Waiting in the supermarket check-out line I flipped through one of those “Lose-weight, staying young, get-the-look-for-less” magazines—not one filled with gossip.  I was entertained learning what my favorite shape said about my personality.

    For fun, I will ask the question, “What shape do you identify with—circle, square, rectangle, or triangle?  Not sure?  Perhaps how you eat your sandwich holds the answer. Read on to discover what how you slice things might reveal about your nutrition and health personality!

No cheating…

    Slicing your sandwich diagonally from corner to corner, or choosing a triangle, reveals focused achievement oriented tendencies--getting from point A to point B. These characteristics typically belong to those in their 20’s and 30’s.  This personality can easily lose sight of the benefits of balancing in 30 minutes of exercise each day, eating regularly and getting enough fruits of vegetables.  Or this personality type may already see the value of eating “nature’s fast food”—low-fat yogurt or yogurt drinks, bottled low-sodium fruit and vegetable juices, and ready-to-eat cut vegetables and fruit from convenience stores, for maximizing their performance and energy.

    With the whole sandwich in one hand, and juggling career and family responsibilities in the other, this type of person depends on the square slices of bread to hold everything together.  Attracted to the square’s balance all four angles and lines of equal value, these people are very aware of the importance of de-stressing throughout the day, getting exercise whenever, wherever and however you can—knowing it all adds up, and the importance of eating a variety of foods from all food groups.

    Sandwiches simply cut in half from side to side may have seemed boring as a kid, but it’s a commonly preferred shape for the 40 something crowd, could mean changes are happening.  Being fond of rectangles could also appeal to those who do things their way.  So, as the rest of your world is reshaping, why not re-shape yourself.  Make a plan that fits your way with fun activities that keep you moving and the “right” amount of energy and not too much fat.  Stack your sandwich with a rainbow of your favorite fresh, grilled and marinated vegetables.  Select deli meats low in fat—try herbed rubbed and pepper encrusted to a zestful taste.

    Thinking round?  Wrap your hands a-round the world by building you next “Dagwood” on a bun or roll.  Understanding the importance of harmony in a world of difference—usually a sign of a very seasoned mind, a bun is the perfect base for fusing a variety of ethnic flavors into an all-inclusive, low-fat sandwich.  Spice up basics by adding hot chilies, sliced spicy-refreshing pickled ginger, or tangy sauerkraut.  Blend spices and herbs into fat-free mayonnaise—fresh basil, a sprinkle of garlic powder, and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary…blend cumin, chili powder and a squeeze of fresh lime…or cranberries and jalapenos.  Enjoy the flavors.

    Though this health personality test may be oversimplified and silly, I saw threads of my health in each of the shapes.  Regardless of your shape preference, the timeless importance of good health is in the shape, and for the sake, of a heart.

Try this on your next sandwich.