Pick the right LUNCH

Making the right food choices, especially when you are in a hurry or on the go, can be challenging.  Here are some healthy swaps to your favorite lunchtime meals!

If you are craving...
Pepperoni or sausage pizza, soda, and a brownie or cookie

Have:
Veggie pizza with broccoli, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, peppers, or mushrooms, water or Honest Aid, an apple, and a brownie or cookie

Why?
Soda will give you sugar rush, which will make you crash later and crave more sweets.  The pepperoni and sausage are full of sodium, saturated fat and preservatives.  Instead have a healthier pizza like veggies, which provide added nutrients.  Honest Aid has little sugar, and water is always important drink (always try to drink water if you are thirsty, soda NEVER quenches your thirst).  If you really want soda, try drinking water first, you will drink LESS SODA!  An apple takes longer to drink than sugary fruit juice and is an added source of fiber.  The dessert is fine to keep.  Don't deny yourself; allow yourself to have dessert 2-3 a week.   

If you are craving...
A regular bagel with butter or cheese, and cookies

Have:
A cinnamon raisin bagel topped with peanut butter and sliced banana, with chocolate milk 
Why?
A bagel and cookies are refined carbs.  After a quick burst of energy, you will crash, and crave more.  A banana adds potassium and fiber, and peanut butter and chocolate milk for some added protein.  You will stay fuller and alert longer!

If you are craving...
Popcorn chicken and curly fries or onion rings


Have:
Popcorn chicken, sun chips, and an orange

Why?
Such a greasy lunch will take hours to digest, and will make you feel bloated.  All of that extra fatty oil is not good for your complexion either.  If you are truly craving the popcorn chicken, have with it an orange for potassium and tons of vitamins that will offset the salt fried food, so you won't feel puffy.  The sun chips are made with whole wheat and have less salt and fat than regular potato chips! 

Quick snacks I recommend: Pirates Booty, Famous Amos Cookies, Soy Crisps, Sabra classic hummus with pretzels, and Nabisco 100 calorie packs. 

In Part Courtesy of 17 Experts