Pep Up Your Lunches

Now that so many of us are at home at lunchtime, it can be a challenge deciding what to eat. You know, it doesn’t have to always be that same old sarnie. Get out your Lifestyle Plan – there are lots of tasty toast toppers, over 20 suggestions for sandwich fillings or why not try a jacket potato for a really satisfying snack. Here are some more great ways to pep up your lunches in super quick time!

Chicken & Cheese Toasted Wrap
Serves 1 – approx 300 Cals
1 tortilla wrap                                        56g/2oz cooked and shredded chicken breast
1 plum tomato, sliced                          1 slice of light individual processed cheese
3 basil leaves, shredded

Top the wrap with the shredded chicken, tomato, basil and cheese slice and fold tightly. Place under the grill or pop on the health grill to warm through. Serve with lots of salad for a tasty light lunch.

In this cold weather, popping your wrap or sandwich onto the health grill makes a big difference.

Spanish Omelette 
Serves 1 – approx 300 Cals

Preheat the grill. Lightly beat 2 medium eggs with tablespoon of water and season. Mist non-stick pan with low-fat cooking spray and sauté a small sliced onion until soft.  Add 84g/3oz cooked diced potatoes and cook until they start to turn golden. Pour in eggs and add tablespoon peas. Stir once to distribute the vegetables evenly, cook until the base is set. Place pan under the preheated grill to cook top of the omelette. 

** MARIE’S TIP: Sprinkle over mixed herbs and chopped wafer thin ham and serve as a pizza with stir fried vegetables or large salad.

Ham & Pineapple Orzo Salad
Serves 1 – approx 300 cals

56g/2oz Orzo, dry weight                                    56g/2oz cooked chopped ham                       
56g/2oz pineapple canned in natural juice      1 tbsp cooked frozen peas
1 tbsp Extra Light Mayonnaise                           1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped chives                                         Seasoning 

Cook Orzo in boiling salted water until tender.  Drain and rinse under cold water.  Place the cooked chopped ham, pineapple, peas and orzo in a bowl and mix well with the extra light mayo and lemon juice.

** MARIE’S TIP: Orzo is a variety of pasta shaped like grains of rice and is available in most supermarkets. Great for salads and its fine texture makes it ideal for soups etc.    

Hot Chicken & Bacon with Warm Salad & Balsamic Vinegar
Serves 1 – approx. 300 cals

Place 112g/4oz diced chicken, 1 sliced bacon medallion into a non-stick pan. Dry fry over a low heat until the meat is thoroughly cooked. Meanwhile slice up tomatoes, peppers and mixed lettuce. Remove meat from the heat and drizzle over balsamic vinegar. Add the salad and toss mixing thoroughly. Return to the heat and cook for a further few minutes making sure that the mixture has warmed through. Turn out onto a serving plate and serve with 168g/ 6oz new potatoes.
This is really something special on those cold winter days!

I hope you enjoy trying out these different ideas – they’ll pep up your day, as well as your lunch!

Keep smiling,
Marie x