We are bringing Sandwich Month to a close Kim.

As Glen and I transitioned toward more plant-based eating, we quickly realized something interesting:

Much of the world outside the United States has long embraced more plant-forward meals and flavors.

Because of that, international cuisines have often become our greatest source of inspiration. When we choose to eat out, global restaurants are usually the easiest places to find delicious options without needing a long list of modifications.

And honestly, that is part of the fun for me.

If I am going out to eat, I want to experience something I have never made before or maybe never even heard of. Food has a beautiful way of expanding our perspectives and connecting us to cultures and traditions beyond our own kitchens.

Sandwiches especially lend themselves to creativity around the world. Different cultures bring their own breads, wraps, fillings, sauces, spices, and textures to the table.

So this week, I would love to take you on a little culinary journey around the globe—one delicious handheld at a time.

A World Full of Flavor

Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and many other parts of the world have historically embraced meals that are naturally more plant-forward. Sometimes this developed from cultural traditions, religious practices, sustainability, affordability, or simply making the most of locally available ingredients.

And with those traditions came an incredible variety of breads and handheld foods that function very much like sandwiches.

Some notable examples include:

• Fried green plantains from Venezuela
• Arepas made from ground maize in Colombia and Venezuela
• Nori wraps in Japan
• Naan in India
• Injera from Ethiopia
• Pitas throughout Greece and the Middle East
• Armenian lavash
• Irish soda bread
• Roti in Malaysia and Singapore
• Ciabatta from Italy
• French baguettes
• Dense rye breads from Denmark and Scandinavia

And the fillings?
The possibilities are endless.

Many global cuisines naturally highlight:

• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Hummus
• Falafel
• Jackfruit
• Tofu
• Mushrooms
• Fresh vegetables
• Pickled vegetables
• Roasted vegetables
• Grilled vegetables
• Flavorful sauces and spices

What I love most is that these meals are often deeply satisfying without relying heavily on processed ingredients. They celebrate texture, herbs, spices, freshness, and creativity.

It is a beautiful reminder that healthy eating does not have to feel limiting.

Sometimes it simply means expanding our palate and being willing to explore.

Some of Our Favorite Local Global Finds

One of the joys of food is discovering local restaurants that bring these international flavors to life.

Some of our Charleston favorites include:

• Platia for their Greek-inspired falafel pita
• Mazal for their Israeli sabich and falafel pita
• Huriyali which serves a wonderful plant-forward take on the Vietnamese bánh mì

And when we travel back to Lancaster, Pennsylvania:

• Empanada Gourmet brings us delicious Uruguayan-inspired empanadas
• Rachel's Café & Creperie offers a unique French-inspired handheld experience that definitely stretches the definition of “sandwich” in the best way possible

Trying foods from different cultures can be such a fun and approachable way to expand healthy eating without feeling restricted.

Coming up in September...

As summer begins to give way to autumn, we're reminded that change is one of life's few constants. The seasons around us quietly shift, just as our own lives do through different stages of health, relationships, careers, family, loss, growth, and new beginnings. While change can feel unsettling, it also offers opportunities to pause, reflect, and grow.

Throughout September, we'll explore what each season of the year can teach us about caring for our bodies, renewing our minds, strengthening our faith, and embracing life's changing seasons with hope and purpose. Wherever you find yourself today, I hope you'll join me as we discover how God faithfully walks with us through every season.

Connect

You have heard about a few of our favorite places—now I would love to hear yours.

What are your favorite local sandwich spots or international flavors?

Feel free to email me back, schedule a virtual coffee chat, or join me for a local coffee chat sometime.

And if you are ready to chart a new course for your health and need someone to help navigate alongside you, I would love to help you find your way through a Find Your Energy Discovery Session.

Quote of the Week

“Your health is what you make of it. Everything you do and think either adds to the vitality, energy, and spirit you possess or takes away from it.” – Ann Wigmore

May your joyful life be sandwiched in love,

Kim

Hopeandhealinglifestyle.com

kim@hopeandhealinglifestyle.com