Gotta Have Bread

I will confess, I am a bread freak! I love my bread, plain & simple and I refuse to give it up. This is one area where I won't negotiate... I will never be without my bread! But how do you approach it with a healthier lifestyle approach?  Many will argue that it's very simple, you either "can't" have it or you can't have anything but the gluten free, non-flour, all whole types. To them I say... "good for you, enjoy it". But for me I say, "there has to be something out there that tastes good and is somewhat healthy".

There certainly is no longer any shortage of brands out there that are low in fat, high in fiber, low in calories! The real issue is, which ones truly work for you. Everyone's different so what I love may not be what you love, but  here are a few of my absolute "Can't Do Without" breads and what I use them for. I will however confess, I can be seen visiting Panera Bread once in a while to grab a loaf of asiago bread or some other absolutely divine, hearty bread for a pannini! Like everything, I think in moderation I'll be just fine with it & I don't treat myself often, as I know I can't behave!

So here are some of my faves in the bread aisle:

• Sandwich Thins - originally Arnold's were the only ones out there in my area but now there are tons. These are simple, round slices to create sandwiches in and come in a variety of types from Whole Grain White to Multi-Grain, Honey Wheat, Rye or Wheat. They're plain, simple and do the job of giving you a fairly healthy option, high in fiber, low in calories and decent in taste for making your sandwich. I love the rye sandwich thin for my ham and swiss melts! IowaGeek has some neat ideas for using the sandwich thins in a variety of ways!
  
  
• Italian Sub Thins - much like the bread above, these "thins" are a version created that is longer for a sub style sandwich. While they seem to accommodate sandwiches a bit easier since they're long, they don't offer any extra flavor or "beefiness" to your sandwich. They're good and serve their purpose as both a sub roll and a hot dog roll (although they do offer a specific thin for hot dogs too)
  
  
• Bagel Thins - These top my list for both sandwiches and stand alone. I always

  

  4 Pt. Cajun Egg White Bagel Sandwich

  purchase both styles, the plain and the "everything" bagel thin. I use the plain when I have a flavorful meat that I don't want extra flavors coming from the bread. I use the everything when I want a bagel (yes these really do hit that craving with a pack of Laughing Cow light and creamy swiss, which is almost like cream cheese) or when I have something that can handle the full flavor of a combination of sesame seed, poppy seed, onion and garlic. As you can see by my picture here, I also LOVE using them for breakfast sandwiches!
  
  
• Ezekiel Breads - these are actually one of the healthiest in terms of content but they're not exactly low in calories. They offer quite an array of flavors and generally are kept in the freezer to extend the life. They have NO additives so this bread is the REAL thing, like great grandmum used to make, without the chemicals and additives to give it a long shelf life. No big problem though with freezing it because it tends to pop apart easily and toasts up well. My favorite is the Sesame Seed bread because it has just a touch of sweetness to it when toasted. I tend to toast it and slide just a hint of peanut butter across the top to get a little protein. Downside is, if you're counting points 1 slice is pretty much all you're going to want toast up for a light breakfast with some fruit or juice on the side. For some reason I always use these breads for toasting or making French toast as opposed to sandwiches. I'm not sure why. It could be a texture thing, a flavor thing, I really don't know but it's my go to when I want toast or am making French toast. Plus side: it's hearty and completely natural! They're made by Food For Life, who also offers an array of other items! Check them out here!
  
  
• Naan Bread - you have to read the labels on these and be sure you realize what a serving is! I love these for instant and delicious Naan Pizzas! They come in so many different flavors!

Please feel free to share some of your favorite breads or styles to use the ones I've mentioned!

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Wish me luck on my journey to "eating clean" and  healthy! 
And please feel free to comment and share ideas for trying to live and eat "clean" and losing weight by changing to a healthy lifestyle!
 

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Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!

WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3.

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!


*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc. and Points® is a registered trademark of the Weight Watchers® company.

Product Reviews for November

I'm one who tends to jump quickly to purchase "new" products that fall in my "low cal, low point, low fat" category & especially if they are a product that replaces some of my "trigger foods" (bread is my biggest, sweets/ice cream another huge one for me). I also feel that, quite honestly, I will purchase something that is good for me & good tasting for a slightly higher amount of money IF I feel it's worth it and here are some things I've found are DEFINITELY worth it!

I've rated the items on a scale of 1 to 5 stars ***** so you can tell HOW worth it I find the product, but ANY product listed on this list IS (in my opinion) worth purchasing! I would say a 5 Star product is one I purchase CONSTANTLY and would highly recommend while a 1 star is one I purchase FREQUENTLY but not ALL THE TIME and still would highly recommend.

It doesn't make my list if it's NOT worth buying. That's the "OTHER LIST".... and as a manufacturer you do NOT want to be on that list! LOL

Great Products You Will DEFINITELY want to try!

Most pictures of the product will provide a link to their product page!

1. 5* Arnold's Sandwich Thins - these babies are ALWAYS in my fridge (keep better there, not that I have to worry about shelf life as they're usually gone within literally a day per package!) I can currently find them in rye, multi-grain, & multi-grain white (my family's fave as they're white bread freaks)- Nutritional Info: Multi Grain White- Cal. 100/ Fat 1g / Fiber 5g - Click their logo to go to their Sandwich Thins page!
   
   
2. 5* Wegman's 2% Sharp Cheddar Cheese - another staple in my fridge it has the full melting power of a full fat cheddar, the full taste & definitely makes it impossible for even the snobbiest of cheese snobs to tell it's not the full fat thing. (I am a cheese snob, believe me). I purchase the Wegman's brand as it's generally lower in price but I have also used brand name versions of 2% cheeses that, for the most part in most brands, tends to be just as good... but why pay more? - Nutritional Info for Wegman's 2% Sharp Cheddar Slices (per slice): Cal. 50/ Fat 3g / Fiber 0g
   
   
3. 3 1/2* Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches - I am a confessed ice cream-aholic! These are the safest bet for me to keep in my fridge (individual serving sizes, very controlled) and come in a variety of flavors (click on the pic to go to their page that lists the many flavors)! My favorite is the vanilla sandwich but they come in so many different styles & flavors you'll want to try each of them. I LOVE when I can find them by the "case" for $9.99 at Wegmans, as opposed to the individual packages that contain I believe it's 6 sandwiches. I give it a 3 1/2 Star rating because there are other options out there that are nearly identical in flavor & nutritional value at a slightly less cost, mainly the ones from Aldi's (click here to see my review on that product) but all in all they're a must have in my freezer! - Nutritional Info: Cal. 140/ Fat 2g/ Fiber 3g
   
   
4. 2 1/2* Xenergy by XYIENCE Premium Energy Drink - this product is fairly new to the market. I am a big fan of energy drinks but ONLY if they are sugar free and aren't loaded with tons of caffeine. I don't suggest using them regularly/daily but I do use them often after or before a nice hard workout (most all of my workouts are done in the pool, but once in a while I will box a little & that really wears me out) to replenish your energy & strength. What I love most about this energy drink is that it's based mainly on replenishing your body with Vitamin B & not loading it up with a ton of caffeine & sugar! Yes, it DOES contain caffeine and YES it should be used with some intelligence. It also happens to be the "Official" Energy Drink of the UFC (which is actually why my SON tried it & turned me on to the product to be honest) but by no means does that instantly mean it's great, simply because of the product endorsement! I've tried the Cherry Lime flavor and love it. It has a little tingle from a slight carbonation (not a lot as I dislike carbonated drinks for the most part) and the flavor is very good. No BURSTS of energy but gives a nice level pick up for at least a few hours. It's not a "staple" in my house but it is often going to be used when I'm coming to or from the gym!
   
   
5. 3* Emerald 100 Calorie Pack Cocoa Roasted Almonds - these are a great 2 point treat to have handy. I like to take them with me in my purse, just in case I have any times when I need a snack or nothing is available that would be a good choice these are great "go-to" items! While they're not ALWAYS in my cupboard, I try to keep a box around. Everyone, on or off Weight Watchers loves them too! - Nutritional Information (1 pack): Cal. 100/ Fat 8g/ Fiber 2g
   
   
6. 5* Boca Bruschetta Burger - this is a real staple in my freezer (although so hard to find anymore!) because these babies not only are tasty (I'm not a typical meatless burger fan but the Bruschetta Burger is packed with flavor) but they come in at only 1 pt. per burger! Add that to an Arnold's Sandwich Thin and you have an amazing 2 pt. snack or meal, GREAT for those days you seem to eat all your points by 2pm! I add a dollop of fat free ranch to my bruschetta burger for a little flavor & prefer to grill my burger, just for the texture. They're easily microwavable also, my daughter does this often, and so yummy for so few calories! - Nutritional Information (1 burger) - Cal. 90/ Fat 1.5g/ Fiber 5g

AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
Check out this ALL NATURAL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT!
Use DISCOUNT CODE 112BP to get the best price available!
Ask for a free sample!

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME! While I don't always keep it up to date.. I do give you some different ideas of what might help you change up your daily menu!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!

WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3.

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!


*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Good Morning Sunshine Breakfast Sammies (4)

My sweetie loves breakfast, to say the least, and I had to chuckle the other day when he commented that "You make the best breakfast sandwiches ever", because he's often one to foo-foo at anything "good for you". He's supportive of ME and my changing of eating habits but he's slow to accept you can "eat well" and still have flavor. The funniest part is, the part he loves MOST about my breakfast sammies are my Arnold's Sandwich Thins!

Anyone who is eating healthy knows that the Arnold's Sandwich Thins® are the answer to many prayers of "we need to have bread, please, without all the fat & calories". Arnold's now has so m any "flavors" that my cart's usually loaded with 2 of each (rye, whole grain & white) with each trip to the grocery store! If you're a "Weight Watcher®" you know that one Arnold's Sandwich Thin counts as only 1 point! I'm sorry, but for bread and bread with flavor & substance... this is just short of a miracle item!!!!!!

Here's a quick & easy recipe for my breakfast sammies.... make changes as you desire, but always make the changes points® wise!

Good Morning Sunshine
Breakfast Sammies (4* or 5 w/meat)

Serves 1

Basic Sandwich (4)

1 Arnold's Sandwich Thin, toasted (I usually use the white but go for different flavors!) (1)
1 egg, fried hard (fry egg w/pam in teflon pan so as not to add any calories/points) (2)
1 slice 2% sharp cheddar cheese (1)

*1 slice meat {choose meat & add points accordingly: some examples I've used 1 oz. lean ham, grilled with my egg (1), 1 slice Canadian bacon grilled (1), 2 slices turkey or center cut bacon (1), 1 oz. turkey breakfast sausage - not easy to find - grilled (1) or even a few slices of turkey pepperoni (I use about 4 slices & it comes out to 0 pts) }

Each ingredient is cooked & then placed together between the toasted Arnold's Sandwich Thins® for a 4-5 point® delicious treat! Using egg substitute reduces the sandwich by 1 point® also (but I can't usually slip this by my sweetie too often unless I scramble the egg substitute with some meat)

I place my cheese on the sandwich thin as soon as it pops out of the toaster, then place the hot egg on top of the cheese. It will melt on it's own.

Other options:

• add grilled veggies (onions & peppers) - especially great when using egg substitute
• use left over meatballs as a meat or 1/2 slice/muffin of my diner meatloaf muffins = to 1.5 pts.® with a little ketchup!
• remember if you go meatless you save points® also - 4 pts w/o meat
• use egg substitute to save 1 pt - then you can add your meat w/o adding points!
  

AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
Check out this ALL NATURAL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT!
Use DISCOUNT CODE 112BP to get the best price available!
Ask for a free sample!

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME! While I don't always keep it up to date.. I do give you some different ideas of what might help you change up your daily menu!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!

WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3.

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!


*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.