Travel Week Part II: Lunch

The hard part about eating on-the-go, but not eating fast food, is the planning. In order for you NOT to have to stop and get something, you have to pack something that morning that can stay with you all day. This takes a couple investments....

1. Insulated lunch box (it's not dorky anymore - promise)

2. 2 reusable ice packs (so you can rotate them)

3. Sandwich box (so they don't get smashed)

4. Small Tupperware holders for dips, dressing, etc.

Now, what to pack? It has to be easy to throw together and it has to be something that is going to hold up. Also, you want a carbohydrate source (grain or fruit) for instant energy and a protein source (meat, beans, nuts, or dairy) to keep you full. Here are a couple meals that are easy, convenient, healthy, will hold up in a lunch box, and are also very tasty!

No cooking required:
Deli sandwich with 2% cheese, veggies of your choice (slice of lettuce and tomato), with mustard or light mayo
1 serving of whole fruit (apple, banana, grapes, etc.)
8oz. yogurt

Chicken salad made with one can of canned chicken, 1 tablespoon light mayo, 1 tablespoon sweet relish, salt and pepper to taste
6 whole wheat crackers
1 serving of whole fruit
8oz. yogurt

2 rice cakes with 1 serving of peanut butter on each (put the peanut butter in one of your small Tupperware containers and pack a knife)
1 serving of whole fruit
8oz. yogurt

Spinach salad with diced onion, strawberries, Parmesan cheese, and almonds (put dressing (light raspberry vinaigrette) in small Tupperware container)
2 slices of deli meat (cut each in half) and 1 slice of 2% cheese with 4 whole wheat crackers

Cherry tomato salad with string cheese and Italian dressing. (cut the tomatoes in half and cut the string cheese into small pieces and cover with Italian dressing) - you can sprinkle basil on top for added flavor!
2 slices of deli meat or 1 slice of 2% cheese with 4 whole wheat crackers
8oz. yogurt

Microwave required:

Whole Grain Lean Pocket
1 serving of whole fruit
8oz. yogurt

Leftovers of any kind (lasagna, pizza, chicken dish, pasta) about 1 cup's worth
1 serving of whole fruit

Hot ham and cheese bagel on 2 mini whole wheat bagels - 1-2 slices of ham each with 1/2 slice 2% cheese, microwave.
Small side salad (toppings of your choice) keep dressing separate

Canned vegetable beef soup heated in microwave (need bowl)
1 slice 2% cheese and 4 whole wheat crackers

Hints:
* Use the grocery like a fast-food restaurant. I go to the grocery at lunch to get something from the salad bar, soup bar, freezer section (whole grain lean pockets), or just a quick yogurt. Its not crowded at that time, so I'm in and out! Faster than waiting in the drive through at Burger King. Ugh.
* Pasta salads can be revamped easily. Have some already cooked whole wheat penne pasta in the fridge that you can throw some veggies, cheese, and Italian dressing on whenever you need a quick meal!

If you have any great ideas that you've used in the past, please post them below!!