Get the Skinny: Sandwich Thins & Deli Flats

Pepperidge Farms Deli Flat in my sweet little sandwich carrier a la third gradeAs I've mentioned in the past, it may seem like my life revolves around eating pastrami sandwiches, baking delicious treats, and seeking out one pizza joint after another, but in between all of those delicious eating sessions, I do try to keep eating to a minimum...otherwise, let's face it, I'd be a balloon. The number one place that I try to cut my caloric intake? My breakfast and lunch routine, especially on work days. By keeping the piehole stuffing to a minimum, not only does my tummy thank me but I feel energized and ready to get through the day. Also trying cut spending where I can, I try to bring my lunch to work at least 3 or 4 days a week. And I have to tell you, it really isn't easy to keep it even semi-exciting in the brown baggin' it department. Luckily, my office did recently implement a microwave after an employee uprising, giving me the opportunity to eat oatmeal, soup and leftovers to my heart's content. And I'm typically just not into the sandwich from home...I mean, really, is there anything more depressing? Not to mention the fact that we had two loaves of bread in our house, since Shaun eats the good stuff and I eat the cardboard variety. And that cardboard variety just isn't cutting it for me.

Enter the Sandwich Thin or Deli Flat. A round, thinned out bread that is a cross between roll and bread slice, these fantastic inventions are my new favorite way to do breakfast or lunch. Whether peanut butter and jelly (still a favorite), turkey and cheese, hummus and lettuce, or with a bit of soft Laughing Cow cheese, these rounds are upping the ante on lunchtime fare. Are they super filling? No. You better bring a snack. But they are a heck of a lot better than eating the low carb, 100 calories for 2 slices, mushy kind that I've deemed the only bread that won't steadily raise my weight.

Enter the two options that I've come across: Arnold Sandwich Thins and Pepperidge Farms Deli Flats. The winner? Arnold Sandwich Thins. While the Pepperidge Farms version seemed more substantial, taste-wise, Arnold took the proverbial cake. A now staple in my lunchtime repetoire, today I will be enjoying an old fashioned pb (natural peanut butter) and j (Polaner All Fruit blackberry jam) and rejoicing at my 100 calorie, 5 grams of fiber deli round.

So what do you think? Have you tried these out? Do you ever "brown bag it", so to speak? How do you keep your daily lunch feeling fresh?

Psst...for some healthy, yet delish recipes, check out the Eat Better Week series...