By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
We’ve all long been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that we should really think carefully about the foods that we choose for breakfast. However, registered dieticians are noting that lunch is just as important, if not more because it is the meal that gets us through that “afternoon slump” of our day.
Lunch prep is important for the working adult.
Instead of just going for convenience for lunch or skipping it altogether, registered dieticians Lauren Manaker and Frances Largeman-Roth suggest aiming for a meal that has a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Getting the right amount of nutrition during midday helps to keep you satisfied until dinner and keeps you from binge-eating snacks later in the afternoon.
Planning for a healthy and complete meal for lunch can take a little bit of extra time and planning, but here are some quick and easy meal ideas suggested by dieticians.
- Salads
- Bento boxes
- Fruit and veggie smoothies
- Sandwiches
- Soup
Another idea that they suggest is taking advantage of some pre-made items, such as pre-cooked quinoa or brown rice cups, bagged salad mix, or leftovers from last night’s dinner. Prepping the next day’s lunch the night before can also help to save time the next morning.
Ensuring that you eat a healthy and nutritious lunch is vital to ensuring that you don’t overeat later and that you have plenty of energy to get through the remainder of your day.
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Quick, Easy Tips for Work Lunches