At first I thought this salad challenge (sallenge? challad?) was a good idea. Eat one salad a day for a week and write about it.
I was inspired by all of the sponsored Snapchat stories of a similar format i.e. “I tried not washing my hair for a month and this happened.” Combining that with something that was actually good for me? Genius. I was so proud of myself. That is, until I actually had do go through with it.
Monday
I walked into the dining hall after a long day of school and theater rehearsal. I was starving. And then I remembered. I had to have a salad. I turned my back on the fries and burgers and trudged to the salad bar.
Disclaimer: Part of the reason I dislike salad is I have no idea how to prepare one. I understand the principle, you put leaves on a plate and put stuff on the leaves, I just can’t make a good salad myself. In an effort to boost my mood, I created the little number pictured above.
This salad doesn’t seem particularly adventurous of me. I had “mixed greens” with ranch dressing, carrots, and tomatoes. However, the “mixed greens” included come of those dark-red/purple leaves which I hate. I think they taste bitter.
So yes, at first I picked around them with the tongs at the salad bar, but then I felt bad for being picky, so I added the gross stuff back in. And I ate the whole thing. So I was feeling alright about my challenge that night.
Tuesday
It was actually pretty good. That Tuesday salad taught me that I feel a lot less like a pet rabbit when my salads have fruits and nuts on top. Good to know.
Wednesday
Well, I tried. I really wasn’t in the moods to have another salad, but I was brave. I persevered. I bought a pre-made buffalo and I dumped bleu cheese dressing on it. And I ate it.
My friend who knew about the challenge passed me while I was munching on chicken and cheese and she laughed and said, “That’s such a cop out, Becca!” Ok. So maybe it was a cop out. But it was a delicious cop out. And I ate the whole thing.
Thursday
Ok. Confession. On Thursday I did not eat a salad. I genuinely completely forgot about my challenge and didn’t remember it till I got into the bed at the end of the evening. I’m ashamed. Let’s move on.
Friday
A mini salad surrounded by cheese cubes, mashed potatoes, roast beef, and some disappointing Spanish rice. Note the amount of dark leaves I ate. True courage.
Saturday
Fruit salad. Fruit salad counts as salad. It has the word “salad” in it. (You obviously didn’t read the fine print.)
Anyway, on Saturday I quit. My challenge bested me and I walked away with my tail between my legs. But I don’t regret any of it. I learned that I will never truly like salad. At the end of the day, chewing on cold, damp leaves isn’t my thing. And you know what? I think I’m ok with that.
Sunday
Let’s be honest, Sunday doesn’t count for anybody. Sunday is International Cheat Day (not really but it should be). So, no, I didn’t have salad on Sunday. Sunday is for tea and books. Not salad. Fact. Thus ends my week-long salad challenge. I tried, I failed, I moved on.