Ideas for tempting nutritious lunches

Press, 27 November 1986, Page 17

Ideas for tempting nutritious lunches

Q: I usually buy my lunch at a local sandwich bar. It’s convenient, but not really healthy. I’ve tried bringing packed lunches, but when it comes to nutrition, they don’t seem much better. What do you suggest? A: It’s not hard to pack a nutritious lunch if you keep these three general nutrition tips in mind: choose foods that are low in fat; include fibre whenever possible; and eat lots of complex carbohydrates. Opt for chicken and water-packed tuna in sandwiches rather than prepared luncheon meats that are high in fat. Surround your sandwich with whole grain breads. Try to avoid excess calories from mayonnaise, ketchup and other condiments.

Instead, give your sandwich added flavour with fresh tomatoes, lettuce and seasonings. Fresh fru-

By

JUDI SHEPPARD

MISSETT

its and vegetables are easy additions to a packed lunch and are full of vitamins and good taste.

If your office has a microwave oven, take advantage of dinner left overs. A baked potato that takes only minutes to cook in a microwave oven is great when topped with last night’s spaghetti or chop suey. (Almost anything you had for dinner can be converted into a tasty lunch.) To keep food fresh, you may want to invest in a small chilly bin and refreezable ice packs, or a thermal food container. With these ideas in mind, you’ll enjoy tempting, nutritious lunches.

Q: I’ve made a commitment to myself to lose weight, but I feel I need a support group. Are

there any organisations I can join?

A: There are several national organisations devoted to helping people meet their weight goals by providing peer group support. The most wellknown among them probably is Weight Watchers. However, other organisations, such as Kilo clubs, are growing and have groups in several cities. Check your local Yellow Pages or the Help directory for more information on local groups and membership fees in your area.

If you have already established your own weight-loss eating plan, you may wish to find a support group via an exercise programme. Some people who attend aerobic classes band together in their quest to lose weight.

They encourage one another to come to class and to stick to their over-all exercise and weight-loss programme.

Perhaps your office or neighbourhood provides you with another opportunity to establish a support group. Contact coworkers and/or friends who are also trying to lose weight, and meet with them weekly, at your lunch hour or in the even-, ing, to discuss your troubles and triumphs. And, of course, always enlist the support of your family. They can be your greatest asset since they know you best. A support group often can make the difference between success and failure in a weight-loss programme. Whether you find an existing organisation in your area, or create a support group of your own, do join one!

—Copyright Jazzersize.