The majority of us are at school, work, or on the road during the day and when lunchtime hunger strikes, we are ready to grab any food we come across. This often results in not-so-healthy meal choices. This section showcases recipes for sandwiches, such as Spicy Moong Burrito and Hunter Beef Sandwich. They are just some examples of the types of foods you can prepare at home and pack as a part of a nutritious lunch. A healthy homemade lunch will keep you from relying on junk food machines and fast food lines, and will give you the energy you need to get through the day. Bringing a lunch from home also saves the time it takes to drive to a restaurant and wait in line. It also costs a lot less.
While recent legislative changes have resulted in healthier school lunches, packing lunch for school-age children is still a great idea, and it doesn’t have to be an ordeal. Involve kids in the selection of healthy options and the packing of their lunches. If they feel in control of what they eat, they’re more likely to eat it. Make sure they include some whole grains (crackers, breads), protein (lean meats, hummus, beans), a fruit, a vegetable and a healthy drink (water, skim milk, 100% juice). While you’re making lunch for the kids, take time to make your own, too.
When packing your lunch, here are some tips:
- Plan ahead! Be sure to include lunch items in your weekly grocery list. Purchase items that are easy to pack and carry to work.
- Pack your lunch for the following day before you go to bed. If it is ready, then you just have to grab it from the refrigerator on your way out in the morning.
- Keep lunch simple but varied. While some people enjoy the same peanut butter and jelly sandwich every day, most of us would get bored without variety. Include a variety of textures and tastes. Experiment with different types of whole grain breads, healthy spreads and dips such as hummus or salsa and alter the fruits and vegetables you pack.
- If you have access to a fridge at work, use it to store salad and sandwich ingredients and assemble
a fresh salad or sandwich at lunch time.
