A fun conversation I like to have with friends is to ask the following question, “If you could have lunch with any person in the world who that be? The followup question is, Why did you choose this person?” The answers tell you a lot about the person answering the question. Who did you choose? Why did you choose this person? What did it tell you about yourself? I can think of three people I’d like to have lunch with: Lady Gaga, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jim Gaffigan.
lunch
Great Healthy Tips: Don’t Skip Meals
Today’s Great Health Tip
Don’t Skip Meals (Especially Breakfast) ~ Skipping meals causes blood sugar spikes and crashes. Eat balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
I am susceptible to blood sugar crashes. To avoid them, I eat my three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). I schedule in a 10 a.m. protein shake and at 3 p.m. it’s an apple and sunflower seeds. When I do that my body stays in balance. We’re all different, figure out what works for you. If you’re like me, schedule healthy snacks, your body will thank you.
Heart Healthy Lunch that is Cheap & Easy to Make
Here’s a heart-healthy, plant-based lunch idea that’s both affordable and simple to prepare:
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise or tahini (for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro, based on preference)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Whole grain bread
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Cucumber slices (optional)
- Avocado slices (optional for healthy fats)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until they are broken down but still have some texture.
- Add the vegan mayonnaise or tahini, mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the mashed chickpeas. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Taste the chickpea mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Take two slices of whole grain bread and toast them if desired.
- Spread the chickpea salad onto one slice of bread.
- Add lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and avocado slices on top of the chickpea mixture.
- Top with the other slice of bread, cut in half, and serve.
This meal is rich in fiber from the chickpeas and whole grains, as well as vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. It also contains heart-healthy fats if you choose to add avocado. It’s a balanced meal that supports a healthy diet and can be made in under 15 minutes, perfect for a quick lunch. Enjoy!
