Sunday, February 9, 2014

Lunch Made Easy

(Image courtesy of StarsApart)

Between work obligations, personal interests and all other manner of meetings and activities that fill your schedule, it can be tough to make sure that you get to sit down for lunch most days. Often on our busiest days it seems easiest to just stop by a drive-thru and grab an order of fries - but is that the best way to stay healthy? Making sure that you have a balanced meal during the day will make you more productive and will keep you feeling like you're on the top of your game.

With a little planning, lunches don't have to be rushed. Take the time the night before a busy day to put together one the items on this lunch menu from renters.apartments.com and you'll be ready to chow down whenever you have a moment to sneak a bite to eat. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Veggie-Stack Pita Pockets

Vegetarian- and kid-friendly, veggie-stack pita pockets are filled with lean protein and tons of nutrients.

Ingredients:
  • 10 to 12 whole-wheat pita minis, lightly toasted if desired
  • 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup grated manchego or pecorino romano cheese
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 ripe Hass avocado, pitted and sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, sliced
  • 2 tsps. freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Directions:

Mix together chickpeas, cheese, water, lemon juice, salt and red pepper flakes in a food processor and puree until the mixture becomes smooth. Leave the food processor on and pour in olive oil until fully mixed. Season with freshly ground pepper. Spoon the bean spread onto the toasted pitas. Add avocado, cucumbers and additional vegetables of your choice, and your healthy lunch is ready to enjoy.

2. Chili-Spiced Salmon Salad

At just 283 tiny calories, the chili-spiced salmon salad is surprisingly packed with delicious flavor.

Ingredients:
  • 4 oz. canned salmon
  • 3 cups Bibb lettuce, torn into pieces
  • 1 pink grapefruit, sectioned
  • 2 slices red onion
  • 1/4 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup canned beets, drained and diced
  • 10 pistachio nuts, shelled and chopped
Directions:

Combine dressing ingredients into a food processor and mix until smooth. Mix together salmon, lettuce, grapefruit, avocado, onion and beets into a large bowl. Toss with dressing. Sprinkle with pistachios and enjoy the natural energy!

3. Curry Chicken Lettuce Cups

Want to (literally) spice up that boring chicken salad sandwich? Try this adventurous and guilt-free dish!

Ingredients:
  • 1 package split chicken breasts
  • 8 large leaves Bibb lettuce
  • 3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 2 tbsps. mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp. curry powder
  • 2 tsps. water
  • 1/4 tbsp. kosher salt
  • Optional garnishes: golden raising, chopped scallions, slivered almonds, fresh basil
Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and place chicken breasts on a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil. Coat chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake concoction for 40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Remove from oven and set aside. Once the chicken has cooled, discard the skin and take the breast meat off of the bone. Chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. Place the mixture in a large bowl with the diced pepper.

In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, salt, curry powder, and water. Add dressing to chicken and peppers. Measure half cups of the chicken mixture into each lettuce cup and have fun experimenting with various garnishes, or simply enjoy as is.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but that doesn't mean lunch doesn't play a role in your health and well-being also. These three recipes can help give you the energy need to get through the day, while staying on schedule. More importantly, these meals help you stay healthy all day.

References:

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