Phit Cuisine 11/7: Wrap it Up - I'll take it!!

Wraps came up on the boards this week as an awesome Phit Phood.  They deserve their own blog! Check out these wrap-facts and recipes and start making them a staple part of your PnP diet!

A wrap is a variant of a taco or burrito which includes traditional sandwich fillings wrapped in a pita or soft flour tortilla, a lavash or other soft flatbread. The wrap, also known as a "tortilla panacea," has gained popularity as a low-carbohydrate alternative to sandwiches made with bread.  It's how we can have our bread and eat it too!  (Note: we recommend saving starch carbs for the post workout timeframe, which is the 3 hour window after working out.)

Wraps have recently become popular with burger and sandwich restaurants. The tortilla is similar in size to those used for burritos. Sometimes the tortillas are flavored, such as low-carb, spinach-herb, chipotle, or tomato-basil.  Most grocery stores carry at least the plain ones; many carry several varities.  Read the labels carefully because the addition of various seasonings also can change the nutrient profile.  Also, different brands have different tastes and quality.  My personal preference is for Toufayan and Master's Choice (the A&P generic brand).  

We recommend eating a protein and healthy carb with each meal.  Wraps are a great way to make that happen as you can easily add your protein source to the wrap.   

Wraps are also a good way to get kids to eat more whole grains - they are more apt to try the wrap than the bread, in some cases.

Creative Ways and Recipes for Wraps and Tortillas:

• Put one in the over and toast until crispy.  Break into pieces and dip into salsa, hummus or guac for a "dorito" alternative. 
  
• Make your own "pizza" by topping a wrap with chicken (pre cooked), low fat cheese, veggies and tomato sauce.  Bake until the cheese is melted.  
  
• Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup (WW recipe)
• Having a salad?  Put it in a wrap!! Dressing and all!  Salad Wraps are delicious!
• Beans, cheese and salsa wrap (warm up beans first, then add cheese so it melts.  Delish!)
• Lunchmeat and veggies wrap - I use Boar's Head low sodium meats.  Throw a little low-fat ranch dressing on for extra taste.  
• Turkey burger, cut up with desired toppings.  I had this for dinner last night with some FAGE, Salsa and Cheese. It was very, very good!
• Shredded chicken wrap with balsamic vingear, red onion and shredded lettuce.  I have this at least once a week.
• Put your eggs on a wrap!  Scramble some eggs/egg whites, add a little cheese and turkey bacon (if desired).  Throw it on the wrap.  SO GOOD!