
Lunch used to be my least favorite meal. Lunch foods aren't my favorite. I never felt like making anything; I would usually just end up warming up left overs or ordering out. Sometimes I would even fore-go lunch all together because I disliked it so much. I know, its weird to dislike lunch but I just had a hard time with it. Since I've started working out mid-morning, lunch has become and incredibly important meal to me! I need something to boost my energy to get me though the rest of the day. No more skipping this meal or I would end up face flat in my bed while my 4 year old terrorizes his sister and the dogs; not good! I went to the store and let my mind wander, looking for different things I thought I could eat for lunch (this does not include freezer meals). I came across some whole grain pita pockets and that's all she wrote; those were my inspiration! I make a couple different sandwiches in those pita pockets and I also eat them as a side to salads. Since I've made a point to eat a nutritious lunch, I have noticed that I have a lot more energy in the afternoons and feel refreshed after my workout instead of drained.
Avocado Chicken Salad
I'm sorry, but mayo is
gross. Actually, I'm not sorry. I have never been a fan and I never will be. Plus, its yucky for you. I'm not going to work out and then go eat mayo- gross. Therefore I decided to make chicken salad using avocado instead! It's creamy, so it works in the chicken salad just like mayo, its the perfect, healthy substitute!
Serves: 2
2 whole grain pita pockets
1/2 cup spinach
1 can chicken breast meat or one cooked chicken breast, shredded.
1/2 to 1 whole avocado
1 tsp spicy dijon mustard
1/2 tsp lime juice (pickle juice works well here too)
1/4 cup green grapes, halved or quartered
1/8-1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/8-1/4 cup slivered almonds (or your favorite nut)
1/2 tsp fresh dill, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
Empty the can of chicken into a bowl, along with the avocado. Mix together until the avocado is completely mashed and combined with the chicken. Add the dijon mustard, grapes, cranberries, almonds, dill, salt and pepper. Mix until combined. Stuff in pita pocket with fresh spinach.
Spinach Salad with Chicken
I don't eat salads. I don't like lettuce and I can never find a dressing that I like. Have you all noticed I'm a little bit of a picky eater? I wish I could eat salad for every meal....ah I'd be so skinny! Unfortunately for me my sweet tooth is too large and in charge to allow that to happen. I am trying really hard to get back into shape after having Elliette and I've gotta eat better if that's going to happen. SO, I decided to try to make myself a salad today. I went with spinach as its much better for you and I prefer the taste much more over than of regular lettuce. I topped it with cooked chicken, some bacon bits, chopped broccoli and cauliflower, feta cheese and a homemade dressing. Mine was more chicken than anything else because my diet seriously lacks protein; but you can cut back, add on, or substitute whatever you like on your salad!
Serves: 1
1 cup spinach
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/4 cup chopped broccoli and cauliflower
2 pieces bacon, chopped
1 Tbsp feta cheese
Dressing (see recipe below)
I cooked the chicken up in some of the dressing to give it flavor, then just tossed all the ingredients together. I don't really need to give you directions on how to make a salad, do I?! ;-)
Dressing
1 Tbsp honey mustard
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp canola oil
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp parsley
1/4 tsp rosemary
Whisk all ingredients together until well combined, toss with your favorite greens.
*This is also a delicious marinade!*
Fruit and Oatmeal Smoothie
This is cool, tart and refreshing and the perfect lunch pairing to give you that extra boost!
Serves: 1
1 & 1/2 cups chopped fruit
1/4 cup nonfat milk
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup whole grain oats
handful of ice cubes
Add everything into a blender and blend until smooth.
You can use whatever fruits you want! I had some left over "fruit salad" that I had diced up this past weekend that needed to be used. Mine is a combination of raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and peaches. It was really delicious!
If you are in a lunch time rut, I hope you try these recipes!