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The good news is that more people these days are aware of the health problems associated with being overweight and are trying to lose excess pounds. The not so good news is that a majority of those trying to lose weight are going the low carbohydrate route. When followed short term, this approach is not harmful for most folks, but long term can be a different matter. Additionally, short-term strategies at weight loss normally do not result in long term positive results, i.e. permanent weight loss.

Spicy Avocado Club Sandwiches
(makes two sandwiches)

6 slices white bread
8 strips bacon
4 thin slices deli turkey breast
2 thin slices deli ham
1 medium avocado
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
lettuce leaves, washed and torn into pieces (Boston, green, or red leaf)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped or pressed
juice of one lime
coarse salt to taste


1) Mixed garlic, salt, chili powder, and mayonnaise, and ¾ of the lime juice in a small bowl. Set aside.
2) In a large skillet, cook bacon. Drain on paper towels.
3) While the bacon cooks, toast the bread. Slice avocado and sprinkle with remaining lime juice.
4) Spread one side of each slice of toast with mayo. Arrange avocado slices on two of the toasts. Top each with sliced tomato and four strips of bacon. Top with another piece of toast.
5) Arrange two slices of turkey and one slice of ham on each sandwich. Top with lettuce and remaining slice of toast. Place tooth picks in sandwiches and cut into quarters diagonally.

As is, this recipe packs a whopping 870 calories and 63 grams of fat! That's about the same as a Whopper with Cheese. However, with slight modifications this delicious sandwich can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Replace the white bread with Nature's Own double fiber bread, the mayonnaise with fat free mayo, and the bacon with turkey bacon. These simply alterations will cut out 40 grams of fat and almost 400 calories! As an added bonus, the healthy version packs 20 grams of fiber! This is about ¾ of the recommended daily intake!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Try splitting a sandwich with a friend. Serve with a handful of Baked Lay's potato chips (or Robert's American Gourmet Pirate's Booty) and some dill pickle spears. This light lunch has less than 400 calories and is packed with protein and fiber. If you're a little hungrier, have a whole sandwich and prepare a salad with the lettuce and tomatoes you are already washing for the sandwich. Toss veggies with your favorite reduced or fat free salad dressing and enjoy a 600 calorie bistro style lunch.

Original recipe: 870 calories, 31 grams protein, 63 grams fat, 48 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber

Modified recipe: 490 calories, 42 grams protein, 23 grams fat, 51 carbohydrates, 20 grams fiber

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