I had lunch at one of my favorite coffee shops in the heart of Beirut (Ashrafieh), Mandaloun cafe! I chose my salad from their plentiful salad bar that i personally believe to be the best in the country!

I won’t be talking about the bread freshly baked and served in the salad bar section and  that’s a true delicacy with its different savors and flavors since i managed to avoid it today!

I started with rocket leaves, purslane that are the richest source of omega-3 among all vegetables, cherry tomatoes, two feta cubes, asparagus, artichoke, carrots with balsamic vinegar and olive oil then added crab with endives, walnuts, pickles, a slice of avocado and a light dressing!

Avocados are fattening however a slice per day is extremely beneficial especially to those who suffer from high blood cholesterol levels! Their high content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats  have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol when eaten in moderation on a daily basis.

Dietitian Nicole Maftoum