...the more you add to it, the better it becomes! Happy National Sandwich Day!

The leaves are beginning to change in color and fall with the cool wind. This season is always a wonderful time to spend with others whom we don’t usually see year round. The sound of laughter and joy should fill the air. What a delightful time to be outside! I am always prompted to call a few friends and see what’s on their agenda, and to see if there is a time to meet and enjoy lunch with our children. We begin to plan out who will bring what, where we will meet, and what the easiest meal would be that everyone would enjoy as well. Almost always, the answer is the sandwich! Why not, right? It’s quick, it’s easy, it doesn’t require utensils, and clean-up time is minimal so we can get back to our regular activities.

Sandwiches always remind me of picnic gatherings with friends and family. The more the merrier, whether that be more people around, or a variety of toppings to add to our sandwiches!

Have you ever tried to create the perfect “Autumn healthy” sandwich? Typically, we think of our meat options first: turkey, ham, chicken, vegetarian? Then, we think of the bread: white, wheat, rye, gluten free? Then come the dressings and condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and cheese (my mouth is watering already!). It can be difficult to find just the right options that will keep your lunchtime get together healthy, fun, and delicious, but we're here to help!

Make your own healthy, filling sandwiches with these recipes and substitutes:

1. Start with the basics – make your own gluten-free bread! Sometimes you can never really know what's in your food unless you make it yourself. Whether you're gluten intolerant or just trying to reduce, making your own bread is a great way to control your gluten intake!
2. Forget the mayo! Regular mayonnaise is full of fats and artificial ingredients, and reduced-fat versions are full of added sugars to improve the taste! If it is the taste or texture you're after, try these homemade olive oil or Greek yogurt spreads instead.
3. Chickpeas are awesome! Whether lightly crushed or completely smashed, chickpeas are a great way to add more texture to a meatless sandwich. For a light option try a smooth hummus spread with tomato, or add sunflower seeds and onion for more crunch!
4. Use portabello mushrooms instead of meat! Our Portabello Mushroom Burger recipe from MealEasy shows that you don't always have to eat a quarter-pounder to feel sufficiently full. If you crave a heavy burger but dread the grease that come with it, portabello mushrooms are a great substitute! Are you interested in knowing more about this recipe? Join our recipe subscription service, MealEasy, full of healthy dishes that fit right into your meal plans.

In life, you can add many things to "spice it up" and make it more exciting and adventurous, like changing your routine up every now and then, getting out and meeting new people, or exploring a new place you've been wanting to visit, on a whim! It may seem too hasty, but go for it anyway!

You never know who you'll meet that might surprise you by becoming a valuable friend. When great people come into our lives, all of a sudden we become a better people and life becomes better because of their positive influence. I'm sure you can think of someone; I know I can! All of these things make life a lot more fun and enjoyable. Just like an everyday sandwich, I have found that when my routine is the same everyday, it starts to feel a little dull and stagnant.

Try something new and different for a change. You'll be thankful you did!