For Breakfast:
Yogurt Parfait: Layer frozen berries or sliced bananas with plain or vanilla yogurt and granola or whole-grain cereal. Don’t forget to pack a spoon!
Breakfast Sandwich: Toast an English Muffin or bagel, layer with a cooked scrambled egg (you can do this in the microwave super-easy: Crack egg into shallow bowl, puncture the yolk, cover, and micro for one minute), a slice of cheese, and tomato. Wrap well and consume on bus while others look on longingly.
Fruity Smoothie: Combine 1 cup plain yogurt, fruit (sliced bananas or frozen berries work well), and a splash of fruit juice, vanilla, cinnamon, or maple syrup for sweetness. Blend well. Looking to add some protein? Throw in a scoop of protein powder or a tablespoon of peanut butter. Watch out—this may keep you full all day long.
For Lunch:
Hummus Plate: Pack a small container of hummus, pita chips, sliced cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, purple onion, and a chunk of feta cheese. Don’t forget the breath mints!
Rice and Bean Bowl: Combine 1 cup cooked rice with ½ cup black beans. Add a tablespoon of sour cream, some salsa, and some sliced avocado and prepare for your own lunchtime fiesta.
Lunchables: Remember Lunchables from your elementary school cafeteria days? Make your own adult version by packing sliced cheddar, sliced salami, or other deli meat, whole-grain crackers, and a sliced apple or small cup of almonds.
For Dinner:
Veggie Roast: Slice 1 cauliflower and 1 small shallot. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for 25 minutes, or until browned and caramelized. Serve over cooked rice. Shave some Parmesan over the top if you’ve got it.
Comforting Polenta: In a small saucepan, add ¼ cup quick-cooking polenta and 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth, or water. (Follow polenta package directions for cook time.) Meanwhile, in a separate sauce pan, sauté 2 cups spinach with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and a sliced shallot or chopped garlic clove. When polenta is finished cooking, stir in a small handful of shredded mozzarella cheese and add salt and pepper to taste. Top with sautéed spinach. Craving meat? Cook up some Trader Joe’s apple-chicken sausage in the pan with the spinach.
Easy Pea Soup: Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a pot on the stove. Add 3 cups frozen peas, 2 scallions, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon lime juice. Simmer together for 7 minutes. Remove scallions and blend pea mix and 4 tablespoons fresh pesto with hand blender. Thank you, Nigella Lawson, for this super-easy recipe that is good hot or cold!
