more veggies, and the added fat does help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins from the veggies- A, D, E, and K- better.