Today Americans are very conscious of what they are consuming, given that the statistics keep reminding us that we live in one of the most obese countries in the world. More and more Americans are turning to vegetables, fruits and of course salads.

No meal on the planet carries a better reputation than the salad. Because of this the Restaurant gurus have jumped on the salad ban wagon. This is not necessarily a good thing. They have mastered disguising fat fiddled toppings throughout the foliage creating a green monster. Reports from the National Restaurant Association and the USDA show salad sales up by as much as 50% over the past decade. If you are dining out and decide to order a salad, remember to have your dressing ordered on the side, and never consume the whole salad. Reports show that most restaurants serve 3 servings or more per salad. Try using the fist rule, eat proportioned and take home the rest for another day. Below we have listed staggering calorie and fat calculations:

On the Border’ Grande Taco Salad w/Taco Beef and Smoked Chipotle Vinaigrette Dressing
1,680 calories
121 g fat (40 g saturated)
2,660 mg sodium

Chevy’s Fresh Mex’s Tostada Salad with Chicken
1,551 calories
94 g fat (37 g saturated)
2,840 mg sodium

Chili’s Caesar Salad w/ Grilled Chicken & Caesar Dressing
1,010 calories
76 g fat (13 g saturated)
1,910 mg sodium

Something to think about next time you order a salad