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October 30, 2014

An Easy Packed Lunch + Snacks

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Morning, friends!

This week has marked my return to the world of offices and packed lunches. As I mentioned last week, I’m renting some desk space in downtown DC because I was getting super lonely working from home all the time. I know working from home is super sweet and a luxury, and it’s awesome a few days a week, but having done it every single day for years now meant I was starting to go a liiiiiittle stir crazy. As you probably know if you’ve read my blog for more than a minute, I’m a pretty social person – my mom was joking that even when I was little I’d always rather be right next to whoever was home vs. playing with toys in my room. I’m just happiest when I’m out and engaging with others. 🙂

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I’ll likely do a mix of heading in to the office and working from home, depending on how many AnneTheRD client meetings I have in Virginia, etc. There are conference rooms at the office that I can use up to 4 hours per month, so I might meet some clients there, but I think mostly I’ll keep doing the coffee shop thing for that. As for virtual clients, there are call rooms at the office so that’s not a problem!

Anyway – Monday was my first day heading in so I packed myself a nice little lunch to enjoy. It had been quite awhile since I did this! I started with a huge handful of spinach, which I microwaved on high for 1 minute to wilt it:

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Next up was some carbs/grains, protein, and healthy fat! I threw into a tupperware some leftover barley (probably about 1/2 cup) and about 1/2 cup of canned black beans (drained/rinsed) for quick and easy protein. I topped it with a hefty serving of avocado, for healthy fat and deliciousness. There were also some random pieces of fennel in there and a few pumpkin seeds leftover from my strawberry barley salad (recipe coming on Tuesday).

packed lunch

I packed a little container of my homemade balsamic vinaigrette to put on just before I ate. Don’t dress your salads in the morning or they will be super soggy by lunchtime!

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As for sides/snacks, I packed a random assortment. The dole pineapple was leftover from the MCM10k (they handed them out at the finish). Plus some Greek yogurt (I normally buy 2% – Matt bought this one – love Fage but wish they would go organic!) and a local Kate Bakes Bar. I love her bars – she’s in DC so you can find them locally (more info on her website) or just order a bunch online. Tasty, good nutrient profile, and stellar ingredients, too!

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I ended up enjoying the Kate Bakes Bar for a mid morning snack, had the pineapple as a sweet treat to end lunch, and ate the Greek yogurt as an afternoon snack with some unpictured almonds. Perfect!

As for lunch itself, Monday was gorgeous so I took myself outside and enjoyed it while sitting in Dupont Circle. 🙂 I know it’s hard to get away from the busy workday to take a real lunch break, but if you can even squeeze in a short break so you aren’t eating in front of your computer, it will make a big difference in terms of stress and happiness levels. And it helps with satiety/eating mindfully, too!

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For more packed lunch ideas, see the easy packed lunch section of my recipe page!

As for lunch on Tuesday? I met a friend I used to work in PR with who works right by my office. So fun to catch up with her! We went to Levantes, one of my old faves. We shared some unpictured pita and hummus (theirs is really good) and I had a veggie-filled lamb stew of sorts for my entrée. Hit the spot! I probably only ate about half of it since it was huge.

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I’m working from home today because I have a a couple clients this afternoon here in Virginia. Better get back to it!

Have a great day, everyone! And before I go, a reminder: tomorrow is the last day to enter the final #VersaChallenge that I’ve worked with Fitness Magazine and Oster® to promote! Make the Fiery Red Salsa (you can see a video of me making it here and here is the recipe) and upload a pic to Instagram with the hashtag #VersaChallenge to be entered to win some sweet prizes. 🙂

MVS_Oster Bryan McCay IMG_1198

Of interest:

  • Why You Should Kick the Diet Soda (and fake sugar) Habit 
  • New Study Shows Polyphenol Rich Diet Has Potential to Safeguard Athletes Against Illness
  • Is Coconut Oil All It’s Cracked Up To Be?
  • How to Talk to Your Children About Food & Weight – great resource
  • 9 Quick & Easy Make-Ahead Casseroles
- anne
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13 comments
  • Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes
    October 30, 2014 · 1:02PM:
    I'm always looking for new packed lunch options so this is a great idea. Thanks for sharing. I've been getting sick of my usuals and have just started eating out from healthier places but it's expensive. Can't wait to try this!
    Reply
  • Caroline Kaufman Nutrition
    October 30, 2014 · 1:34PM:
    Such a helpful post! :)
    Reply
  • Bethany
    October 30, 2014 · 1:45PM:
    I saw the cup of pineapple and was immediately reminded that I have a cup leftover from the Marine Corps Marathon finishers' snack box. Now if only there had been a brownie in there, too.
    Reply
  • Jen @ Pretty Little Grub
    October 30, 2014 · 1:50PM:
    That salad looks yummy! Glad to know I'm not the only one who enjoys warm salads. When I microwave my kale salads people think I'm very weird.
    Reply
  • Carrie (This Fit Chick)
    October 30, 2014 · 2:19PM:
    What a delicious salad! I love warm salads too :) especially when cheese is involved :D
    Reply
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    October 30, 2014 · 5:17PM:
    Beautiful mix! Having an awesome lunch to look forward too or any meal makes the day so much brighter! :)
    Reply
  • Shannon October 30, 2014 · 8:15PM:
    Levantes!! I used to go to that place all the time when I lived in DC - I love their hummus and generous wine pours. Looking forward to more packed lunch ideas.
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 30, 2014 · 9:26PM:
      I enjoy their generous wine pours, too. :)
      Reply
  • Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola
    October 30, 2014 · 8:32PM:
    Your new office space sounds great!
    Reply
  • Maggie @ Veg Fiend
    October 30, 2014 · 9:54PM:
    Mmm, your lunch looks so yummy. It's crazy that uber has office space offerings. I feel like in the future you'll be able to uber anything *cue twilight zone music*
    Reply
    • Anne
      October 31, 2014 · 7:57AM:
      Lol I know right?!
      Reply
  • Roadrunner October 30, 2014 · 11:10PM:
    Great mix, thanks! And enjoy being around people at Uber Office!
    Reply
  • Dietitian Jess
    October 31, 2014 · 7:45AM:
    I still need to try your wilt the spinach in the microwave trick... hopefully doing it tonight and topping with roasted veggies, rice, and beans before taking my godson trick or treating! Hope you enjoy your weekend!
    Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

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