Salads That Don’t Taste Like Sadness

I don’t know what things are like at your house, but at mine, meal times are a real *insert poop emoji* show.

This basically means that three times a day (and that’s not including the 3,752 snacks they ask for during the day), I am a transformed into a crazy person, rushing around the kitchen trying to chop, scoop, or even just pour some type of food stuff into their tiny faces before someone completely loses their minds.

Have 3 kids they said. It’ll be fun they said. Well, THEY forgot to mention that 3 kids eat ALL THE THINGS…ALL THE TIME. Some days I feel like a short order cook/busser. Making all the food. Cleaning up all the food messes. And then doing it all over again multiple times a day.  By the time I get done feeding little people, my sanity is hanging by a thread and my motivation for doing anything except sobbing in a heap on the kitchen floor is slim.

And then I remember I still have to feed myself. WHYYYYY?!? The injustice of not being born a Kardashian does not escape me. If only I had my own personal chef and my own “people” (assistants?) to bring me those giant Kim K. salads and huge cups of froyo at all hours of the day and night…then life would be truly wonderful.

Instead I’m here in my messy kitchen in the ‘burbs…knowing that in approximately 15 minutes my kids are going to be “SOOOOO hungry” again and I had better find something to eat…and STAT. Otherwise hangry mama is about to come out and that’s not good for anyone.

Back in the old days, I would’ve just grabbed a string cheese and a granola bar and been on my merry way, but ever since doing a few rounds of Whole30 and moving toward a more paleo lifestyle, I’ve learned that eating carbs and dairy all day long (while quick and convenient), does not fuel my body. I end up feeling tired and foggy and altogether grumpy. But, what is a busy mama to do? I need meal time simplicity and I need it rightthisverysecond.

And then, this happened. And all my easy meal time dreams came true.

Salad Kits from Tessemae’s!

You might remember Tessemae’s from all of my Whole30 posts (see here, here, and here for starters). They literally saved my entire life with all of their delicious dressings and condiments when I did Whole30 for the first time. As someone who doesn’t love to cook and who dreaded all the prep that went along with Whole30, having things that are delicious, pre-made and compliant was a huge key to my success.

After having Alice, I dabbled with Whole30, but ultimately decided that I wanted to focus my food choices on the foods that I learned made me feel good when I was doing Whole30. After reintroduction I learned that too many grains and too much dairy were no bueno for my digestive system. So, now it is still cut out for the most part. When I do have grains I opt for gluten-free options like quinoa or brown rice. I also eat beans now and I have dairy very sparingly. Sadly ice cream makes me feel miserably sick…same with straight milk in my coffee. Sad, but true.

I am learning all about moderation and eating real foods that fuel me for the day. I am learning to listen to my body and what it needs, which while simplistic, is proving to be a pleasingly sustainable long-term change. Because of this, these new salad kits that Tessemae’s has come out with are the perfect fit.

While the salads aren’t Whole30 compliant, they are filled with delicious, real ingredients. No crazy chemicals. Just real, delicious food.

They are perfect for grabbing as a quick lunch when my kids finally take a nap for the day or for throwing in my bag when we’re headed out to the park. For some reason I am really great about packing lunches and snacks for my kids, but never remember to actually bring anything for myself. #MomBrain.

Unfortunately the salads are only sold at select retailers, but honestly they are available at quite a few (see retailers at the bottom of this page). If you are located in Oregon like me, then Fred Meyer carries them. There are four varieties: Power Kale CaesarSesame Ginger Greens, Spinach Bacon Ranch, and Sweet Kale Crunch. I only got to try out three, because my local store was sold out of the Spinach Bacon Ranch one…guessing that one must be extra delicious and is definitely on my list to try next time. My favorite was the Sesame Ginger one, but there were all really yummy.

The dressings were obviously perfection and each one came with the most perfect, crunchy topping. I’ll be honest…salads don’t usually excite me all that much, because they usually taste a whole lot like sadness, but these were honestly SO good. I would not lead you astray when it comes to tasty food… #ThatsWhatFriendsAreFor.

So, basically, if you are in need of real food that is both delicious and that will make your life easier, you will totally love these Tessemaes Salad Kits. And if you try them be sure to let me know what you think!

xo

Lauren

 

*Note: This post was created in partnership with Tessemae’s. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the companies and products that we love.

Comments

  1. I would love to try this brand!

    THE PINK ELEPHANT SHOE // INSTAGRAM

  2. Ugh! I’m so sad these aren’t available in my neck of the woods, but will keep an eye out. I’ve seen more and more Tessemae products popping up. Thanks for the heads-up!

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