I LOVE Bread, seriously I love it. Toasted with butter, grating it up for meatballs, or simply using it to make a sandwich. Bread and I are great friends.
November is national Bread Month…did you know that?? While I admit to having a love for white bread I am trying to eat a bit more healthy and bring in the whole grain breads for sandwiches. Sandwiches play a big part in my families life. Sandwiches go to school with at least one of my children on a daily basis, they make for a tasty after school snack, or an easy dinner when life is a bit to busy to stand over a stove.
A little history on the sandwich for you:
America’s love affair with the sandwich dates back to England in 1762 when Sir John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, didn’t want to put his cards down in the midst of a marathon game of poker, so requested his meat be served to him between two slices of bread. A fabulous new “food form” was born – and our passion for sandwiches continues to this day. With Americans consuming over a billion sandwiches a year – for breakfast, lunch and dinner – sandwiches may in fact be our most popular national dish.
Thank you Sir John Montagu for requesting a “dish” that is now a tasty form of art. Yes, because even sandwiches can be beautiful!
Did you know that bread and grain foods provide many essential nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy and help fight diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and birth defects? A few other good to know things:
- Whole grains are a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates – and are naturally low in fat.
- Enriched grains are also a good source of complex carbohydrates and are one of the major sources for iron and folic acid in our diets.
A big key to maximizing your health and energy is taking a look at your diet – including how you “fill your plate.” Check out these tips:
- The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating six one ounce servings of grain foods each day. *No worries here I can make that happen easy!
- Grain-based foods like bread, buns, bagels, tortillas and crackers are not only healthy, they’re convenient and affordable. *I love to eat whole grain crackers with hummus…it’s a healthy and yummy snack!
- White bread – whether it be sliced or as rolls and buns – is enriched, meaning that B vitamins including thiamin, and riboflavin have been added back in approximately double the amount of whole grains and niacin has been added back in its original amount.
- Folic acid is fortified to over twice the amount found in whole grains.
- Enriched grains are the primary source of folic acid in Americans’ diets and, according to the CDC , have been credited with a 36 percent reduction in birth defects since the FDA mandated fortification of enriched grains in 1998.
- Enriched grains are also a major source of iron in the diets of most Americans and are a good source of complex carbohydrates.
What you want to know about Whole Grains:
- Whole grains are a good source of complex carbohydrates, numerous vitamins and minerals, and are naturally low in fat.
- Whole grains are a good source of fiber and other important nutrients, such as selenium, potassium and magnesium.
- Whole grains may lower risk of heart disease, some cancers and diabetes as well as other disorders, such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease.
This year celebrates the 250th anniversary of the sandwich so why not join in and make yourself something like this Banana, Peanut Butter, Honey Sandwich:
No matter if you are like my kids and like a simple turkey and mustard sandwich, or like my husband who adds so many extras it’s almost too big to take a bit of, enjoy a sandwich with your family. The only dishes you will dirty are the ones you eat on and use to spread the sauces…or just get paper and plastic then it’s a no dish kind of night!
What is your favorite kind of sandwich? For me, it’s a toss up between banana and mayo or turkey, roast beef with mustard and mayo! Hmm I think one of those may be calling my name for breakfast today!
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation. I received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
Toni Patton
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I love bread! I am the carb queen I tried going on a diet and just couldn’t cut out bread lol, I’ve never tried a banana peanut butter and honey sandwich but it sounds delish. My favorite is a grilled cheese with kielbasa slices and tomato soo good!
My favorite kind of sandwich would have to be avocado, turkey, and bacon. YUM!!