Food Substitutions for Weight Loss

I consider myself a sandwich connoisseur. So when I started my diet, I was concerned about eliminating bread, along with crunchy snack foods like chips. But my 3-month stint wasn't hard time. In fact, I enjoyed it. And these foods are the reason.

Baked Cheese
It crunches like chips. Place slices of your favorite cheese on a baking sheet, pop them in an oven preheated to 350°F, and bake for 5 to 6 minutes, or until light brown, then let them cool.

Romaine Lettuce
You can jam everything from turkey to whitefish salad—which I buy at the deli counter—into one leaf, roll it up, and eat. Does it taste like a real sandwich? No. It might taste better.

A Big Salad
Load it with ham, turkey, and chicken, and it'll have more meat in it than most sandwiches—and, of course, far more vegetables. Try dressing it with blue cheese or oil and vinegar, both of which are carb-free.

Tuna
I used it for small meals and as a substitute for salad dressing. A salad topping of tuna mixed with mayonnaise is a great alternative to bottled dressing, which is low in protein or lacks it altogether.

Flaxseed
It's not only healthy, it's a great pseudobreading. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons over a cooked piece of salmon or chicken breast for added flavor and texture.

Melons
Cantaloupe and honeydew provide slow-digesting carbs that help assuage the craving for bread. Plus, the sweetness of a fresh scoop seems like dessert after you've cut out candy and baked goods.

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