Yesterday marked the return of the five minute packed lunch!
I know you’re pumped. Don’t lie. (pssst: Missed my previous 5 Minute Packed Lunch posts? You can find them on my recipe page!)
I made one of my absolute favorites yesterday — what I call a “salad burrito.” Basically what they called a burrito bowl at Chipotle but more awesome 😉
It’s pretty much a deconstructed burrito, on top of salad instead of in a wrap! Deeeeeelish. Is it weird that I really love grains and salad together? Try it if you haven’t. You’ll like it 🙂
First, you add in some salad — any kind of greens will do!
Next up — a grain. I’d recommend quinoa, barley, or brown rice. I used half a packet of 90 second brown rice because I suck at planning ahead and was packing this right before rushing out the door, as per usual 😉
Then, add in some veggies, cilantro, and either guacamole or avocado!
Any veggies will be good — but peppers are especially awesome with Mexican-inspired meals 🙂
Then, top with some salsa! This is your dressing of sorts. I used one of the salsas that we made and canned ourselves at my public health dietetic internship over the summer 🙂 Man, that seems like forever ago already!
Finally, top with your choice of protein! I’m a big fan of black beans for this type of salad because it adds great flavor and texture 🙂 You could add in some chicken or beef if you wanted, too.
And there you have it! I recommend adding more salsa than you think you’d normally want because the rice will soak it up some before lunch time 🙂
To have on the side, I packed some sliced grapefruit. Yum!
As for snacks, I had an unpictured Larabar and some pistachios in the morning, and some crackers and hummus when I got home. The best thing about this lunch? I used half of everything (half a container of rice, half a can of black beans, etc.) so I’m making it for lunch again today, too 🙂
In other news, last night I made my triumphant return to my beloved Franklin Street Yoga!
It felt great to be back after almost a month away — my body needed it! Even though I did some yoga in D.C., it just wasn’t the same. I hit up the hour and a half “Rock Your Asana” class last night, which is one of my faves — a great, sweaty flow and fun modern music to boot! I kept wanting to dance in down dog 🙂
I’m off to class — have a wonderful day, friends!
Do you like grains on top of greens? Or am I the only weirdo? 🙂
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p.s. Want some healthy and easy dinner recipes and some lower calorie cocktail recipes? Check out this fun (and free) downloadable e-cookbook called Vegetables and Vodka that a fellow blogger created. I submitted a recipe for it, as did other blog friends!
p.p.s. Please don’t forget to vote for me in the Top 50 Most Inspirational Healthy Tweeps contest 🙂 I’m holding strong in 3rd place — thank you SO much for your support!
