Catching up on emails. Taking personal calls. Surfing the web. According to Americans, these are all reasons for skipping lunch at the office.
More than 2 in 5 report taking a lunch break that’s 30 minutes or less and 29% work through their lunch break entirely. Eating lunch is necessary for our health (and sanity).
But what do you pack in your grown-up lunch box? For starters, your meal should contain at least two of the following food groups:
- Fruits
- Lean Protein
- Veggies
- Complex carbohydrates
- Low-fat or nonfat dairy
These food groups are essential for building a healthy body. Oral health and overall health are closely related, so they’re good for your smile too!
Try one of these three easy lunches — no culinary expertise required! Before you get busy cooking, take note of our ingredient superstars.
Zesty Shrimp and Black Bean Salad
Protein Power: Shrimp, black beans
VIP Vegetables: Bell Pepper, cherry tomatoes
Compelling Carbohydrate: Whole wheat tortilla
Watermelon Gazpacho
Famous Fruit: Watermelon
Dynamic Dairy: Feta
Asian Chopped Kale Salad
Protein Power: Edamame, avocado
VIP Vegetables: Kale, snow peas
In case of emergency, stash some of these smart snacks in your office drawer:
- Almonds
- Whole grain crackers
- Peanut butter
- Crunchy veggies and hummus
- Apples and bananas
- Granola
Hopefully, now you won’t think twice about skipping meal #2. A nutrient-rich lunch is sure to keep you smiling wide until dinnertime.
