If you are eating lunch out every day, it’s time to change up your routine for a healthier, cheaper alternative. The most important thing to remember is to build a well-balanced meal that will keep you satisfied and energized until dinner.
Include all the whole foods like nuts, fish and avocado and lean proteins such as turkey breast, beans and if you are vegetarian – some tofu. You can add some complex carbohydrates from whole grains and wide range of vegetables.
Start with trying to wrap up something delicious – get small or medium whole grain tortilla and fill it with lettuce, carrots, and tomatoes and lean turkey breast. Make sure you dry all the vegetables carefully so your tortillas won’t get soggy – bring some plain Greek yogurt with you and make a delicious garlic dip on the spot.
Make a great salad – pick whatever you like – your favorite greens, romaine salad or rocket salad. Add some cucumbers, colored bell peppers, red onions – include chickpeas, edamame beans or some red beans. Make a light dressing from olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a little bit of garlic and spices. Bring some whole grain crackers or some cooked brown rice to top up with some complex carbohydrates.
Add a refreshing tomato gazpacho to go with your salad and increase the portions of fruit and vegetables for your day.
Victory Park Farmer’s Market has a whole range of fruits and vegetables to help you make your lunch delicious. The Victory Park Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the 2900 block of North Sierra Madre Boulevard. Call (626) 449-0179 or visit www.pasadenafarmersmarket.org for more information.
