As my nursing professor in college stated, “Eat as close to the garden as you can.” Over the years, this idea has transitioned my diet into healthier alternatives. Whether you snack often, need a lunch or dinner recipe or just love sandwiches (like I do!), this healthy sandwich idea will help you build a stronger foundation for creating healthier eating habits and acquiring knowledge of what makes a great tasting sandwich!
1. Pick your bread wisely!
What type of bread do you prefer? Whole grain, multi-grain, whole wheat, white, sourdough, low carb? The bread you choose will make a large impact on the overall flavor of your sandwich, so choose wisely! Sprouts has a great selection of sourdough bread. My favorite sourdough comes from the Izzio Artisan Bakery – free of GMO ingredients, using small-batch ancient techniques, freshly milled flour, and no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.
Tip: Make sure to toast your bread (tastes so much better) and eat it while it’s still warm!
2. Find your fruits and vegetables
What flavors and textures do you like in your sandwich? Think healthy!! I usually go for crunchy textures – cucumbers and purple onion. I also add fresh spinach, tomato, grocery store broccoli sprouts, and homegrown sprouts.
3. Avocados are the only condiment you need!
Believe it! Adding half of an avocado (or adjust the amount to your liking) will give you enough spread and zest for all of the fruits and vegetables in your sandwich! Trust me – it will not be dry!
Tip: At the grocery store, pick an avocado that is somewhat ripe and let it fully ripen in the refrigerator. It will be perfect every time!
4. Add your anti-cancerous ingredient!
Broccoli sprouts! Always add a sprout to your sandwich! It doesn’t have much of a flavor, but adds a wealth of health benefits! Mix and match your sprouts! I purchase broccoli sprouts at the grocery store and grow our own, adding both to my sandwiches.
Tip: Sprouts are the micronutrients needed in ANY healthy diet!
5. Choose to add a meat
For a while, I was adding turkey to my sandwiches. You can either go to the deli counter (processed meat is high in nitrates and in sodium) or try a rotisserie chicken.
Tip: If you are making drastic lifestyle changes, your diet should slowly transition to a healthier diet – which means, if you are used to eating meat, add some meat to your sandwich and then slowly transition to a vegetarian diet (if this is your end goal).
Let’s get healthier together!
Pasta, processed meat, or a healthy sandwich? It’s up to you what you put in your body, but ultimately, the rule of thumb is to eat as close to the garden as possible!
Yes, YOU can do this!
Do you need other healthy living ideas? Here are some blog posts to boost your confidence: 5 Ways to Start Living Better Today, 8 Ways to Save Money, and Easy Healthy Breakfast Idea!
Happy eating and Kairos Your Time!
Brenna
