wraps

Wraps seem like a healthier option than a traditional sandwich since they're not made with thick slices of bread, but depending on what you fill yours with, they can end up being a huge plate of calories and fat. Whether ordering a wrap at your local cafe or rolling one up at home, keep these tips in mind.

• Choose your wrap wisely: There are a whole range of flavors from spinach to sun-dried tomato, and even though these seem to offer extra veggies, they're often made with enriched flour. Be a label reader and ensure the first ingredient in your wrap is a fiber-filled whole grain.
• Use veggies as wraps: For even fewer calories, use greens such as chard, romaine, or spinach. Check out this recipe for veggie chard wraps, or get a little creative by using cucumber as the wrap.
• Experiment with protein: Make the texture of your wrap more exciting and up the nutritional content by getting creative with proteins you normally wouldn't wrap up. For a thick and chewy texture, add flavored tempeh as in these kale avocado wraps with spicy miso-dipped tempeh. Grilled fish or hard-boiled eggs are another tasty protein-packed addition, or go for baked tofu, beans, and even cooked whole grains.

Read on for more tips for healthier wraps.

While shopping around LA, Ashlee Simpson amped up her basics when she wore a colorful geometric Tucker kimono, scalloped Chloé flats ($450), a black Hermés bag, and pork pie hat along with her simple white tee and gray skinny jeans. Her exact wrap isn't available, but if you love the print, you can score the same Tucker print in a dress ($359), maxi skirt ($357), or tie-neck blouse ($274) here. Channel Ashlee's urban-hip style by layering a geometric kimono over your basics, then finish off with classic flats, killer sunglasses, and a quirky topper.

Avocados are a natural pairing with black beans, but the creamy healthy fruit also goes well with white beans. This recipe highlights the two ingredients by combining them into a mashed filling for a flavorful wrap. The wrap is seasoned with a simple cider and spicy chipotle chiles in adobo vinaigrette. It's the perfect on-the-go vegetarian meal. Since there's no mayonnaise, the vegetable-stuffed wrap is also great for picnics. Want the recipe? Get it now.

If you're looking for a simple but versatile vegetarian recipe, stop your searching! This roasted vegetable wrap recipe is quick, uncomplicated, and totally adaptable.

All you do is roast some veggies, layer 'em in a wrap, fold, and voilà, dinner is done. Use whatever vegetables you prefer and if you dislike mayonnaise, skip the garlic mayo step.

For additional flavor and heft, consider adding in cheese, fresh herbs, or beans. Learn the method that you'll use over and over again after the break.

Even after tearing through tandoori-style chicken burgers yesterday, I've still got a hankering for foreign flavors. I don't have too much time to dedicate to dinner tonight, but I've discovered a recipe that satisfies my spice quotient — and makes use of my leftover chicken thighs.

There are few entrées that engage the senses quite like Peking duck, with its shimmery, crackling skin, which gets rolled up with sweet hoisin sauce and fragrant scallions in a steaming-hot pancake. This imperial duck dish takes a long time to make, but I've found a variation with chicken, plums, and tortillas that's a fraction of the prep time. Get the super simple recipe now.

When the weather is gorgeous, who wants to waste time in the kitchen? This no-cook recipe is ideal for hot Summer nights because it comes together quickly and is 100 percent portable. It does, however, require a food processor or blender to make the thick artichoke-chickpea hummus-style spread. To create the crunchy slaw, shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper are tossed with a yogurt, lemon juice, and parsley dressing.

Folded into a soft flour tortilla, the two elements make a filling, flavorful vegetarian meal. Check out the recipe and keep reading