Small Changes, Big Impact

How One Simple Swap in My Daily Routine Was a Game Changer for My Digestion and Overall Health

Switching from Store-Bought to Homemade Salad Dressing.

When it comes to making healthier choices, many of us assume that eating a salad is a great step toward better health. That was my belief when years ago I started including salad with my dinner every day. I thought I was on at the right track by eating nutrient-packed salads every day, and I was except for one crucial detail: my salad dressing. I made sure to use “healthy” store-bought dressings- those labeled organic, sugar free, home style. But, despite these efforts, I still found myself feeling bloated and uncomfortable after my meals. My digestive system wasn’t functioning at its best, and I couldn’t figure out why. It wasn’t until I decided to take a closer look at what I was putting in my body, taking a closer look at everything I was eating I discovered the root cause of my digestive distress THE SALAD DRESSING!!!!

One of the key ingredients I discovered in my store-bought dressing was highly inflammatory canola oil. This processed oil is not only linked to increased inflammation in the body but can also disrupt digestion by irritating the gut lining and slowing down the digestive process, leading to blotting and discomfort. Many of us don’t realize that the dressing we drizzle on our salads might be packed with ingredients that sabotage our health. Oils like canola oil, and other vegetable oils may sound harmless, but they are highly processed and contribute to inflammation in the body, which can lead to digestive issues, bloating, and other chronic health problems over time. For me, these oils were doing more harm than good. I thought I was eating clean, but the dressings I was using were keeping me stuck in a cycle of digestive discomfort. I would feel sluggish and bloated, after eating what should have been a light, nutrient dense salad.

Determined to improve my health, I decided to make a small but impactful change ditching the store bought salad dressing and making my own. It was easier than I expected, using simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and fresh herbs or nutritional yeast. Not only did this allow me to avoid harmful additives and inflammatory oils, but my salads tasted fresher, and I felt lighter and more energized after meals. This small adjustment made a noticeable difference in how my body processed foods and supported my overall health and well-being.

After just a few weeks of consistently using homemade dressings, the positive effects on my health were undeniable. Here’s what I noticed:

• Improved Digestion: I no longer experienced that heavy, bloated feeling again after meals. My stomach felt settled and light, and my digestion improved.
• Increased Energy: Without the sluggishness that often followed my meals, I had more energy to get things done instead of spending hours on my coach feeling like a needed a nap
• Better Skin: I noticed my face looked better and skin becoming clearer and more radiant, which I attribute to reducing inflammatory oils in my diet.

Making my own dressings meant I knew exactly what was going into my food. No more guessing or trusting labels. I had complete control over every ingredient I used.

If you’re experiencing similar issues, such as bloating, sluggishness, or digestive discomfort, I encourage you to try making this small change in your daily routine.You don’t need fancy ingredients or a lot of time just a few quality items from your pantry can transform you meals. Here is a basic recipe to get you started: 

Simple Homemade Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 Teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• A pinch of sea salt and pepper
• Your choice of herbs like basil, oregano or nutritional yeast

Whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl or jar, and drizzle over your favorite salad. That’s it! Quick, easy, and full of health boosting benefits!