USDA Provides Tips for Creating a Healthier Sandwich

Optimizing the health benefits of your sandwich isn't as complex as it sounds. This is based on insights from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Sandwiches, a popular lunchtime meal, boast a wide array of options and taste combinations. Statistics show that 47% of adult Americans consume a sandwich daily.

To guide Americans in preparing healthier meals, encompassing lunch, breakfast, and dinner, MyPlate National Strategic Partners, a group established by the USDA, has introduced a new version of the MyPlate food group guide meant specifically for sandwiches.

This new infographic, an extension of the original MyPlate, graphically depicts a balanced dietary intake comprising of dairy, grains, protein, fruits, and vegetables. Just like the conventional MyPlate, the new sandwich-oriented version gives color-coded direction on how to compile a sandwich with proper choices and quantities from every food category.

While it's unclear the extent to which the new sandwich MyPlate will be disseminated, it's anticipated that it may soon be visible in schools and restaurants. Alternatively, you can print it out for domestic use.

As expressed by Erin Ball, Grain Foods Foundation's executive director and a part of the new graphic's development team, this resource will be accessible via the MyPlate Partner resource site.

She further revealed that the USDA would be promoting the guide to its social media followers.

This is how to use the newly launched MyPlate guide while preparing a nutrient-rich, delectable sandwich.

Sandwiches, owing to their English roots and the invention of sliced bread, are a long-standing favorite for good reasons.

Prominent nutritionist Katherine Brooking believes that the sandwich's immense popularity in the United States can be attributed to multiple factors.

According to her, sandwiches are not only fast and easy to prepare but also require no intricate recipes or cooking skills. With the majority of the population having busy schedules, sandwiches make the perfect quick meal anyone can make.

Considering aspects like this, several organizations that acknowledge the sandwich's significance in the American diet helped develop the new sandwich-specific MyPlate.

These organizations included the Grain Foods Foundation, Hass Avocado Board, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation, and National Wheat Foundation.

While multiple food types would benefit from expert advice, the sandwich’s existing popularity makes it an easy target for promoting healthier eating, Ball elaborated.

She noted that while consumers adore sandwiches, there's a need for practical, cost-effective, and nutrient-rich solutions for both personal and family meals. The new guide, which emphasizes careful ingredient selection, portion size, and creation of balanced flavor and nutrient combinations, promotes healthier eating.

Specifically, this tool aims to help Americans prepare sandwiches with higher proportions of nutrients that are typically consumed in low amounts while reducing those consumed excessively.

Ball explained that, according to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, sandwiches can be a rich source of typically under-consumed vegetables. But, they can also be a source of saturated fats and sodium.

She also mentioned that by improving the way people make sandwiches, consumers might meet nutrient and food group recommendations more effectively.

The newly introduced sandwich guide, though based on the same principles as the original MyPlate, has a different visual representation—it resembles an actual sandwich.

The graphic displays sandwich ingredients in layers, with considerable space in between. Two whole-grain bread slices denote grains, shredded chicken signifies proteins, avocado and spinach leaves are for vegetables, and a tomato slice represents fruit. A spread signifies dairy or other fat options like hummus, mayo, or mustard.

Besides the graphic, this guide offers additional clarification for each food category and encourages those making sandwiches to consider some tips.

LinkedIn Brooking states that integrating all these tips can lead to healthy and tasty outcomes.

She said, "The possibilities are limitless, no need to avoid anything. Just be mindful of allergies and avoid ingredients that may be messy when eating on the go."