Summer time lunches for me need to stay quick and simple and what better meets those requirements than a sandwich. However, sandwiches don't need to be your run of the mill turkey and cheese on white breads. Have some fun with it and get your veggie fix!
Here are my 5 essentials for the perfect sandwich.
1.) Ezekiel bread/Sprouted Grain Bread- Food for Life
Why eat sprouted grain bread? Unlike whole wheat, it does not have any added sugar but instead is made completely from organic sprouted whole grains. Sprouted grains also contain less carbs and studies show that sprouting wheat may lead to significant increases in soluble fiber, folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Beta-Carotene.If you have gluten intolerance, unfortunately, sprouted grains are not for you.
2.) Hummus- Sabra
I like to mix it up with my hummus flavors, but I always keep at least one type in my fridge at all times. Sabra roasted red pepper is my favorite. I use hummus in everything! It is a super solid replacement to cheese but you still get the creamy texture and depth. If you are vegetarian hummus is a great way to make up on that lost protein but even if you are a meat eater, hummus is a great way to stay full for longer and help manage cravings. Hummus is also said to lower risk of cancer and heart disease.
3.) Giardiniera
Giardiniera is one of my first loves. My mom used to always eat it on her pasta, therefore, I always have eaten it on my pasta. For years, that's all I knew of giardiniera but oh how wrong I was. Giardiniera is a staple for me now, I use it to add crunch and spice to salads, sandwiches, omelets, rice, pizza, anything! Giardiniera is jam packed full of veggies, and vinegar which aids in digestion and gives you those wonderful benefits that come along with eating your veggies.
4.) Leafy Greens
Whether it be romaine, mustard greens, spinach, baby kale, arugula, chard, or any of the MANY other choices of fresh greens, you should be packing one into every sandwich you eat (except maybe not PB&J because that can get weird). Leafy greens are essential in our daily diets and what better way to sneak them in like a tasty sandwich. Leafy greens are packed with magnesium which aids in digestion (keeps things regular), calcium, potassium (which we often don't have enough of), and tons of antioxidants. They are so pure and natural and our body needs them to stay clean, fresh, and happy.
5.) Fresh Deli Meat
Vegetarians, I am sorry. But I LOVE me some fresh deli meat. Unlike your typical lunch meat, these are not full of preservatives and you can tell by the taste and texture. I get a half pound to a pound per week of oven roasted turkey or smoked ham. I like my meals to be protein packed to keep me full and satisfied until the next meal. Whenever I make sure to get enough protein, I find myself having a way easier time not snack in between meals. So if you ask me, I would rather add the extra meat on my sandwich than stay away from meat and risk shoving an Oreo (or 5) in my mouth between meals.
Ultimate Turkey Sandwich Recipe
- Ezekiel Bread (2 slices)
- 2 TBS Roasted Red Pepper Sabra Hummus
- 1/4 cup cut cucumbers
- 2 large leafs Romaine Lettuce (chopped)
- 2 TBS mild giardiniera
- 1/4 of a small yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 3-4 oz of oven roasted turkey (about 4 slices)
-Yellow Mustard (optional)