Post Workout Grilled Cheese & Fig Sandwich

Thanks to some amazing food trucks, gourmet grilled cheeses are having a moment. While they sound delicious, I would be lying if I said I actually ordered them. I’d rather make my own using healthier alternatives like fresh fruit instead of sugary preserves, coconut oil instead of butter, Ezekial bread over processed garbage and portion controlled amounts of cheese. With these swaps, a grilled cheese doesn’t have to be a “cheat” meal but really a perfect snack before or after a workout! When I went sent The Laughing Cow’s newest wedge flavor, White Cheddar, I knew I had to experiment with one of my favorite combinations, fig and cheddar.

One wedge has only 35 calories, 1.5 g of fat and 2 g of protein. It also is enough to totally cover a slice of bread. I decided to make a little workout snack so I just used one wedge and one slice of bread. Whole Foods turned me onto the fig and cheddar pairing with their delicious samples or fig jam by the antipasto bar. Last week, I bought fresh figs for the first time ever at Trader Joe’s. I can’t believe I held out this long. I was really missing out. I love dried figs, but the fresh ones are most satisfying and surprisingly juicy. I’m an Ezekial bread gal so choosing what to put my grilled cheese on was a no brainer. There are 80 calories in one slice plus 4g of protein and 14 g of carbs, 3 g are fiber.

I sliced the figs as fine as I could and layer them on top of the cheese spread nicely. This would have tasted fine without the grilling process.

I only placed them on one side of the Ezekial bread because I planned to fold it over. If you were to use two pieces of bread for a lunch or fun breakfast, I would use 2 wedges and 2 fresh figs. 

I sprayed the pan that was heating up on medium heat with my Trader Joe’s Coconut Oil cooking spray and then placed the decorated slice of bread on top for about 3-5 minutes. 

After it was crispy, I cut the slice of now toast in half and smooshed the sides together for a creamy and delicious smelling treat!

The toast was slightly burnt because I lost track of time answering emails but I like my sandwiches grilled well. 

This is a great little snack to have before or after a workout with a great protein to carb ratio that will help rebuild your muscles and also restore your energy levels without being too heavy. You can have this even for breakfast or as a mid day snack if you work from home like me. If you are on the Tone It Up diet plan this recipe is good for meals 1, 2, or 3.

Total nutrition: 145 calories, 3 g fat, 20 g carbs, 6g protein, 5g sugar, 4g of fiber.

Editor note that you already know but the FTC makes me include here: I am an official brand advocate for Bel Brands in 2013. While I receive compensation for participation as a brand advocate, opinions are my own.