We are getting so close to Christmas! I can’t wait to be with my family and enjoy our traditions. Do you have any special Christmas traditions with your family, friends, or co-workers? I’d love to hear some.
Upon reflecting on the past months and year of my life I realized how much time I spent on the road. Moving across country definitely put me on the road for a few days and then my current jobs keep me commuting here and there. With all that time on the road I see the difficulty in eating healthy, balanced meals! As it is much easier to grab a quick burrito or sandwich around the corner, I never feel satisfied. Eating out for several days in a row can leave me feeling sluggish and run down. Also, I see the bank account diminishing. However, I have taken upon myself to plan ahead and pack food for the day when I know I’m going to busy. Its NOT easy, I get it! But let me tell you, I feel much more energized through my food choices. Also, it is a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day to know that I took care of myself.
Now, I am not married and do not have any kids, so I am just cooking and preparing for one! Sounds much easier than getting 3 or 4 bodies fed?! Well, it’s almost pain-staking cooking for one. Do I really want to make a full pan of lasagna when I will have a serving for dinner…maybe bring some for lunch the next day…and there is still 2/3 of the pan left? Yes, I can freeze the rest, but I do not want to eating lasagna all winter long! Through the last couple years of my life I have learned to be creative with foods to carry along for my day. I have several staples (i.e. natural peanut butter, tortillas, bread, pesto, cheese, Triscuits, I keep on hand and then mix other foods up depending on sales at the grocery store.
Here are some of my favorite lunches, snacks, and grab-and-go foods:
- Tomato, mozzarella, spinach, avocado, and pesto sandwich (I like to use whole grain English muffins, or Arnold Sandwich Thins)
- Peanut butter and banana sandwich. Drizzle some honey for added sweetness or sprinkle granola inside for some crunch
- Greek yogurt, TLC Kashi Bar, and a piece of fruit
- Carrots, celery or other cut up veggies with hummus
- Bean cheese burrito. Use a whole wheat tortilla, rinsed canned beans, shredded cheese, and a splash of salsa. Warm it up if you have access to a microwave or just eat it cold
- Bed of spinach topped with tuna, dried cranberries, nuts, and feta cheese
- Triscuits, cottage cheese (or cheese chunks), and fruit
- Trail mix. I like to mix raw almonds, dried cranberries, and chocolate chips!
- Sabra to Go
Essentials for lunch on the go:
- A lunch box/bag. Zippers tend to keep the food colder
- Ice packs. You can get a pack of 2 at Target for ~$3
- Various sizes of containers. Cottage cheese, hummus, and take out containers are great for snack and lunch!
Now it’s your turn! Try some of my ideas out or feel free to provide me with your favorite grab-and-go options!
Happy Eating:)
