As terms goes on and initial healthy resolutions go out the window, nothing can put you back on track like some exciting new healthy (and delicious) recipes. However, for most of our busy lives it is extremely hard to stay healthy on the go, hence the temptation to grab a toasty or a sandwich at Costa (which you know is a bad idea even if they taste fantastic!) Hence the importance of the packed lunch, which unbelievably can be just as exciting as a proper warm fresh meal (and you get the bonus of breaking up your day with a real meal that can fuel you right up until bed time!)
First, here are a few basic rules for good, healthy and delicious packed lunches:
Know your Tupperware!
Tupperware is genuinely a lifesaver, whether it’s the ones that come with separate compartments for your salad dressing or the soup containers that keep soup warm all day long. They are a worthy investment, and you can let your creativity go crazy with the contents! The best part is you can splurge or save as much as you want, seeing as most shops now sell a variety of containers, from good old Wilkinsons to a splurge at Lakeland.
Prep, prep, prep…
Prepare as much as you can in advance. Most recipes can be spruced up with the same ingredients. Quinoa, for example, can be prepared a few days in advance and reused to save time.
And of course, get some delicious recipes under your belt!
Here’s a quick selection of the HCX Health team’s fave on the go dishes:
Courgette fritters with peas and pesto
· 2 medium courgettes, grated
· 2 tbsp self-raising flour
· 25g parmesan, finely grated
· 1 tbsp olive oil
In a bowl, combine the grated courgette, flour and parmesan. Shape into walnut-size balls, then flatten. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and add the oil. Fry the fritters for 2-3 mins on each side until golden brown.
HCX Health tip: simply follow the recipe above and add any veg you want! Also, pesto is always the easiest as well as tastiest sauce ever.
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Simple Avocado Quinoa Salad (Serves: 4)
Ingredients:3 cups cooked quinoa, cooled1/4 red onion, thinly sliced1 Fuji apple, thinly sliced into half moons2 cups purple or Lacinato kale leaves, chopped into ribbonsJuice of 1 lemon2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil2 teaspoons honey1 pinch sea salt1 avocado, cubed1/4 cup crumbled feta or chevre (optional)
Directions:1. In a large salad bowl, toss quinoa, onions, apple, and kale to combine.2. Drizzle in lemon juice, oil, honey, and salt, and toss to coat well.3. Gently fold in avocado and feta, if using. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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Grilled veggie and hummus wraps:
Ingredients
- 4 (1/2-inch-thick) slices red onion
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and quartered
- 1 (12-ounce) eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (8-ounce) container plain hummus
- 4 (1.9-ounce) whole-grain flatbreads
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salad leaves
Preparation
- 1. Heat a large grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush onion, bell pepper, and eggplant with 1 tablespoon oil. Add onion and bell pepper to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until grill marks appear. Remove from pan. Add eggplant to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until grill marks appear. Remove from pan; coarsely chop vegetables. Combine vegetables, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, parsley, and salt; toss to combine.
- 2. Spread 1/4 cup hummus over each flatbread, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges. Divide vegetables over each flatbread; top each serving with 2 tablespoons cheese. Roll up wraps, and cut diagonally in half.
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Turkey salad wraps:
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup chopped seeded tomato (1 medium)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (2 medium)
- 3 tablespoons blue cheese—flavored yogurt dressing (or any other dressing you fancy)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces thinly sliced roast turkey
- 1 avocado, diced
- 4 (1.9-ounce) multigrain flatbreads
Preparation
Combine first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl. Spoon turkey mixture evenly onto flatbreads; roll up.
When it comes to maintain optimum health, it’s vital to know your ingredients; choose brown pasta over regular, whole grain bread or wraps over white and turkey is a delicious, lean alternative sandwich/wrap filler to red meats. Most foods have a healthy alternative if you’re willing to be a bit creative.
Enjoy being the envy of all other campus goers!