Power Lunches

What should be in a foodie's lunch bag? A good and tasty lunch. It should be a substantial meal that keeps us going all afternoon until dinner. What should it be? Well, here's a clue - not your average baloney sandwich and a diet Pepsi.

Lunches can be tricky affairs.If you have just a salad and spring water, you'll be snacking like crazy by 3 PM. Eat too much and you're ready for a good two hour nap from 2 to 4 PM. You have to create a balance of a lunch that's just right. If you're watching your weight, go with a salad, but opt for one with grilled chicken or the yummier grilled salmon. Don't load it up with heavy dressings and croutons. Besides a French,Russian or any other thick dressing will only make your salad gloppy. Think about a lighter type of just vinaigrette with a dash of oregano thrown in. Also add some broccoli florets along with carrots and pepper strips to make your lunch time salad more substantial. For cooler days add a cup of soup from your local deli to turn it into a hot meal.

What about that lunchtime staple, the sandwich? This is another good luncheon choice. Stay away from any greasy ones though because you'll wind up with indigestion. Do think gourmet, with a base of French or Italian bread topped with a covering of aoili mayonnaise.You can then put on thinly sliced turkey, chicken or ham . For real oomph try all three. One of my favorites is sliced mozzarella and tomatoes on an olive oil drizzled Italian bread.This to me is filling not to mention flavorful. If you work at home (like I do) don't hesitate to make yourself a hot sandwich. A grilled cheese made with sharp cheddar and bacon is a great lunch on cold days. Use sandwich or wheat bread as a base. Another foodie delight is a hot turkey or roast beef sandwich. To make it easy just buy sliced meat at your grocery's deli counter, some kaiser rolls and store bought gravy. I can just hear some of your groans over tho last part but today's tinned ones are pretty good. They almost have a homemade fresh from the pan taste and aroma about them. Don't ever hesitate to use them.

For lunch think about power. You have to have a good meal that will keep you going until 5 or 6 PM. Make your lunches not only tasty but strong enough to keep you going and light enough to keep you from crashing.