One of the most popular meals on the run today is the versatile wrap. Even fast food joints have jumped on the bandwagon. It’s not just for lunch either. Wraps are often automatically viewed as healthy but that’s not always true. If you wrap bacon, mayonnaise, and fried eggs in a tortilla, it’s still a saturated fat filled, cholesterol bomb. Tomato, cucumber and a few bacon bits wrap in an almond tortilla healthful, convenient, and may help you hit your fitness goals.
Wraps Tailored to your Goals
The first thing you need to do is evaluate your health and diet goals. Which of your go-to foods align with these? You can wrap just about anything, so choose items that power through your goals. Find ideas in fitness forums and workout recipe websites. Don’t forget to make note of the foods that may impede your progress. It is also important to consider any dietary demands you may have according to your health.
- You may want to replace your bacon bits with turkey ham if you have high cholesterol.
- Choose toasted almond slivers for a veg-friendly option.
- Those who experience nut allergies should try sunflower seeds.
Rewards and a bit of guilt-free cheating must be noted here. There is going to be a handful of foods which you can’t live without but are considered ‘bad’ for you. That doesn’t mean you should eliminate all of them from your diet plan. Try eating small portions occasionally as a reward. No one demands more of you than you. You should reward yourself for busting your ass. Just keep proportion and your health in mind.
Pack your wraps with clean power. Use fresh veggies, light sauces, and low-fat cheeses. Lean meats and fish are great for high protein diet goals. For a vegetarian alternative add some seeds or shaved nuts. Yes, that’s a thing. Nuts offer a protein boost, flood your body with omega 3s, and provide dietary fiber. Beans are another excellent choice for flavor and nutrition.
There are numerous options if you are cutting carbs. Try wild rice or quinoa with just about any legume. You also have a wide range of choices when it comes to the wrap itself. Grape, lettuce, or kale leaves are some tasty low-carb examples. While your local grocery store may not offer them, you can buy tortillas made from coconut, almond, or gluten-free versions online.
- Get your thinking cap on, sit down, and make an actionable plan.
- Create a list of wrappable foods that fit your health goals.
- Research some alternative, healthy condiments for extra flavor.
- Check out local farmer’s markets for fresh ingredients, including eggs.
- Try a few to determine what works for you.
- Create a list of wrappable recipes to refer to for hectic weeks.
You can make these ahead of time and store them in reusable containers. Pull out a couple on the way to work, the gym, or on the run. These are great for kids as healthy snacks or lunches too. Pack them in microwave safe bowls for a hot wrap on the run.
Note: Store your condiment separately, if you are making several for the week.
Nutritious & Delicious Suggestions
You shouldn’t rely just on suggestions and online recipes. Use your imagination and experiment. Only you know which foods you love and those that will never touch your lips. There are some delicious suggestions to try listed below.
Cranberries and Tuscan style turkey with ground pine nuts make an excellent wrap snack. Sharp cheddar, baby spinach, and avocado slices also taste great with turkey. This trio is pretty tasty alone too.
Layer large spinach leaves together. Add strawberry slices, blue cheese crumbles, and grilled beef. Replace the beef with sunflower seeds, if you’re avoiding meat-based products. Olive oil vinaigrettes bring the flavor of this combo out.
Wrap arugula, pickled onion, and spicy roast beef in an almond flour tortilla. If you are opposed to onions, replace them with pickled beets. Add a splash of apple cider vinaigrette for a flavor boost.
Use flank steak as a wrap for spinach, parm cheese, and bacon. This delicious idea will boost your protein and reduce your carbs at the same time. It is definitely a make ahead recipe but much more substantial than a snack.
- Pound your flank steak to about ¼ inch.
- Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese.
- Layer on chopped fresh spinach.
- Top this with bacon bits or turkey bacon.
- Roll it up, tie it with butcher’s twine, and bake.
- Broil it for 5 to 8 minutes on each side.
- Allow to cool and set then slice into ½ inch wheels.
Breakfast Health Wraps
Breakfast burritos are an effective and delicious way to power through your day. You can create amino filled recipes around energizing ingredients. Breakfast is the meal to kick start your day for success. You don’t have to skimp on taste to pack it with nutrition.
Try wrapping a zesty chorizo scramble. Traditional chorizo is high in fat, but you buy or make healthier versions. Turkey is a leaner meat that’s high in protein and contains a smaller amount of fat. Add some fresh tomatoes, garlic, and chili powder to your egg scramble. Skip the chili powder and throw in some sage and red pepper flakes for a sausage flavor.
Don’t Forget Dessert
There are sweet snack wraps to boost your dietary protein intake as well. Nut spreads offer a ton of tasty nutrition. You can add a bit of shaved dark chocolate and sliced, fresh fruit to sweeten up the deal. A small amount of dark chocolate in your diet is actually good for you. It offers soluble fiber and a ton of antioxidants.
