Things I Eat (Pt. 2: Lunch)

In this three part series, I will share with you some of the foods that I eat the most. This canalso be used as a handy guide when you find yourself in common chain restaurants on the road such as Denny’s, Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel and Applebee’s.

Lunch

Grilled Chicken Salad: If the chicken is grilled and the greens are anything but iceberg, you’re in business. Skip the croutons. 

Balsamic Vinaigrette: Low calorie, low fat dressing. Use very little, it goes a long way. Always order this, and every salad dressing, on the side. Most restaurants will give you unhealthy servings of dressing if you don’t tell them so.

Almond Butter: Better for you than peanut butter. Also, cheap considering it will satisfy you like a meal. Spread some ONE SLICE of healthy bread (check out Arnold Grains and More breads) or a banana. Boom!

Seasonal Fruit: If you’re not that hungry, but still need a pick-me-up, grab a piece of fruit that’s in season. Hint: Apples are not currently in season. If you’re eating huge perfect apples right now, they’re probably not grown in a natural way.

Raw Vegetables: High in fiber, and low in everything else. Also, depending on what you choose, they are rich in vitamins. Most menus do not offer this, but you can always ask.

Soup and or Sandwiches: These can be either nutritious or a complete health disaster. Rules to live by when ordering or making these: Low fat or no fat is best in the ingredients (ie meat, cheese, condiments in sandwiches and the broth or base of the soup) Avoid creme based soups, and mayo based sandwiches. Low sodium meats/bases and ingredients is also encouraged. Shoot for high vegetable content, even if you’re making a turkey sandwich. Ham, salami, pepperoni and bacon all are high in fat. Turkey is usually the way to go for a healthy sandwich. Tuna can be good, but places like Subway will include full fat mayo in their tuna spreads. Soup to avoid are any chowders, cream of ____, or cheese based selections. As always, any breaded or fried ingredients are the worst. My favorite soup is lentil and my favorite sandwich is turkey, swiss, romaine, tomato with spicy mustard on whole grain wheat bread (only one slice).