Breadless Sandwiches

My husband and I just got back from our two week annual sailing vacation.  We went to our favorite Penobscot Bay, visiting Belfast, Islesboro, Southwest Harbor, Somesville, Stonington,  Brooksville, and North Haven Island's Pulpit Harbor where we sat out Hurricane Danny.  In all these places we got off and hiked up beautiful trails to points overlooking the bay.  I love to look at gardens on these walks, because vegetation always looks better by the water.  Must be the salt air.

    We were careful to keep up our exercise because my husband is heading into a hip-replacement in November, and the best way to prepare for those is to get as thin and strong as you can.  So W.'s going to the gym, too. 

    We dieted during the cruise, because we always come off of these sailing vacations at least five pounds heavier.  W. always defends what I see as a lack of exercise when aboard, by pointing out that your body is always compensating for the boat's rocking back and forth.  This maintaining equilibrium, he says, is exercise. 

    Well, it's not vigorous enough to keep us from gaining weight, so this time we made some rules.  No drinking before 6pm, no sugar (except for the "natural" sugars in rum), and no bread.  I thus invented the breadless sandwich, because sandwiches are clutchable up on deck while you're easing out lines or winching them in.  Anything you eat with a fork is in the way on deck.

    Breadless Sandwiches

    Place two romaine lettuce leaves on a plate with long edges aligned about an inch apart.  Place two slices of lunchmeat (ham, turkey, roast-beef) atop the lettuce, and spread with mustard, pesto, or thin coat of mayonnaise, to taste.  Top with two slices of provolone or havarti cheese.  If you're not under sail, you can top these with a thin-sliced tomato.  Fold the two lettuce leaves in half lengthwise over the filling, breaking their spines.  Pick up the sandwich, hold tight, and bite.  Ummm; crunchy, tasty, and all that protein will hold you till dinner.

    And guess what?  We came off the boat each one and a half pounds lighter!    

Comments

[Tabor]

Congratualtions dearie! Impressed by your dedication. They do give sailors more calories when over water as the rocking and rolling does seem to burn more calories. But they are also working and not enjoying fishing or sunsets! We just got back from hiking in the rockies. Averaged about 6 miles a day, but I do not think I lost a pound! Waiting for my PC from repair to upload a FEW of the many photos.