Since reading The Plant Paradox by Steven Gundry, M.D, I see vegetables in a new light. According to the former heart surgeon, plants contain proteins called ‘lectins’, a natural defense mechanism which is harmful when ingested by us. His Plant Paradox diet recommends eliminating lectins by cutting out a long list of foods, including nightshade vegetables like eggplants, red peppers, tomatoes, and legumes like lentils and beans.

All in the name of reducing inflammation in the body, repairing gut health, and preventing weight gain. As much as I find the book fascinating and share some of the concerns it addresses, I cannot give up my much loved lentils or nightshades just yet, for now I simply peel my aubergine, bell peppers and zucchini with a vegetable peeler. Like I’ve done in this easy vegetable salad. Steamed cauliflower and broccoli with celery, romaine lettuce and peeled zucchini. It also includes a recipe for getting your toddler to eat some veggies too.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Yield: serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 fresh small romaine salad head
  
• 1 zucchini
  
• 5 radish
  
• 1 cup broccoli florets
  
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup raddish
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• balsamic vinegar
  
• chopped chives
  
• black pepper
  
• 2 eggs   

 Method

1. Start by steaming the broccoli and cauliflower for maximum 7 minutes. Boil Eggs. Remove from heat. Cool.
2. Slice all ingredients. Combine.
3. Add olive oil. Toss. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Add black pepper or salt.
4. Add boil eggs. Top with fresh chives.

Help Your Toddler Eat Vegetables

If you have a fussy toddler like I have, try to inspire him or her to eat salads to by encouraging it at every meal. Even if my son does not eat the ‘salad’ I still give him the option to do so by placing a few pieces on his plate at every meal. I also blend veggie like broccoli, spinach and cauliflower with egg for a healthy omlette.

More Salad Recipes