Italian Bread (1 Slice, Large (4 1/2 Inches X 3 1/4 Inches X 3/4 Inches))

Reduce the Italian bread portion—try one small slice or an open-faced serving—and avoid having it as the main carbohydrate at the meal.

Eat the bread alongside protein and fat, such as eggs, tuna, chicken, tofu, avocado, or unsweetened Greek yogurt, rather than eating it alone.

Add a generous serving of non-starchy vegetables first, such as a salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, broccoli, or zucchini; use olive-oil-based dressing.

Choose a denser, higher-fiber bread when possible, such as a small portion of sourdough or a whole-grain bread made with intact grains and seeds.

Pair the bread with fiber-rich toppings or sides such as hummus, lentils, or beans, while keeping the bread serving modest.

Take a 10–20 minute easy walk after the meal and avoid pairing the bread with sugary drinks, dessert, or another large starch serving.