They say that "nothing tastes as good as being thin feels".
They'd better be right. Being thin better feel really good. Because being hungry? It bites. (Poor pun choice.)
I should know, because I've been hungry for nearly three weeks now. I've been a diet (which I know is no longer politically correct. I should say I'm Changing and Reducing my Appetite Protocol. I'll let you figure out the acronym.)
I'll probably blog about this more in the future--I've made myself promise I won't blog any weight-loss specifics until I've reached a certain milestone. I'm not there yet, but I'm close. But I will tell you that one little trick is working for me nicely.
I adore Miracle Whip--I put it on every sandwich I eat. Sadly, Miracle Whip, even the light variety, doesn't mesh well with my Changing and Reducing my Appetite Protocol. But I loathe dry sandwiches, and I don't like mustard. So I've taken to putting salad dressing on my sandwiches! I get the fat-free version of my favorite dressings and use it as a spread. It works really well, and it's so delicious.
Have a WFMW tip you'd like to share? Leave your link below. First-timers, please read through the guidelines. Also, please note a change I'm making beginning today: the links will close down to new participants on Wednesday night. The spammers have found us, my friends, and I'm tired of having to delete all their links. So act fast!
Was your link deleted? Click here.
Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.
Links are now closed. Please join us next week!
I went through a no-mayo phase a long time ago. I found that mustard and ketchup work really well too. Salad dressing is a great idea. Hmmmm. Good luck on your weight-loss goals!
Posted by: Blue Castle | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Oh, I love Miracle Whip, too. And hate dieting. I've been trying to focus on moving more to compensate for my food weaknesses!
Specifically for sandwiches, I'm partial to mustard for tang, and tomatoes for moisture. Yummy!
Posted by: Mandy Houk | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:44 PM
I do the same thing! Mmmm-good!
And you go girl! You went to Africa, you lived to tell; you can so totally drop a few pounds - you are a superhero! :)
Posted by: jen | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:47 PM
I use A1 steak sauce on everything – chicken, pork chops, hamburgers. I love the spiciness.
Posted by: Tara | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Thank you, Shannon.
I'm trying to lose weight, too. I only have 17 pounds to lose before the pool opens... in 2 weeks. Think I'll make it? I am determined not to be a big fat fatty 40 something.
Posted by: Smockity Frocks | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:47 PM
My husband will only eat ranch on his sandwiches--the honey mustard is good too.
Posted by: Michelle at Scribbit | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Oh, good idea! I can't wait to try that out on my next C.R.A.P. adventure! But first, I must rid my house of all temptation...
Posted by: Heather | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:55 PM
I started my diet today....I am soooo hungry! Last year I lost 40 lbs. It took me from Dec. 2006- Aug 2007. I kept it off until about two weeks ago. I never thought I was a stress eater, but the only thing I can chalk it up to is the custody battle we just went through. I have gained back 15 lbs. I am determined to get it off before my 20yr High School Reunion in Aug.
Good luck....keep us posted...and whatever you do...don't ever gain it back!!
Posted by: Luanne | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:55 PM
This is an interesting idea. I usually eat my sandwiches dry, but I think they would taste good with salad dressing.
Toni
Posted by: The Happy Housewife | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:56 PM
I can't wait to go to the grocery store and get some fat-free salad dressing and try this. I usually use the fat-free miracle whip.
Posted by: Shari Ellen | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 11:33 PM
I love ranch on my sandwiches. I can't think of the last time I put mayo on one. Also, a mashed up avocado is yummy too. Put ranch AND a mashed up avocado together and you've got my version of heaven! :)
Posted by: Amanda | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 11:57 PM
That does sound good. I like the idea of FF Ranch, that has to be better that low fat mayo.
Posted by: Lisa- BlessedwithGrace | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 12:14 AM
I've done that before, too! It also helps to make a sandwich wrap instead. You can fill it with more veggies than you can a sandwich, and you can get yummy tortillas, whole wheat, spinach, etc.
Posted by: Amber (Bringing Good Home) | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Good luck with your C.R.A.P.--love that! I'm definitely trying this. Thanks for the tip!
Posted by: Jen @ Daily Mish Mash | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Hey what a great idea. I will try that.. thanks!
Posted by: Tara | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 01:13 AM
Can't find "the change I'm making"...sorry.
I guess I'm overlooking it.
Posted by: Laane | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 03:03 AM
I'm OK with mustard so that helps. I'm starting a diet, I mean a lifestyle change, again tomorrow...sigh. Hope you do well - always nice to know somebody else is going through the same thing.
Posted by: Lisa | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 03:04 AM
Some of my favorites:
1. veggie delight sandwich at subway on Honey oat bread.
2. Avocado Sandwich from Bale
3. My new discovery which I like a lot - breakfast meal from Jamba Juice called Asai (oppss, I'm npt sure of the spelling)..
It's 10:30 pm and I am tired, Sorry if I'm rambling...
Posted by: Liza's Eyeview | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 03:29 AM
It's good to be open-minded when embarking on a CRAP. I switched from sour cream to non-fat sour cream at one point and also from regular yogurt to non-fat. I've noticed that the non-fat versions of the 2 are interchangeable. Also the full fat versions make your mouth go "blech" after awhile of not eating them. I don't miss them at all.
Posted by: MomOnTheGo | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 05:23 AM
Diets stink, but they are a necessary evil when you gain 60 lbs with a new baby. It's too bad they couldn't just suction out the excess fat right after the baby is born.
So not only is labor hard, but the reverse effects of having to lose 60 lbs is also hard. It was fun while it lasted!
Blessings,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 06:11 AM
Watch what you drink!! Sooo many calories are hidden in liquids. Bummer.
Posted by: Elizabeth | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 06:16 AM
I noticed. :(
Posted by: Kim Priestap | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 06:52 AM
And I'm with one of the other moms. I love A-1 sauce. It's great in meatloaf. Yum.
Posted by: Kim Priestap | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 06:52 AM
Love your blog and enjoy hearing from so many inventive women!
Posted by: Teresa | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 06:57 AM
I love doing this. My favorite is honey mustard dressing... unfortunately I haven't done the fat-free option which is way smarter!
Posted by: emily | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Hey Shannon! Brave you to diet, wish I had the nerve. I'm using Hellman's salad spritzers on our sandwiches—excellent flavours and no knife to clean—laziness rules!
Posted by: Jacquelyn@Because I Said So! | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 07:05 AM
That's the best acronym ever.
Posted by: Nichole | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 07:14 AM
I've been working on weight loss (health improvement, or whatever) too. I posted about the good running plan I found online. For the first time since I was in shape in college I have been able to gradually increase running (from the point of just walking) and not get injured. It might be worth checking out to add to your food goals.
Good luck!
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 07:24 AM
Is there a fat-free version of Miracle Whip? I'll tell you what I do with mayo (Hellmann's). I hate the fat-free stuff. But if you mix just a little full fat mayo into it, it makes a real difference! I usually get the two BOGO, one of each. Then I take an empty jar and fill it about 3/4 with the fat-free kind. Then I add a little regular mayo at a time and stir with a long spoon (so it really mixes in the jar) and taste a bit until I like it. It isn't as low-cal as the fat-free, but it sure has a lot fewer calories than regular and doesn't have that icky 'diet' taste. Maybe you could try this with Miracle Whip?
Posted by: mom2fur | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 08:10 AM
That's hilarious! Your acronym that is! I was laying in bed last night speaking blessing over my body (C: I need to lose about 50 pounds and well, I told God it would be really cool to wake up 50 pounds less. Okay...I know that more than likely that wouldn't happen, but just thought I'd ask (C: So I decided to start by blessing my body instead of cursing it all the time by the negtive things I say about it.
You go girl. I once did a weight loss program that I loved, but got away from it and put it back on...the concept was to eat when hungry, stop when satisfied. No restrictions really on what you could or couldn't eat. I lost 30 pounds! Need to go back to that.
Posted by: Kirstin | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Dieting stinks but being thin...or even thinner is so awesome. I never get tired of the comments and compliments...and I only lost 30 pounds of the 50 I want to lose. It really makes a difference. All of the shopping for new clothes is pretty awesome too.
Posted by: Crystal | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Hi Shannon,
I screwed up with my link entry - can you please delete me (MG - which is link #134) I incorrectly linked right to my front blog page. I re-entered it correctly.
Sorry and thanks.
Posted by: MamaGeek | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 09:01 AM
First time WFMW participant. Thanks for hosting!
Posted by: Jen Zug | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Isn't losing weight a bummer! I guess I'm lucky-I like mustard. I LOVE-Love-Love Ranch. Unless your are counting fat grams, you don't need to worry about eating FF. There is a lot of sugar in the FF versions of our favorites.
Thanks for all the great tips!
Blessings,
Jane
Posted by: Jane | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Try some homemade salsa ranch on wraps and stuff:
light or fat free ranch dressing, a little favorite salsa, a small bit o' BBQ sauce
YUM.
Great idea!
Posted by: Julie | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Oops - did the same thing mama geek did put on #216. I didn't link to post, but to my homepage. I fixed it in #218. It won't happen next Wednesday! :)
Posted by: Julie | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Fat-free Catalina dressing is awesome on a turkey sandwich.
Posted by: Magi | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Try fat free cream cheese, too. And it comes in different flavors! I buy the Laughing Cow Light Swiss Cream cheese that comes in little wedges. If you are on Weight Watchers, each wedge is 1 point and is enough for one sandwich. Also, instead of using bread, try using wraps instead.
Posted by: Laurie | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11:03 AM
If you cut up an apple and sprinkle it with cinnamon and Splenda, and use your imagination, it sorta tastes like apple cobbler and the cinnamon is supposed to help regulate blood sugar.
Also, when you really need chocolate, sugar free chocolate pudding mix with sugar free whipped topping goes a long way with next to no calories.
I lost 83 pounds once and one trick I used was looking at the food and thinking of it as the poison that was going to kill me or imagined that somebody just picked it up off the floor. It didn't look as appealing after that.
Posted by: Jenny | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11:29 AM
I've discovered a new favorite lo fat salad combo:
baby spinach, pineapple, mango plus protein additions(lentils/chicken/salmon...choose one)
dressing drizzle: honey, cider vinegar, honey dijon mustard
yummy!
Posted by: alexsandra | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11:39 AM
This is so cool! I love seeing everyone's ideas!
Posted by: Allie | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Darn those spammers!
Hmmm...could spam be improved with salad dressing?
(gagging noises in the background)
Posted by: franticallysimple | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Just to clarify:
I was gagging about spam, not the salad dressing. That sounds delicious. :)
Posted by: fraticallysimple | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Good idea! If there are lots of veggies on the sandwich, I really like to add some balsamic or red wine vinegar. Yum!
Posted by: ames | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I use Ranch Dressing on everything.
If I said that I try to use Fat-free
dressing.....Trying is lying. Sandy S Zoo
Posted by: Sandy S Zoo | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Be careful with fat free... tends to have more sugar, which can be just as bad or high fructose corn syrup. HFCS blocks the messages to the brain that tells the brain the tummy is full.. making you want to eat more! So to avoid that always hungery feeling, avoid the corn syrup!
Posted by: mama2tlc | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 12:59 PM
I use alot of vinegars, balsamic or red wine are my two favs. on my sandwiches.
Posted by: kristy | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 01:15 PM
I've always done this at Subway- I'll ask for a packet of their fat-free italian dressing, and put that on my sandwhich instead of the oil & vinegar! Never thought about using it for sandwhiches at home though!
Posted by: Suezque | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Right on sister, you can totally do this! They have tons of fat-free dressings (and Miracle Whip) to choose from. I love the avocado on a sandwich idea, though, I don't need any mayo with one of those green yummies. I know you don't like them, though!
Posted by: Amy | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 01:37 PM
I love zesty italian dressing on sammies! So yummy!
Posted by: Nessa | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Oh WoW!!! This is just so fun--I am going to have to do this next week--in the mean time, I am going to have fun looking through all these--what an awesome idea:)
Julieann
Posted by: Julieann | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Hiya!
I love to spread French Onion Dip on my sammies. Especially on balogna or ham. Yummmm
Posted by: Mrs. Pharris | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 03:01 PM
That's a great idea! I've used chip dip on sandwiches before, but never thought of using dressing!
Thanks for hosting!
Posted by: Heather L. | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I SO feel your pain, Shannon! I'm battling the same battle. It's all about substitations that you can live with, isn't it? I love the tomato basil vinaigrette on the low cal wraps with cole slaw shreds (sans the coleslaw dressing) and whatever low fat meat I have on hand. Fish is good, too. Anxious to see how you're doing! God bless you ~ I know it's not easy!
Posted by: llisa | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 03:36 PM
I don't know if you're a big soda drinker. I used to drink A LOT of Diet Pepsi a day and in 2 weeks I lost 10 lbs. By cutting down to 1 DP a day (I've found it next to impossible to cut it out completely because I love it too much to let it go)!!! and I didn't even drink sugar drinks. I have a theory the oh so delicious sweetness of the drink made my body think it needed to make insulin, but since it was diet it had nothing to do and may have caused some insulin resistance. Just a theory.
Hopefully you aren't as much of a diet soda junkie as I was!
Posted by: Lauren | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 05:10 PM
I love salad dressing on sandwiches and snacks. I don't care for mayo and I doubt I would care for Miracle Whip.
Posted by: Anna | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 06:01 PM
Ranch dressing is great on sandwiches!
Posted by: Betsy | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:06 PM
I'm so glad to know this 'cause I'm in the same boat. I don't know about you, but I got my lipid panel back and it says I should be dead soon. Eeeeek!
Bringing down those triglycerides now! God bless...
Posted by: Grafted Branch@Restoring the Years | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:09 PM
I love your post, and wishing you luck on your C.R.A.P! I LOVE IT! Thanks for the laugh!
Posted by: Amber | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:11 PM
I've just started the weight loss journey too. This is a great tip. I'll have to try it out!
Posted by: jenny | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:40 PM