What’s for Lunch? How to pack a delicious, nutritious, yet easy lunch!
October 11, 2013
By Kristen Tice, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
October 11, 2013
Think working through lunch makes you a good employee? Wrong! Research actually shows those employees who skimp on lunch are less productive and more irritable. According to Right Management, a human resources firm, only a third of Americans are actually taking a lunch break! That’s a lot of unproductive, mean people in our society! Could this be you?
What’s worse is this no-lunch syndrome even affects doctors who are making life or death decisions for us when we are sick! A study published in the Journal of Nutrition, interviewed a group of doctors who admitted to making decisions more slowly, feeling irritable, emotionally drained and unable to concentrate when they didn’t eat lunch. However, when educated on the benefits of eating lunch regularly, the doctors reported performing better at work and improved moods when they did eat. Who do you want operating on you when you’re under the knife?
To keep energy levels up and avoid afternoon crashes, every meal needs to be balanced and this includes lunch. Eating a lunch that includes whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and a fruit or a vegetable helps to regulate blood sugar levels. This prevents extreme hunger that can lead to overeating, fatigue, mood swings, a decline in metabolic rate and ultimately weight gain. I bet you’re now saying I don’t have time to pack something like that! or I don’t have time at lunch to run out to grab something, and besides, where am I going to find a healthy meal like that?!
Don’t worry, I’ve heard them all before and I’m here to help! By taking advantage of your grocery store’s healthy pre-prepped items, a quick and healthy lunch is possible! Need more motivation? By packing your own lunch you can save yourself $25-50 and 3,000 calories per week! Check out the plate below for some quick and easy options for each food group- pick one from each group.
Try this delicious recipe for your next lunch!
Naan bread brushed topped with red pepper spread (found in produce section of Publix), sautéed spinach, goat cheese and chicken.
For more tips and help with your own personal nutrition plan, visit www.EliteNutritionandPerformance.com
Kristen Tice, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Registered Sports Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer
[email protected]
803-200-2506
www.EliteNutritionandPerformance.com
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