Top Three Tips to Help You Win at Lunch

Londoners spend almost £2500 per year on lunch, we think that’s absolute madness so have come up with some tips that will rival Pret’s best offerings any day of the week.

1. Anything Involving Quinoa (Because Quinoa =Looking Like a VS model, Right?)

Firstly, to save any embarrassment let’s cover the pronunciation so often failed: it’s KEEN-wah. It’s been hailed a superfood by the clean eaters of the world, but don’t think it’s a ploy by marketeers to force you into buying a farce, there is a reason why it should feature in your Tupperware. Firstly, it’s gluten free. You may be thinking, but I’m not coeliac? Alas, it’s a widely accepted fact that if gluten free is plastered over packaging, it instantly makes us feel healthier: ego boost no.1 of lunch time.

Now onto the more serious nutritional bonuses, it’s high in protein (#gains), and is one of the few plant foods that contains all nine of the essential amino acids. What’s more, it’s high in fibre, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and a whole load of antioxidants. I don’t know about you but I can’t breathe after that list, therefore I can assert that quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse, and should feature in your menu at least once a week.

Are you already the epitome of health, and 2018: a vegan? Why not try a chickpea and quinoa salad; you can munch on your lunch in the knowledge you are the pinnacle of health, have an undying love for earth, and put animal welfare before all else. If your moral conscious doesn’t have the capacity to override your love of bacon just yet (guilty), spicy Cajun chicken quinoa could be the lunch time staple for you.

2. Fish (Your Colleagues Will Forgive You)

For this one office etiquette has to be ignored, and whilst the person sat next to you may not thank you for the fish, your heart certainly will. Opt for oily types, like salmon, sardines, trout, or mackerel once a week, and your half way to the recommended intake. It’s a great source of protein, so will leave you feeling full, and the omega 3s can lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and arthritis.

Smoked fish is a great way to up the flavour of a bog standard salad, so why not try one incorporating smoked mackerel? If smoky flavours aren’t the one for you, try this better for you niçoise.

3. It’s Getting Hot in Here…

If your office has the luxury of a microwave, the world is your oyster. Leftovers from supper can continue provide joy the next day, or you can get super experimental with your meal prep. This veggie chilli is a great option and really high in fibre, it serves six so would be perfect to make for dinner and have left overs for the next day. Soup is great for the colder months and so easy to make, as well as being cheap. You also have control over the salt and sugar contents, which are surprisingly high in the pre-made stuff. This chicken, kale and white bean soup will definitely not leave you feeling hungry as soups sometimes do. It’s full of fibre, protein and good carbs, so you’ll be left feeling satisfied.

Hopefully we have shown you that there is so much more to life than a soggy sandwich, or an extortionately priced salad. With these tips you’re saving money, the environment (plastic from lunch out = dead dolphins), and your health. It’s time to get in the kitchen, invest in some Tupperware, and win at lunch.