We all know that eating salads and fresh veggies is healthy for us. Eating that salad can not only keep you healthy, it can also help you lose weight by increasing the amount of fat you burn. Even if you decide to eat an unhealthy meal, eating a salad along with it can help to prevent further weight gain.

The key to the fat burning element of a salad is found in the "pH level" of the dark, leafy greens. Dark, leafy, green vegetables tend to be "alkaline", falling on the higher end of the pH scale. In contrast, most standard American foods are highly "acidic", falling on the lower end of the pH scale. pH level of the food you eat is important because your blood is slightly alkaline.

Acidic foods include: dairy, meat, vinegar, breads, sugars, soft drinks, and many fruits. These deadly acids can burn a hole right through your blood vessels if left un-buffered! In order to keep you alive, your body will bind these acids with fat, neutralize the acids and then store them in your fat storage area (i.e. hips, butt, mid-section, love handles, etc.).

Now remember, opposites attract! The green veggies are alkaline and will bind with the acidic toxins that you are storing in your fat deposits and eliminate them from your body. The more alkaline foods and drinks you consume, the easier it is for the excess fat to melt away.

Even if you chose to eat a "bad" meal, at the very least have a salad with it. By eating an alkaline salad with your acidic meal, you will help to neutralize the acids that you are eating and minimize the potential of packing on the pounds.

When eating your salad, try to avoid the typical salad dressings as these are usually very acidic. Traditional salad dressings often contain a lot of vinegar, sugar, or dairy which are all acidic and fat forming. Instead, use some extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice which are both alkaline. You can also add some sea salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to give your salad the flavor you enjoy.

So, if your goal is to lose weight and eat healthier, start by increasing your salad and fresh vegetable consumption. You can start by having half of your plate be salad and the other half can be a small sandwich, or whatever it is that you normally eat. Eventually, you want to increase the size of the salad so that it takes up about 70-80% of your plate. Once you are eating 70-80% alkaline foods and drinking alkaline fluids, the fat on your body will have no choice but to "melt" off.