I never want to come across like the negative downer blogger.
What I mean is, I like to think of myself as realistic rather than pessimistic.
While other bloggers are immersed in Pinterest crafting, yoga posing, and farmer’s market hopping, I’m here in Tucson living involved in activities that would probably put most of you to sleep if I delved into them.
I’m not saying that I don’t get a little caught up in the unicorn fantasy of living such a life, it’s just not who I am.
I love art and crafting, but in lieu of the whimsical practice of creating glitter shakers and chevron patterns, I’m making meals for my growing family or cleaning tomato sauce off the rug or washing load after load of princess dresses dirtied by outside sandbox jaunts.
You’ll never read about me taking a yoga class because I simply don’t have the focus. I’m in much need of an anger release in the form of lifting weights (and probably even punching bags), and would never be able to concentrate in such an environment (though I probably need it).
And while I often take note of local farmer’s market locations, I’ll be damned if I ever get to one.
While I may not live the jet-setting life of some, I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life.
Another thing you’ll probably never see around here are the popular ‘power bowls’ instagramming their way around the web.
I actually tried one once (or twice)…brown rice, black beans, sweet potatoes, chard, all under a fancy dressing of one type or another. Sounds great, looks great…
I could not get past the sweet potato without wondering how in the world anyone eats this much starch in one sitting. Not for me.
My ideal plate consists of a protein, likely in the form of chicken breast, a vegetable, and a starch, many times with that combination mixed together in the form of a stir-fry (my favorite!).
Another favorite of mine comes in the form of this sandwich.
Being pregnant for the final time in my life, I’ve been very aware of getting sufficient omega-3 into my diet, and what better way than with sardines?
This sandwich is probably nothing you’ve ever seen before, but I promise, it’s so delicious!
Tuna was my initial thought, but after reevaulating a few factors, namely the unknown mercury content and recent spike in cost, I didn’t want to chance it, especially considering the fact that I’ve tested high in mercury in the past.
The crux of this meal may seem a bit unconventional for my blog, as I typically make all components of a dish myself, but pre-made mayo is one thing I feel totally justified in purchasing.
I’ve tried my hand at making a variety of mayo (mayos?…) in the past, from the traditional egg yolk/oil mixture, which rarely sets up properly for me, to a more atypical avocado version, which I use in this salad, but I feel since I make this sandwich so often (and now my husband is eating it as well), a ready-made variety was well worth keeping in the fridge.
I’m a huge fan of this organic Veganaise, which is not only free of GMOs and canola oil, but also soy, eggs, and dairy….perfect for our family’s array of allergies!
Full of protein, good fats, and flavor, this sandwich comes together in about ten minutes, giving you a great, healthy lunch that is filling and satisfying!
My Favorite Pregnancy Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 piece of Ezekiel bread toasted
- 1 can boneless and skinless sardines packed in water (125 grams), drained
- scant 1/4 t. turmeric
- 2 T. Veganaise or mayo of your choice
- dash sea salt
- 4 thin slices of Roma tomato
- 1 ounce of raw milk cheddar cheese or yogurt cheese
- fresh black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 'broil'.
- Mix the drained sardines with the turmeric, sea salt, and mayo.
- Spread the sardine mix atop the toasted bread.
- Top with the thin slices of tomato.
- Top the tomato with the cheese.
- Broil until cheese is bubbly (1-2 minutes).
- Top with a bit of freshly ground black pepper.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
If you’ve ever had a tuna melt, this is very similar in taste…just with sardines. 🙂
What is your favorite, quick lunch?
Anne Altman says
First, I want to thank you SO much for this recipe. I just made this and it was delicious! I’m pregnant too (I’m due in June, so I think we are close in how far along we both are.) I’m struggling so badly with trying to get good sources of protein and Omega 3’s into my diet during this pregnancy. My typical go to’s like eggs and shrimp are now strong aversions for me sadly. I’ve been dreaming of tuna melts but stayed away from them for the same reasons as you, so this sandwich is perfect for soooo many reasons! Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy! I saw that you are having a boy. This is my second child and second boy, and I must tell you boys are SO much fun!
Lauren says
That’s great Anne, I’m so happy someone else actually enjoyed this recipe! 🙂 We are very much looking forward to a boy, and congrats to you and your family as well!! xo
Lisa says
Sardines…… hmmm…. interesting 🙂 You go ahead and enjoy that one. Although it looks good can’t say this is one that I’m going to try 😉 oh to the pregnancy appetites.. lol
beth says
Don’t you need to eat gluten free, or am I mistaken. The Ezekiel bread surprised me. I don’t like sardines, so I’ll have to skip this one, but you enjoy!! 🙂
Lauren says
I do eat it, but my oldest kid and hubby are sensitive to it, so many of the recipes I make end up GF. 🙂
nina says
Congrats on the pregnancy! 🙂 im currently pregnant myself, so when i saw the title “my favorite pregnancy sandwich”, i HAD to take a look!! I have a gluten allergy and during pregnancy is the only time i can actually enjoy gluten in moderation without it affecting me. And sandwiches and pizza have become my downfall!!! Of course, im always looking for the healthiest versions…i will have to give this a try! 🙂 and im with you, yoga simply isnt my thing. I was a shawn T insanity girl before i got pregnant!
Lauren says
Lol, that’s awesome! Congrats to you as well! 😀