Packed Lunches: Take Control of Your Midday Meal

In a world where convenience often trumps health, the humble packed lunch for adults is making a powerful comeback. Say goodbye to the siren call of ultra-processed “meal deals” and take control of your midday meal. Not only does bringing your own lunch put you in charge of what goes into your body, but it can also save you money while promoting better overall health.

Those enticing meal deals often lead us down a slippery slope. A seemingly innocent pre-packed sandwich, soft drink, and a snack can quickly turn into a heap of ultra-processed foods that wreak havoc on our health. Here’s a glimpse into the repercussions of such choices:

Many purchased lunches can send your blood sugar levels on a rollercoaster ride. This can result in:

• Weight gain
• Increased appetite
• Cravings for quick-fix snacks, coffees and sugary drinks in the afternoon
• Lower energy levels
• Poor concentration
• Reduced productivity

These undesirable effects occur because purchased lunches tend to be high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, lacking in fibre, vegetables and adequate protein. The resulting spike in blood sugar is often followed by a crash, leaving you feeling drained and less focused.

When you are buying meals on the go, remember that profit comes before quality and nutritional value. Ingredients lists can be a revealing read, highlighting that many purchased lunches fail to provide the recommended proportions of protein, healthy fats, vegetables, fibre, and wholegrains for a balanced diet.

To ensure your packed lunch is a nutritional powerhouse, we recommend following the PFF (Protein, Fats, Fibre) method, focusing on these essential food groups:

Lean Proteins

Proteins are the body’s building blocks and play a crucial role in muscle tissue, repair, and the production of essential enzymes and hormones. They also help stabilise blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full longer.

• Aim for a portion of meat or fish around 100g or slightly less for cheese.
• Supplement with plant proteins like edamame beans, chickpeas, lentils, or tofu.
• Consider adding oily fish to your lunch for omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for brain and nervous tissue.

Vegetables

Vegetables are nutrient powerhouses packed with fibre and phytonutrients, acting as antioxidants in the body. Their fibre content slows down energy release, keeping you satisfied and focused throughout the afternoon.

• Choose 3-10 different vegetables, aiming for a variety of colors.
• Incorporate vegetables into salads, roasted dishes, soups, or raw as crudités.
• Create exciting salads with a mix of colourful veggies and a delicious dressing.

Healthy Fats

Natural healthy fats are essential for brain and nervous system health and contribute to a feeling of fullness. Include them in your lunchbox through nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, or dressings.

• Use oil-based dressings made with extra virgin olive oil, hemp or flaxseed oil, or pumpkin seed oil.
• Add avocado slices, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or dips like hummus or guacamole.

Whole Food Carbohydrates

While carbohydrates provide vitamins, minerals, and fibre, opt for whole food varieties to avoid blood sugar spikes. Keep carbs to a quarter of your lunchbox.

• Consider options like oat cakes, quinoa, sourdough bread, bulgur wheat, wild or brown rice and roasted sweet potatoes.
• For even better blood sugar control, explore alternatives like red lentil pasta, green pea pasta, edamame noodles, chickpea rice, cauliflower rice, or peas instead of rice.

Fruits

Choose lower-sugar fruits such as apples, pears, blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi for a sweet treat after your meal.

Bonus Points – Probiotics!

Enhance your gut health by incorporating fermented foods into your lunchbox. Options like probiotic yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, or kombucha can support your probiotic bacteria.

Sweet Treats

If you indulge in a sweet treat, enjoy it right after your meal to minimise its impact on blood sugar levels.

Stay Hydrated

Don’t forget to stay hydrated throughout the day. Aim for about 2 litres of plain water daily and include herbal teas to help you reach this goal.

To avoid the dreaded afternoon slump and boost your energy and productivity, focus on creating a balanced lunchbox. Properly balancing proteins, natural fats, vegetables, and carbohydrates can yield multiple benefits:

• Increased energy and productivity
• Stable blood sugar levels
• Satiety, reducing the urge to snack on sugary items
• Effortless weight maintenance

To achieve this, strive for the right proportions in your lunchbox:

• Fill one-quarter with protein-based foods.
• Use half for vegetables, whether raw, cooked, or in a soup.
• Allocate one-quarter to whole food carbohydrates.
• Include a serving of natural, healthy fats.
• Add variety with toppings like seeds, nuts, hummus, kimchi, or sauerkraut.
• Enjoy a piece of lower-sugar fruit for dessert.
• If you opt for yogurt, choose a natural option with higher protein content.

Additional Tips

• Save time by preparing extra portions of a healthy evening meal for lunch.
• Use a food flask to keep your food warm if you don’t have access to a microwave.
• Keep a supply of healthy office snacks like avocado, tinned fish, seeds, nuts and cheese to cater to your appetite.

Your packed lunch isn’t just a meal; it’s an investment in your health and productivity. By following these guidelines, you can create a lunchbox that keeps you energised, focused, and satisfied throughout the day, ultimately contributing to your overall well-being. So, take charge of your midday meal and enjoy the benefits of a well-balanced adult lunchbox.

DISCLAIMER:
Features published by Dominique Ludwig are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programme. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions and Medical Disclaimer for more information as well as our Webiste Terms and Conditions.