Easy Throw-Together Lunch

Here is more of a lunch idea than a recipe. Its really simple, using cold ready cooked ingredients, and you can throw together in a matter of minutes.

The components you need for a balanced lunch to see you through the afternoon are:

Protein: any fish, eggs, poultry, meat, or more plant based options include tofu, tempeh or legumes (I have mackerel here).

Complex carbohydrates: any legume, wholegrain or potato works well here (depending on what you like/can tolerate) - either tinned (drained and washed) or ready cooked packet - chickpeas, butterbeans, or cooked quinoa, or brown rice, wholegrain pasta or cooked and cooled new potatoes, would work well too! If you are in a flare or cannot tolerate legumes at the moment then rice or potatoes are a good option here. I have Merchant Gourmet ready-cooked puy lentils - I keep packets of these in the cupboard ready to go.

Healthy Fat: any nuts or seeds (may contribute to symptoms if in a flare so choose another option), olive oil, feta or other cheese if dairy is OK for you. I have avocado here which is a good flare option.

Vegetables: anything goes here - leftover veg from the night before or salad leaves, rocket, lambs lettuce, spinach, cucumber, celery, peppers, tomatoes, radishes, etc. include at least 2 vegetables and more if you can! If you are in a flare eating cooked vegetables may be a better option as this can help make them easier to digest.

Use my balanced plate example here to help guide you on how to build a plate if you get stuck. Think colour, think variety, think quality protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats to give your body everything it needs for a happy and productive afternoon!