Lunches

January 27, 2003

Totally random question is some ways but I was wondering how many people who work outside the home prepare their lunch the night before they need it? I know that when I don't do this I am 10 times more likely to go out to eat costing me much more money and calories that I do not need regardless of what my weight is. Most nights I end up with a salad for dinner and about once a week I prepare containers for all of the things I use on salads, soy and other beans, corn, red peppers, I roast tomato's once a week too as well as steam carrots and occasionally beets though I have taken to getting them canned lately since the cost is less and the waste is less since I often do not end up eating the greens.I have found that having prepared foods and only having to tear up some lettuce and then put a spoonful or two of everything into a big bowl really helps since I live alone and don't have to make a different meal for a family every night. My passion is cooking but it's a matter of what to do with everything and eat it all in time before it goes.

I also keep frozen containers of homemade things like chili in lunch size portions so that if I forget to make lunch the night before I already know that I have something healthy to just pull out and run with. And I'm not fond of soup (I prefer anything like a stew or chili to the watery texture of soup) but I keep and emergency can in my desk drawer just in case. I make sure that I get lunch out once every one or two weeks so that any cravings are curbed. they make a wonderful grilled veggie hoagie around the corner ... definitely has more calories and fat but I see absolutely nothing wrong with splurging here and there.

I know that we had discussed lunch ideas before but what are any tips and tricks that you all have to make getting that healthy lunch smoother? I'm sure your comments would be appreciated by all.

Allison MurpheyAdministrative AssistantPlanned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania(412) 434-8957