Saying good-bye to takeout!

I just started working in an office again and as much as it is tempting to get a great tasting (not so good for me) takeout meal for lunch, I am excited that for the first time this year I can bring a healthy lunch.

Working at the airport(past US customs), it was too inconvenient to bring a lunch from home, and with 70% off at Burger King, it was supper easy to regular there instead. It wasn't helping with my plan to start eating healthier and local.

Now that I am able to bring a lunch and have access to a microwave, toaster oven and a fridge I have an overwhelming choice of things to make for lunch. It was my coworker, who waiting for my newest blog entry, who got me inspired to write about healthy homemade lunches.

Here are 3 quick and easy ideas for work lunches that are also healthy.

1. Toasted bagel with the works!

I got this idea from Anthony a coworker back in Vancouver. He got me out of thinking that you had to prepare your lunch at home. What he would do is bring the toppings separately so that they stayed fresh until lunch. Here is a Healthy rendition of that...

1 or 2 sliced bagels (depending on your appetite)
1 leaf (for each bagel) of romaine lettuce cut in half
1 slice of a good fresh tomatoes**
2 slices (for each bagel) of either Turkey breast or meat of choice
1 slice of (Pre-sliced deli style) Swiss or Gouda cheese
mayo to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Toast bagels in toaster oven when done spread on mayo. Add salt and pepper directly to the tomatoes for the best result, add the toppings and enjoy.

** I refuse to use FL tomatoes after reading this article on the slavery that goes on so personal preference http://www.gourmet.com/magazine/2000s/2009/03/politics-of-the-plate-the-price-of-tomatoes

2. Wrap it up!
My girlfriend making her lunch this morning reminded me how easy and versatile wraps are. There are just so many things you can do with a tortilla and fresh ingredients. Try this...
Turkey pesto southwestern wrap
-1 tortilla (there are a wide variety of different flavours but for this recipe tomato or spinach works best)
-pesto spread (homemade is best but Loblaws has a great PC version)
-Sliced Turkey breast
-Baby spinach or arugula (approx 1/2 cup)
-1/4 cup shredded Havarti cheese
-1/4 red bell pepper diced

Spread pesto on tortilla leaving an inch from the edge, add cheese and peppers, then add turkey and salad of choice. Wrap and enjoy!

3. Extra! Extra!
The best and most efficient way to bring lunch to work is just by making more than you need for dinner. Two really good things why this is good are...
A)You are conserving time because you are already making dinner.
B)Because of reason A you are conserving energy to cook your food so the environment gets the reward of your efforts as well.

All of these ideas work out better for the environment because you stay away from that Styrofoam they pack takeout in. And you really will feel better when you know what is going into your food!

Until the next time....

Bonne Appetite!

Brendan