I didn't want to hijack the recipes thread, but I was curious if anyone has any suggestions for things to add to sandwiches that don't add a lot of calories. Even better if they add a bit of protein too. I'm not very smart so even throw obvious ones at me. I probably haven't thought of them.
I am recently addicted to hummus. I had never thought of it as a sandwich topping before but it could be delicious!
I like to load my sandwich up with veggies - banana peppers, tomatoes, etc. Barely any calories, but add a lot of flavor. I am a wuss when it comes to hot peppers, but if I could do them I would add that too!
Hmmm...I agree with hummus, or even a white bean dip (let me know if you need a recipe.) Another good option is a club sandwich with turkey, lowfat cheese (Cabot makes some good ones), and turkey bacon. Gives you the flavor and crunch without the fat/cholesterol. I also like to slice or mash avocado for sandwiches. And finally, to switch up the greens, try spinach or - my favorite!! - arugula. Now, really finally (
) experiment with different breads. Toufayan makes a really good oat bran pita that has more fiber content. Ciabatta, which is more and more available, also makes a great sandwich bread, and is great for grilled breads or paninis. Happy Sandwiching!
Edamame (soybean) hummus might also be a good option. Here's a link to a version Joe has made before that we use as a spread or a dip.
http://desertculinary.blogspot.com/2005/06/soybean-hummus.html
I never used to like soybeans or chick peas, and certainly never ate hummus, until Joe started experimenting. Now I'm a big fan.
Salsa! It makes a great zesty topping instead of the usual mayo and mustard. Very few calories, but watch the sodium levels if that's an issue for you. You can make a great Mexican style wrap using lettuce or baby spinach, corn, black beans (yay protein!) and an assortment of other veggies.
Hummus is always a great topping too.
Good for Lizzy_B for bringing up mashed avocado! It does contain fat, but it's the good kind of fat your body needs and gives the sandwich a creamier topping (like mayo, but better for you!).
Edamame (soybean) hummus might also be a good option. Here's a link to a version Joe has made before that we use as a spread or a dip.http://desertculinary.blogspot.com/2005/06/soybean-hummus.html
I never used to like soybeans or chick peas, and certainly never ate hummus, until Joe started experimenting. Now I'm a big fan.
This sounds wonderful. Not to out myself as a kitchen-phobe, but do you know of anyplace you can buy this in a jar? 
Not a sandwich topping, but I thought of someone to share. I bought some oat bran pitas to cut up and make "crackers" for my 11 month old. He's a snacker, bless his heart (actually, he's just a really GREAT eater, in contrast to his big sister) but I don't like all the processed stuff. Anyway, I cut the pitas up in 1" squares and put them on a baking stone in the oven at 300 degrees F - not sure for how long. I didn't even season them or put oil on them. And they were AWESOME! We've made pita chips lots of times, but these were just neat. They'd be terrific with sea salt and smoked paprika and a little EV olive oil. I sprinkled a few on my salad today - delish. All the crunch of a crouton with no fat, good fiber, and not processed. Good stuff!
I agree with hummus! I've also used low fat cream cheese before and it is very good! Especially since they have all this flavored cream cheese now.
Bella
This sounds wonderful. Not to out myself as a kitchen-phobe, but do you know of anyplace you can buy this in a jar?
If not, Jeff should bottle it and sell it!
Haha - I've never seen it retail. Maybe this is my next career! Well, with Joe doing all the work. I'll do...um...marketing. And Quality Control.
Haha - I've never seen it retail. Maybe this is my next career! Well, with Joe doing all the work. I'll do...um...marketing. And Quality Control.
You laugh, but I bet you could make a lot of money if you could market it right.
Haha - I've never seen it retail. Maybe this is my next career! Well, with Joe doing all the work. I'll do...um...marketing. And Quality Control.
You should create an internet site to sell it!
Bella
I'll send you the address for my 10% cut...you know, cause it was my idea.
Yes! Check's in the mail...honest....
Something I really like is laughing cow cheese! They come in little individual servings of about 35 calories and add a lot of great flavor and creaminess to just about anything. I like it on crackers and sandwiches!
Loving all of the ideas here -- avocado, hummus, salsa, edamame, etc... Awesome.
May 2008 CSR 
I like laughing cow! You can get a light and and extra light version of it too. The extra light isn't so good, but I can't taste a difference between normal and light.
I love that stuff. Usually eat the "light" and I'm pretty sure "extra light" would be a bit too much for me. I need SOME calories in my cheese! Seriously, if the "light" is 35 calories, how many calories is the "extra light?"
Like 12 or something 
Yeah, I'm normally happy to go with stuff like extra light mayo, skimmed milk etc, but with the extra light cheese it really doesn't taste great. The light ones are defo nice though.
Do you guys have dairylea? I prefer that to laughing cow.
Gah, I love cheese. I've never had Laughing Cow..it sounds yummy!!
Bella
LOVE LC. The new bleu is great with a sliced up fresh pear as an afternoon snack.
