We are kicking off a new tradition at Badger Girl Learns to Cook. Every Thursday will hence be known as…

Healthy Blogger Thursday!!!

Are you excited? Because I am SUPER excited.

We are kicking of this tradition with one of my favorite healthy bloggers. Every day I check out Molly’s blog at Hungry, Hungry Runner. We met because she left me a hilarious comment involving Ponderosa, butter, and growing up in Wisconsin (How could I not love this girl?). Since then, I have checked her blog every day because not only does this girl share yummy recipes and healthy go-to meals, she also cracks me up. I love reading about her takes on life, running, and fitness. If you haven’t checked out Hungry, Hungry Runner, you need to do it today. Seriously, read her post below and then check out her blog.

And when Molly and I were talking about a guest post, I unashamedly gushed about her salad in a jar idea. I think it’s brilliant and I seriously wished I would have thought about it. I think I might have even slapped my head when I first read about it. I think you are going to love it and love her.

Without further adieu, heeeeeeerrrrrrrreeee’s Molly!

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They say everyone gets 15 minutes of fame. I had thought I used my 15 up when I won a spelling bee in third grade, but when Kimberly asked me to do a guest post on this lovely blog I figured I must be one of those lucky people that gets 30. And then I remembered I actually did not win that spelling bee – or any spelling bee for that matter. I misspelled the word “pike.” It’s a wonder I’m able to hold down a job.

But I do! And I have a blog – Hungry Hungry Runner – which you should read. But only if you like one of the following 1) Eating 2) Drinking 3) Dachshunds.

 

And if you like all three – and don’t mind reading about my occasional ridiculous attempts to be a real runner – we’re best friends already.

But my blog is called Hungry Hungry Runner because – above all else – I love food. And I like to cook. And I really like to eat.

I try to keep it healthy as much as can, which is why I love Badger Girl Learns to Cook. I found this gem of a blog about six months ago when I was just beginning my blogging career and I truly adore it. If I could, I would hire Kimberly to cook for full-time. Sadly, I haven’t made my millions just yet, so I’m still getting by making my own meals.

I’m pretty good at coming up with creative breakfast and dinner dishes, and I bake way more than I should, but lunch has always been my Achilles heel. I get bored easily with sandwiches and honestly would rather have a salad most days – I have to get my greens in where I can – but I hate having to lug separate containers for my salad and dressing with me on the train to work. Believe me, I already look like a bag lady with my gym bag and overstuffed work tote – I don’t need any more bulk.

So I got used to paying $10+ for a take-out salad. Which is all fine and good, but like I said earlier, I haven’t made my millions just yet. What’s a salad-loving, working girl to do? Then one night while cleaning out a mason jar a marvelous idea came to me…

And bam! My Salad in a Jar was born. A delicious, filling lunch in one exquisite package.

The beauty of SIAJ is that you can make use whatever ingredients you want and not have to worry that your salad is a mushy, slimy mess by lunchtime. Because seriously, who likes slimy lettuce?

Here’s what you do:

Start by pouring your dressing in the bottom of the jar – I’m currently obsessed with Trader Joe’s Green Goddess dressing, but balsamic is a favorite of mine, too.

Then add your protein and/or veggies – and a grain if you’d like. For proteins, I like to use baked tofu or Morning Star’s Chik’n strips. I’m not a vegetarian but I try to keep my major meat consumption to dinner. Veggies that often make an appearance in my SIAJ include cubed butternut squash, baby bella mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, and roasted zucchini.

As for grains, I don’t always throw one in but when I do it’s usually quinoa or some homemade polenta croutons.

Once you’ve got all your goodies in, top the jar off with your favorite green of the moment. I’m currently on a spinach and arugula kick, so I’ve been switching it up between the two of them.

Screw the lid on tight and you’re good to go! I like to make a bunch of these on Sunday so I can just grab them on my way out in the morning. That way I have no excuse to pay $10 for a take-out salad.

Plus, I’m sort of obsessed with mason jars and I’ll use an excuse I can to buy a case of them.

I hope you make your own Salad in a Jar. Let me know if you do! You can always leave me a comment on my blog or email me at [email protected] I’d love to see your own take on SIAJ!

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I told you it was brilliant!

What is your favorite healthy, go-to lunch?

Are you a healthy blogger? If you would like to be featured on Healthy Blogger Thursday, please contact me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you!

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