There are many reasons you might need to be packing your lunch.  Work, school, traveling or a long conference.  There are also those of us, like myself,  with allergies who need a safe meal they can eat and many feel more comfortable bringing their own.   It can also just be personal preference.  Whatever the reason is, we can get stuck in a rut and need some new ideas!     Packing a lunch doesn't have to hard or complicated.  I'm all about simple and easy--while also being healthy and nutritious!  Here are some ideas for what to put in your lunch box; You can mix and match to make so many combos!

Protein.  You definitely need it.  It builds muscle, helps us feel full longer and is used by the body for energy.   Here is a list of possible proteins you can easily pack to take along for the day. 

Sausage
Chicken leg
Chicken pancake
Chicken Salad
Salmon chunks or Salmon Salad
Bacon
Salami
Lunch meat
Burger
Meatballs or Meatloaf
Epic Brand Meat Bar (or some other protein bar)
Deviled Eggs
Hard Boiled Eggs
Protein Balls
Fat Bombs

Choose one of these options as your protein for your lunch and then add 1 or 2 of the following Vegetable Options:

Cherry Tomatoes
Kale Chips
Peas (frozen or fresh)
Kale Salad with Raisins
Carrots Slices or Sticks
Celery Sticks
Jicama
Red Pepper Slices
Cucumber Slices
Frozen Veggie Mix like carrots and peas
Nori Seaweed
Cauliflower
Spinach Salad 
Cole Slaw

You also need a Fruit option for a little sweetness and Fiber!  Here are some options:
Berries--Strawberries, Blueberries or Raspberries
Pineapple Chunks
1/2 Banana
Date Pieces
Freeze Dried Fruit
Fruit Leather
Gelatin Gummies
Date Balls
Apple, Pear or Mango Sauce
Avocado Slices (add to chicken salad or to a sandwich or wrap)

Don't completely skip the carbs, but do choose a healthier option like one of these:
Sweet Potato Chips
Carrot Chips
Rice Cubes
Crackers*
Pretzels*
Cold Pasta Salad*
Chickpea Roasted Snack
Quinoa Cakes
Bean Burgers
Beans
Hummus
Yogurt cup, tube or another Non Dairy Yogurt

*These can also be found Gluten Free

If you have other ideas, share them in the comments!  I also welcome questions too!  

It’s inevitable.  At some point, you will need to eat out.  This could be dinner with friends, family, or both.  It could also be due to travel or vacation.   You need to be prepared so you can make good choices.   Be proactive, not reactive or you will likely  throw your hands up and say “Cheat meal!” or “Cheat week!”  and you will be cheating—-cheating yourself mostly.   I’m here with some tips to help you stay on track even when ordering from a menu instead of cooking in your kitchen.  

1.  Keep it simple.   Don’t order the messy sandwich or the entrée covered in sauce.  You will spend most of the meal making sure you don’t drip your meal on your shirt or lap instead of being able to enjoy the time and relax.  Choose something you could make at home. 

2.  Keep it real.   I’m taking about portions.  The size of meals in restaurants these days are out of control and way oversized which is one of the causes of weight gain.   Ask for a take home box to be brought with your meal when it’s ready.   Immediately put half of it in the box to take home then enjoy the other half at the restaurant.  BONUS:  You have lunch the next day!  You just got 2 meals for the price of one.

3.  Keep it green.  Order a salad rich in dark green leafy lettuces like spinach and arugula, topped with lots of colorful veggies.  Eat this while waiting on your main course so you are sure to get some veggies in!  AND order triple the veggies with your main course and skip the starchy sides!

4.  Keep it grilled—or roasted.  Skip the fried foods.   Ask for it to be grilled or roasted instead.  Most restaurants will accommodate special requests.  You just have to ASK.

5.  Keep informed.   Check the menu from your home computer or smart phone.    A little preparation goes a long way.   If there aren't any options you like then you can choose a different restaurant before arriving.  

6.  Keep reading (between the lines)  Any menu description that uses the words creamy, breaded, crisp, sauced, or stuffed is likely loaded with hidden fats—much of it saturated or even trans fats. It is not likely they are using coconut or avocado oil.  Other “beware of” words include: buttery, sautéed, pan-fried, au gratin, Thermidor, Newburg, Parmesan, cheese sauce, scalloped, and au lait, à la mode, or au fromage (with milk, ice cream, or cheese).

7.  Keep the table clear—-of the bread basket.  Tell the waiter/waitress not to bring it.  This is unhealthy carbs that spike blood sugar and load on the pounds plus fill you up with non-nutritive ingredients.   Keep your appetite for the main course which you have carefully selected. 

8.  Keep the soda (AWAY from the table!)  Opt for water instead!  But don’t fill up on it; This slows down digestion.  Drink before you eat and take sips during your meal.

9.  Keep the sweets in the kitchen.   Don’t order dessert.   Just don’t. 

10.  Keep swimming.. Try the fish!  Just make sure it’s wild caught and not farmed (yuck)  Farmed fish are more likely to be genetically modified and/or fed GMO feed.   Ewwww! 

Truthfully, there aren’t a lot of options for those of us looking for making wise decisions about what we consume, but I do believe that’s changing.   If you’re traveling look for local places;  It’s not a guarantee, but many local restaurant owners will often source their food from local farmers. Jason’s Deli, is a chain, but has some healthier options.  Their salad bar is pretty awesome!  Chipotle and Panera are some good options as well. 
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Happy eating!  Remember, be a good steward of the body you’ve been given and it will serve you well!

 Lori