Thursday 12 July 2012

The Workday Lunch Dilemma


A lot of people that I know who work full time are big fans of junk food for their lunch. It's quick, accessible and tasty. For me, since I work in a shopping centre, I'm literally 100m or less away from an entire food court compromising of the likes of McDonald's, Spud U Like, and Nando's. But I have never ventured up there, and I'm definitely reaping the benefits.

I like to pack up my lunch/dinner before I leave the house, and enter the nutritional values into MyFitnessPal so I know exactly how many calories I will have consumed and whether there are a few left over for some frozen yoghurt, for example. This means that although I'm making healthier, low cal choices which are making me drop pounds, it's making my purse gain them. And what's better motivation than zipping up a pair of jeans in a size lower than usual, and finding that you have the money to pay for them too!

I'm in work from 4:30 until 9:30 today, so I don't have a huge dinner packed up to take with me. I've just had my lunch which was cucumber sandwiches and a pot of low fat Ambrosia, so I know that'll keep me going for a while.

This is what I'm taking with me today:
Campbells Asparagus Cup Soup ( it has little croutons in it which I really like)
Weight Watchers Caramel Mallow
Petits Filous peach flavour yoghurt

This comes in at just 234 calories which is just a fraction of what a Big Mac Medium Meal with Diet Coke would be, which comes in at a whopping 820 calories!

I know it is a little time consuming to make your own lunch, but it doesn't take that long. Setting 5 minutes aside from your day could make such a huge impact on your waistline!

Do you always make your own lunch? Or do you prefer to go the unhealthy (but admittedly delicious) route?

Lea
x

28 comments:

  1. I think you have just inspired me to make my own lunchs now, I only work a few hours a day too so I normally dont bother but then I pig out when I get home because I'm starving...this may be the way to go! ;) x

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  2. I'm a Starbucks addict, so whilst I always go for the low-fat, sugar-free option, I will usually accompany it with a a muffin, or Danish, or a ridiculously unhealthy panini.

    Looks like a really healthy lunch!

    xx

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    1. I love Starbucks but I can't bring myself to eat in there anymore other than as for a treat as I feel so guilty after! x

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  3. Love this post :)
    I work in a sandwich shop/deli so I get a free lunch but it's too easy to chose the unhealthy option! :)
    xx

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    1. Oh wow! I'm lucky I work with fat free frozen yoghurt otherwise I'd be a right tubby thing by now! x

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  4. Thankyou for the comment on the blog!! The dress is so amazing- if I win (fingers crossed) that is the first thing I'm getting!!
    That spoon you have is so cute by the way- and a big mac meal is 800+ calories! Makes me feel soso bad about eating one, my poor stomach!

    Love
    Sophh Elizabeth

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    1. Haha good luck with the dress! I hope you get it :). My grandad gave me the spoons when I moved in here hehe, bless him. Thanks for your comment :D x

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  5. Looks a good, healthy lunch! :)
    I try to make my own, or go for low-fat / low-calorie options where possible :) xx

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  6. Very healthy lunch!
    My lunch usually consists of berries, a salad and most importantly - a Coffee!!
    xx


    The Urban Umbrella
    xoxo

    http://www.theurbanumbrella.com/

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    1. I must admit I am partial to the odd cup of tea or coffee haha! x

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  7. I always take pack lunches, its so expensive to eat out everyday and like you said its much more healthier to take your own. Great post, I really enjoyed it. x

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    1. Thanks! I agree, it's just so expensive! I'd rather save up for a pair of shoes I want hehe x

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  8. Great post. i agree this is the case for many. I always take my lunch. Just better food right? :)

    ~Art a la Rue
    Enter my awesome giveaway!

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    1. Definitely, you know exactly what you're eating that way! x

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  9. This is such a great idea! If I worked in a shopping centre I don't think I would be able to restrain from visiting the food court! I will occasionally bring a packed lunch but sometimes I either forget or a little something sneaks it's way in to my stomach! xx

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    1. It's easy to give in to little things and there's no harm in it as long as you're not having too many little things haha! x

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  10. I normally go to Boots for lunch as they have some pretty healthy options(I normally have a fruit salad as the main part of my meal) and the extra points help as well. That spoon is super cute x

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    1. Yes that's a great idea! Healthy and working your way to some free goodies! x

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  11. I love your blog!!!^^
    i follow you on Bloglovin and on GFC ;)
    can you follow me on both of them too?¿? :D

    xoxo

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  12. Ugh, I'm always so unhealthy at work but there's literally nowhere to get healthy food. I really should pack my own but I just never seem to have the time.

    For instance yesterday I had a chippy dinner and then came home to a chinese take away for tea. Fatty! x

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    1. Oh Chinese Takeaway! I think I could eat it every day and not get bored! It sure doesn't show on you that you're eating that though! x

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  13. I love the fitnesspal app. I used to be dedicated but, not so much anymore. I 'm proud of you for skipping the junk food...It's so tempting.
    Always,
    Tarah and the City

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    1. I'm trying to train myself to look at it in a different way, but it's not working haha, I still crave it! x

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  14. Wow, I am so impressed with how healthy you are!!
    Creamy

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  15. Hi there, I'd love to! x

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