Build the Perfect Healthy Sandwich for Weight Loss

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I could eat a sandwich every day for the rest of my life. Love the taste, the mouthfeel, the satiety, and the portability. What I don’t like is that those bread calories can add up pretty quickly, especially if I stray from standard sliced bread. (Calories in wraps and tortillas can be deceptively high). There are so many ways to make a really satisfying sandwich that slims.

Let’s talk protein first. The key is to choose lean, lean, lean: you don’t want to waste precious calories on fats in bacon, fatty steak, or fried chicken. Veggies are easy, but don’t stop with the obvious lettuce and tomato. You can fold in extra nutrients and fantastic flavor by trying fresh or roasted peppers, darker greens like spinach or kale, or leftover grilled veggies.

Finally, compare calories in different spreads. Mustard is almost a freebie, while mayo and “salad dressing” (e.g, Miracle Whip) are nearly all oil, with lots of calories. Sometimes I’ll use hummus or guacamole as my spread, but I use a light hand so I don’t blow calories out of the water.

Use this chart to mix and match your favorite ingredients for a perfectly portioned sandwich every time.

Reader’s Digest’s Editor in Chief Liz Vaccariello calls her latest book, Stop & Drop Diet, her easiest plan ever. The book and online course teach you how to stop eating unhealthy versions of the foods you love so you can drop up to five pounds in the first five days—and keep losing. You’ll get a mix-and-match 21-day meal plan designed for weight loss and balanced nutrition, plus hundreds of easy weight loss tips and tricks via videos, quizzes, slideshows, and other interactive tools. Learn more and buy the book and course here.