Lunch-Smunch

Okay, let's talk about lunch for a second. Please say I am not the only one who struggles with this meal!! There seem to always be barriers for me eating a good, healthy lunch. Primarily, I am usually too lazy ... I mean tired .... to make anything so I end up eating granola bars, fruit snacks or cold cereal (sometimes all three) and then I'm STARVING by the time dinner rolls around. I end up overeating at dinner or eating out (because when you're starving, ain't no one got time for cooking) and I crave sweets SO bad afterwards. With this pattern, I'm definitely not getting the nutrition I need for the day, and I'm getting a whole bunch of other stuff that I don't need and the whole scenario just makes me GRUMPY!

So I have attempted the last two weeks to plan out my lunches so that I have a plan and the ingredients to stick to my plan. So far, my lunches have consisted of three categories: Salads, Sandwiches (or wraps), and Leftovers (my favorite--no work). I chose sandwiches and salads because they generally help me eat more fresh ingredients with lots of fruits and veggies, which helps me from feeling sick during the day.

Today was a super yummy salad with apples, dried cranberries, Mandarin oranges, and almonds (which may or may not have been candied!!) and a homemade citrus poppy dressing. It felt like I was eating desert for lunch but without the guilt and gross feeling afterward.

Today was definitely considered a success in my book, but I'm telling you, some days it is HARD for me to get myself in that kitchen cutting those veggies, or assembling those salads. The times I've stuck with the plan though, I have not regretted it. I just have to think of it as a regular part of my day now...something fun to do while my daughter plays in her high chair or bouncer. I can turn on music, act a little silly, talk to myself....WHATEVER! With that attitude it gets a lot easier. Now if I could only have the same attitude towards the dishes afterwards! HAHA!