One easy way to improve our nutrition is to plan and prepare lunch.

Our culture is breeding workers who skip lunch, or get through the day on fast food or muffins.

Second to breakfast lunch is our most important meal, and studies show that café meals are laden with calories. It’s actually quicker to pop into a supermarket, grab a pre made salad, a wholemeal roll and some deli meats than to wait in line at the local café! (Don’t forget to grab an apple for the afternoon)

Skimping on nutrients at lunch leads to sugar cravings in the afternoon and over eating at night, not the ideal scenario for health and fitness. Here are some easy ideas for busy people.

Studies show that few people are taking the traditional lunch hour and many have rushed lunch breaks at their desk. While this may seem great for productivity if you rush or skip lunch on a regular basis you will be robbing yourself of important health benefits.

Taking time to eat a healthy lunch is an important part of weight control, stress management and is critical in maintaining energy levels throughout the rest of the day. Investing a short amount of time at the beginning of the week to organise lunch will give you massive returns in energy and vitality. Get into the habit of stocking the fridge at home or work with fresh salad ingredients and fruit. In the evening cook extra root vegetables like pumpkin, potato, kumara or rice and pasta. These make excellent fillings for salads. Keep a selection of low fat gourmet dressings at the office, or if you are on the road find some single serve sachets or throw in a lemon wedge. Keeping plastic forks in your glove box is a lifesaver.

Are your meals bland and boring?

Use our flavour guide to help you put together tasty healthy food in minutes.
Click here for more ideas.