5

WRAPS, SALADS, AND SANDWICHES

You may love the handheld ease of eating a wrap, but a lot of the conventional tortillas are high in added sugar and gluten. You can always take them out of the equation and pop out a great salad, but there are ways to enjoy them without wrecking your blood sugar balance.

The fast fat-burning combination of ingredients in this section—whether they’re wrapped or not—help you do just that. They also pack a heart-healthy, brain-healthy, anti-inflammatory punch that’s hard to top. They’re all high in fiber, vitamins, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and, of course, protein—so be careful not to transform an otherwise nutrient-rich meal into a sugar-soaked dessert by adding gooey dressing, dried fruit, glazed nuts, or crunchy wontons!

Use the Sugar Impact Plate as your guide for building the best wraps and salads:

1. Start with great greens—the deeper the green color, the better.

2. Add some colorful, nonstarchy veggies—make your plate a rainbow.

3. Include some clean, lean protein.

4. Add a little high-fiber starchy carb.

5. Add some healthy fat.

You can’t go wrong!

Turkey, Spinach, and Strawberry Wrap (Cycles 1/3)

The lean, light meat of turkey paired with the sweet juiciness of strawberries makes this a really refreshing spring or summer wrap. Have some fun with the fruit and change it up—try it with raspberries or blueberries in place of the strawberry slices. Mmmm.

Makes 2 servings

4 slices nitrate-free uncured bacon

2 brown rice tortillas

2 tablespoons Sugar Impact Mayonnaise (here)

1 cup baby spinach

½ cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

6 ounces deli-sliced nitrate-free turkey

Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, turning once, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain.

Spread one side of each tortilla with 1 tablespoon of the mayonnaise. Top each with half of the bacon, spinach, strawberries, and turkey. Roll and serve.

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 380

Fat: 17 grams

Protein: 2 grams

Fiber: 3 grams

Saturated Fat: 3 grams

Carbs: 34 grams

Sodium: 808 mg

Sugars: 3 grams

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 390

Fat: 23 grams

Protein: 31 grams

Fiber: 4 grams

Saturated Fat: 10 grams

Carbs: 13 grams

Sodium: 590 mg

Sugars: 5 grams

Coconut Wraps

Coconut wraps and other paleo-approved tortilla alternatives are made with coconut meat, coconut water, and coconut oil. If you can’t find them at your local health food store, they’re easy to order online.

Chicken, Shirataki Noodle, and Snap Pea Salad

Why do noodles still make us feel like kids? At least you can enjoy these without the fear of pasta’s carb assault, and instead focus on the fabulous textures and flavors all sharing your plate. Make sure to always give green onions a good rinse before using them in any dish.

Makes 2 servings

1 (8-ounce) bag shirataki noodles, drained and rinsed

8 ounces sugar snap peas (about 1½ cups)

8 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into ½-inch pieces (about 2 cups)

2 carrots, thinly sliced on an angle

¼ cup chopped green onions

Olive oil for the pan

2 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast halves

3 teaspoons Malaysian red palm fruit oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

¼ teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 teaspoons low-sodium wheat-free tamari or coconut aminos

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package directions. During the last minute of cooking, add the snap peas, asparagus, and carrots. Return the water to a boil and cook for 1 minute longer; drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a bowl and add the green onions; set aside.

Lightly dampen a paper towel with a small amount of olive oil and wipe a grill pan with it; heat over medium-high heat. Combine the chicken, 2 teaspoons of the palm fruit oil, the garlic, ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon of the salt in a bowl. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 2 minutes. Cut the chicken crosswise into thin strips.

Add the remaining 1 teaspoon palm fruit oil, ⅛ teaspoon salt, lime juice, cilantro, and tamari to the noodle mixture and toss well. Divide the noodles between two plates and top each with half of the chicken.

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 300

Fat: 11 grams

Protein: 34 grams

Fiber: 6 grams

Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams

Carbs: 18 grams

Sodium: 690 mg

Sugars: 6 grams

Flank Steak and Vegetable Wrap with Chimichurri Sauce

Discover your inner gaucho with the Argentinean flare of this hearty wrap. For an easy shortcut, use nitrate-free deli-sliced roast beef instead of flank steak.

Makes 2 servings

12 ounces flank steak, trimmed

2 teaspoons Smoky BBQ Spice Rub (here)

2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more for the pan

½ medium onion, sliced

½ medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced

½ medium yellow squash, halved lengthwise and sliced

⅛ teaspoon sea salt

2 coconut wraps (see box, here)

2 tablespoons Chimichurri Sauce (here)

Sprinkle the steak all over with the spice rub to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Lightly dampen a paper towel with a small amount of olive oil and wipe a grill pan with it; heat over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook, turning once, until it reaches the desired doneness, 10 to 11 minutes for medium-rare. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let stand for 5 minutes before thinly slicing.

Meanwhile, heat the 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the zucchini and squash and cook until tender and lightly browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with the salt.

Place a wrap on each of two plates. Top each with half of the steak, half of the vegetable mixture, and 1 tablespoon of the chimichurri sauce.

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 420

Fat: 25 grams

Protein: 37 grams

Fiber: 4 grams

Saturated Fat: 10 grams

Carbs: 10 grams

Sodium: 600 mg

Sugars: 5 grams

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 150

Fat: 9 grams

Protein: 4 grams

Fiber: 3 grams

Saturated Fat: 1 gram

Carbs: 16 grams

Sodium: 430 mg

Sugars: 9 grams

Shrimp Caesar Salad

Grilled shrimp change up this timeless salad and give you an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory boost to boot. Choose wild, cold-water shrimp if you can. Romano cheese is made from sheep’s milk and has a slightly sharp and nutty flavor. If you’re intolerant to dairy, leave it out or substitute an equivalent amount of nut or vegan cheese.

Makes 4 servings

⅓ cup Sugar Impact Mayonnaise (here)

2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese

1 oil-packed anchovy, drained and mashed to a paste

2 teaspoons lemon juice

½ teaspoon low-sodium wheat-free tamari or coconut aminos

¼ teaspoon Tabasco sauce

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

8 cups torn romaine lettuce

2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more for the pan

1½ pounds jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 per pound), peeled and deveined

¼ teaspoon sea salt

Combine the mayonnaise, cheese, anchovy, lemon juice, tamari, Tabasco sauce, and pepper in a bowl. Place the lettuce in a separate large bowl. Add the mayonnaise mixture to the lettuce and toss well.

Lightly dampen a paper towel with a small amount of olive oil and wipe a grill pan with it; heat over medium-high heat. Combine the 2 teaspoons of the olive oil, shrimp, and salt in a bowl. Place the shrimp on the grill pan and cook until opaque and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Divide the lettuce mixture among four plates. Top each with one-quarter of the shrimp.

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 190

Fat: 16 grams

Protein: 7 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams

Carbs: 6 grams

Sodium: 440 mg

Sugars: 2 grams

Southwest Grilled Steak Salad on Crisped Rice Tortillas (Cycles 1/3)

I’m serving up a festival of southwestern flavor, so get in the spirit! Throw the flank steaks on the grill and enjoy some music by the backyard fireplace as the sun goes down. Allowing the meat to stand at room temperature before cooking allows it to cook more evenly and faster than throwing it right on the grill straight out of the fridge.

Makes 4 servings

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper

1½ pounds flank steak, trimmed

8 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped

1 orange bell pepper, chopped

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

½ medium avocado, cut into ¼-inch pieces

1 teaspoon grated lime zest

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for the pan

⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 brown rice tortillas

Prepare the grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-high heat, 350 to 400°F.

Combine the cumin, garlic powder, coriander, chili powder, ¼ teaspoon of the salt, and the chipotle pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the steak to coat; let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the lettuce, cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, avocado, lime zest, lime juice, the 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and the black pepper in a large bowl and toss well.

Lightly oil the grill grates and place the steak on the grill. Cover and cook with the lid closed, turning once, for 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare or until the desired doneness. Remove the steak from the grill and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Place the tortillas on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes.

Place one tortilla on each of four plates. Top evenly with the romaine mixture and sliced steak.

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 480

Fat: 19 grams

Protein: 41 grams

Fiber: 8 grams

Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams

Carbs: 36 grams

Sodium: 540 mg

Sugars: 5 grams

Asian Confetti Quinoa Salad with Almonds

Quinoa is actually a seed, not a grain, and it’s worth working into your diet as often as possible—it’s high in protein, rich in fiber, and packed with minerals. This simple and versatile salad is a tasty way to help you do that. Look for tricolor quinoa in your market, and make sure to thoroughly rinse quinoa before cooking to avoid a bitter taste.

Makes 2 servings

½ cup red quinoa, rinsed

½ cup tricolor or other quinoa, rinsed

2 cups water

1 small red bell pepper, chopped

1 small green bell pepper, chopped

½ cup slow-roasted almonds (see here)

½ cup chopped green onions

1 tablespoon low-sodium wheat-free tamari or coconut aminos

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

¼ teaspoon sea salt

Combine the quinoas and the water in a small saucepan and cook according to the package directions. Transfer to a bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.

Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in the bell peppers, almonds, green onions, tamari, vinegar, cilantro, sesame oil, and salt.

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 500

Fat: 19 grams

Protein: 19 grams

Fiber: 8 grams

Saturated Fat: 1 gram

Carbs: 69 grams

Sodium: 780 mg

Sugars: 6 grams

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 230

Fat: 10 grams

Protein: 23 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams

Carbs: 10 grams

Sodium: 618 mg

Sugars: 2 grams

Goat Cheese Burger Wrap

Okay, this is delicious genius, if I do say so myself. Goat cheese–filled burgers! You can already imagine that cheesy sensation when you sink your teeth into one, can’t you?! Substitute nut cheese for the goat cheese if you’re dairy sensitive. And for extra flavor, grill the tomato slices for 1 minute per side before adding them to your wrap.

Makes 4 servings

Combine the beef, thyme, garlic powder, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and gently mix. Using your hands, form the mixture into four equal balls, and with your index finger make an indentation into the center of each. Fill each with one-quarter of the goat cheese, then pinch the meat to seal. Form each ball into a ¾-inch-thick patty.

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and add the patties. Cook, turning once, 5 to 6 minutes total for medium-rare or longer for your desired doneness.

Place one wrap on each of four plates. Top each wrap with a lettuce leaf, a tomato slice, and a burger. Spread the top of each burger with 1 tablespoon of the mayonnaise. Fold the wrap up and over the burger and serve.

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 440

Fat: 30 grams

Protein: 32 grams

Fiber: 3 grams

Saturated Fat: 13 grams

Carbs: 10 grams

Sodium: 640 mg

Sugars: 4 grams

Lamb Souvlaki with Cultured Coconut Milk Tzatziki

I’m going to go out on a lamb (boo!) and say this popular Greek fast food is about to become a new family favorite. The seasoned lamb is perfectly complemented by the fresh and tangy homemade tzatziki (but hey, the Greeks knew that already!). If you’re okay with dairy, you can sub in an equal amount of plain full-fat Greek-style yogurt for the cultured coconut milk. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Makes 4 servings

Combine the lamb, 2 teaspoons of the oil, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice, the oregano, and the pepper in a medium bowl; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the tzatziki sauce by combining the remaining 2 teaspoons oil, remaining garlic clove, remaining 1 teaspoon lemon juice, the coconut milk, cucumber, lemon zest, and ⅛ teaspoon of the salt in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Preheat the broiler. Lightly dampen a paper towel with olive oil and wipe a broiler pan with it.

Thread the lamb onto four 12-inch skewers. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ teaspoon plus ⅛ teaspoon salt. Set the skewers on the broiler pan. Broil the lamb 5 inches from the heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through, 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the baby greens and the vinaigrette in a large bowl. Divide the salad among four plates and top with the lamb. Spoon the tzatziki over the lamb and serve.

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 520

Fat: 39 grams

Protein: 34 grams

Fiber: 3 grams

Saturated Fat: 13 grams

Carbs: 9 grams

Sodium: 570 mg

Sugars: 4 grams

Mediterranean Salmon Wrap with Caper Dressing

This is just about as exotic as a wrap can get, so treat yourself to the richness of salmon and capers, and don’t even think about the big nutritional boost you’re getting in the bargain. As an alternative, stir 1 teaspoon drained capers, 1 teaspoon chopped shallots, and 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest into 2 tablespoons Sugar Impact Mayonnaise (here) for a quick tartar sauce.

Makes 2 servings

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Rub the oil over the salmon fillets and season with the salt and pepper. Add the salmon to the pan and cook, turning once, until the fish flakes easily with a fork, 9 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and break the salmon into chunks with a fork. Fold in the olives, red pepper, dressing, and lemon zest.

Place one wrap on each of two plates. Top each with half the basil leaves, then spoon half the salmon mixture over the top. Fold the sides of the wrap up and over the salmon mixture and serve.

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 400

Fat: 21 grams

Protein: 36 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Saturated Fat: 7 grams

Carbs: 13 grams

Sodium: 920 mg

Sugars: 3 grams

BLT Wedge Salad with Avocado and Dijon Vinaigrette

This salad version of the classic sandwich meets the criteria for nostalgic satisfaction but adds avocado for a contemporary (and nutritional) touch. Be sure to buy organic iceberg, and if you want a more nutrient dense take on this salad, sub in romaine or butter lettuce (also known as Boston lettuce).

Makes 4 servings

8 slices nitrate-free uncured bacon

1 medium head iceberg lettuce

2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

4 tablespoons Dijon Vinaigrette (here)

½ medium avocado, cut into 12 slices

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 220

Fat: 19 grams

Protein: 8 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams

Carbs: 7 grams

Sodium: 410 mg

Sugars: 3 grams

Ham, Cheddar, Onion, and Jalapeño Quesadillas (Cycles 1/3)

Ham and cheese have a long, happy history together in everything from sandwiches to omelets, but the jalapeños in these quesadillas really add a nice touch of heat to a familiar pairing. If you’re not a fan of cheddar, substitute an equal amount of Jack, Swiss, or goat cheese.

Makes 2 servings

2 teaspoons Malaysian red palm fruit oil

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

½ jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped

2 brown rice tortillas

2 ounces natural cheddar cheese, shredded

4 ounces nitrate-free deli-sliced ham, cut into ¼-inch-wide strips

12 fresh cilantro leaves

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 400

Fat: 20 grams

Protein: 23 grams

Fiber: 3 grabs

Saturated Fat: 9 grams

Carbs: 32 grams

Sodium: 820 mg

Sugars: 3 grams

Classic Greek Salad with Pan-Grilled Chicken and Feta Cheese

Feta cheese usually gets its tangy flavor from sheep’s milk, but it’s sometimes made with goat’s milk, which tends to have a slightly creamier texture. If you’re dairy intolerant, substitute your favorite nut cheese for the feta.

Makes 4 servings

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for the pan

4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast halves, pounded to an even thickness

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

1 seedless cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut into ¾-inch pieces

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled

¼ cup fresh parsley leaves

¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

¾ teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Nutrient Content per Serving

Calories: 250

Fat: 16 grams

Protein: 17 grams

Fiber: 3 grams

Saturated Fat: 4 grams

Carbs: 12 grams

Sodium: 790 mg

Sugars: 5 grams