Healthy lunches for summer - All4Women Food & Drink Articles

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With summer upon us in full force, many of us are trying to lose weight in preparation for our beach-going holiday. It is almost time for the festive season, with its attendant drinks, snacks and meals, so now is the time to slim down. We have put together a list of healthy lunches that you can enjoy at home or at work.

Protein, protein, protein

It is important to eat protein at lunch, as this helps to fill you up. Try to go for interesting, flavour-filled options, or you may find yourself driving to your nearest take-away restaurant to satiate those cravings! This Chicken Salad recipe?is better than your average salad, as it includes walnuts, celery and a yoghurt dressing. Combine it with a piece of healthy, low GI bread if you feel you need some carbs to get you through the day. You could also try this Chilli Beef Salad?- spicy food is said to boost the metabolism and speed up weight loss. If you want to avoid the hassle of cooking meat, whip up a Tuna Salad - this recipe also contains chickpeas, so it is very filling.?

For vegetarians

If you try to avoid meat, it is a lot more difficult to find protein sources, and you may find yourself turning to carbs to satiate your hunger. Carbs in moderation are alright, but too much is never a good thing. Tofu is a great addition, and can be used in a wide variety of ways, such as in this Tofu Salad?or this extremely healthy Broccoli and Tofu Stir Fry. You could also make a regular salad, such as this Curried Apple and Pecan Broccoli Slaw, and sprinkle with sunflower seeds for a healthy boost.??

Healthy snacks?

If you don't have time to eat a proper lunch, or if you find yourself getting peckish in the afternoon, have a repetoire of health-conscious snacks at your disposal. With good ideas and enough preparation, you are far less likely to fall victim to those dreaded cravings. This Roasted Cauliflower Dip?tastes wonderful. Eat it with crackers, rice cakes or carrots. You could also try your hand at making home made veggie chips, such as these Sweet Potato and Carrot Chips. Just bear in mind that these are healthy, but may not be low in fat.?

Ideas?

Do you have any fabulous slimming snack ideas? Please share with us in the comments section, and help fellow readers who may be feeling uninspired.?

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Source: http://all4women.co.za/food-and-recipes/food-articles/healthy-lunches.html

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