{Business Lunch Survival}

On occasion at my job, I go on business lunches with our customers.  It's always fun and I enjoy meeting new people, touring foundries and connecting with my customers.  It can be challenging to stay on track during these business lunches, but it isn't impossible.

I've comprised a list of ways YOU can survive your next business lunch:

{1}  Be prepared.  Know where you're going ahead of time and do some prep-work.  Google the restaurant and check out their menu in advance.  Most restaurant websites nowadays list the Nutritional Information directly on their site!  Preparation is the key to staying on track and being successful.

{2}  No munching.  Skip the tortilla chips or bread basket.  Mindless munching is a quick way to add loads of calories to your meal.  Instead, try sipping on your water.

{3}  Go light.  Most restaurants have a lunch menu that provides a lighter portion option.  This is an easy way to help keep your portions in control.

{4}  Eat slow.  You're going to be chatting with co-workers or customers, so just take it slow.  You'll fill up faster on your lunch and avoid over-eating.

{5}  Remember your goals.  Don't be surprised if you receive a few comments on your "healthy" food choices during the business lunch.  I've heard it all from "What diet are you on?"  to "You don't need to worry about what you eat!"  It's okay to be different and choose healthy options.  Don't let anything discourage you from making good choices for yourself.  Most people won't understand, and they don't have to.  Try a positive response back like: "I really enjoy eating healthy when I can." 

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Oven Roasted Broccoli}

I try to incorporate veggies into my daily diet as much as possible.  Sometimes I get bored with the same ol' way I prepare veggies, whether it be steamed or raw.  My taste buds crave something different.  I ran across a new recipe on Pinterest a few weeks ago {what would we do without the wonderful world of Pinterest, right?!}, and I knew I just had to try it.  Oven roasted broccoli.  Sounded strange to me, but also sounded too good to pass up.  I am a crispy freak, so the idea of one of my favorite veggies going from steamed to baked and crispy really caught my attention.  I've made this as a side dish for dinner and also a main course for lunch.  Oh and my hubby absolutely raves over it and doesn't want me to cook broccoli any other way!  It's super super easy to make, check it out!

{Oven Roasted Broccoli}

1 head of broccoli, rinsed & cut into pieces

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

Garlic Powder

Other seasonings of choice {I am obsessed with "Wing It" seasoning mix}


{Directions}:  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  In a bowl, mix the broccoli pieces, olive oil and seasonings.  Spread out onto a baking sheet, sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. 4 servings, 1 WW Pt each {The only points in the recipe come from the olive oil.  Can use less, if desired}

{Note from Mrs. Munana}:  As mentioned above, I use my new favorite seasoning called "Wing It" seasoning mix.  It's the perfect blend of seasoning with a kick of heat.  You can literally put it on everything!  It can be purchased at the Made in Oklahoma store on 41st street across the road from On the Border.

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{It's Lunchtime}

I had a special request for this blog post:  Healthy lunch ideas for work.  I've become pretty good at coming up with a variety of lunch options to take to work everyday that doesn't get boring or repetitive.  Here is a list of my favorite portable lunches:

1.  Veggies with hummus.  Any veggies are great.  I typically use celery, grape tomatoes, or baby carrots.  Other great options are bell peppers, broccoli, or cauliflower.  Keep your eye open for those competitor Aldi ads, they are a great way to save money on weekly veggie staples.  I buy Sabra Hummus, they have a great variety whether it be spicy, traditional or garlic.  Prep veggies the night before your work week by washing, slicing and bagging.  I keep my hummus at work in the fridge, but you can also pre-portion it at home. 

Veggies: 0 WW Points! {knock yourself out}
Hummus: 1/2 Cup = 5 WW Points

2.  Veggie Wrap.  Challenge yourself to find the most low-cal tortilla in the store.  Slice an English Cucumber in small strips, slice regular sized carrots in strips also.  Spread a Weight Watchers Cheese wedge {can be found in the specialty cheese section at the store} in the tortilla and lay as much of the cucumber and carrot strips as you wish in the tortilla.  Roll up, wrap in cling wrap and place in a baggie.  Quick and healthy lunch to-go!

Veggies: 0 WW Points!
Low-Cal Tortilla: 2 WW Points
Weight Watchers Cheese Wedge: 1 WW Point

3.  Progresso Light Soup.  Can be found in the soup aisle with many different varieties!  Try serving with whole wheat saltine crackers. 

 Soup: 2 WW Points/Serving {2 servings per 1 can, 4 total points}
Whole Wheat Crackers: 10 crackers = 3 WW Points

4.  Pita Sandwich.  Whole Wheat Pita Bread, 3 thin turkey slices, Weight Watchers cheese wedge, and lots of veggies.  Arugula is one of my faves, can also use onions, carrots, cucumbers, etc. 

Pita: 2 WW Points
Sliced Turkey: 3 thin slices, 1 WW Point
Weight Watchers Cheese Wedge: 1 WW Point

5.  Yogurt.  I buy Yoplait Light Yogurt in bulk.  This is typically my dessert, or sometimes I'll eat the Yogurt as a light lunch with a banana sliced in it or strawberries.  Very filling!

Yoplait Light Yogurt: 2 WW Points
Banana/Strawberries: 0 WW Points!

6.  Low-Cal Popcorn.  They have 100 cal packs at the grocery store.  Popcorn is super filling too.  Try the Pop Secret or Jolly Time Healthy Pop.  Just be sure to look for the "100 Calorie" logo.

7.  Salad.  You can never go wrong with salad, just be careful with the salad dressing.  I am obsessed with Lucini Shallot and Cucumber dressing, I just limit the amount I put on it.  It's packed with flavor, so you really don't need much.  Play with your salad ingredients to keep your mouth guessing. 

Lucini dressing: 2 Tbsp = 3 WW Points

Xox,
Mrs. Munana