Lunch Makeovers

Is your lunch looking tired?

 Making healthy homemade dinners on a regular basis is often a daunting task, so when it comes to lunches during a busy workday or when on the go – forget it! Food courts, drive-thru fast food and skipping lunch all together sometimes are an easier option. Every now and then, these options are a real treat, however, bringing your own lunches to work regularly can help your health, energy levels and bank balance!

 The right lunch helps keep hunger levels in check and provides you with fuel for the latter part of your day. When you bring your own lunch you’re more likely to eat more vegetables, consume less fat, salt and sugar and consume appropriate portion sizes.

 Here are some tips to making lunches easier:

 Double up your dinner:

Leftovers can sometimes taste even better the next day for lunch. When possible, make extra food for dinner so it can be used for lunches during the week. Invest in a thermos or microwave proof containers and simply heat and enjoy at your workplace.

Preparation & Planning:

Pack lunches the night before, then you can just grab and go in the morning. Cut a whole bunch of veggies at once and keep them in a container in fridge, this way making salads is a whole lot easier.

Reinventing leftovers:

Don’t get bored eating the same thing again. Leftover pasta can be a great base for a cold pasta salad, add a can of tuna and cold green beans to leftover potatoes and make a salad Nicoise. Chicken can be used to make chicken salad or simply enjoyed cut up on salad. Try this Tex Mex Rice bowl recipe with leftover rice.

TEX MEX RICE BOWL

Ingredients:

½ cup leftover rice

1 cup chopped veggies (red-yellow-orange peppers, avocado, carrots)

¼ cup black beans (or any protein of your choice)

 Directions:

Place rice in a bowl and enjoy hot or cold. Add chopped veggies and your protein on top and drizzle with low fat ranch dressing, a dollop of sour cream or salsa.

Alyssa Rolnick is the Co-Founder of Zax’s Original Creams, Registered Dietitian and Mother of 3 active kids.