Sometimes, you just need to go outside, breathe some fresh air and watch the clouds float by. If you are able to bring your lunch outside I highly recommend it. Get out of the break room, the office or cubicle, find a grassy spot, park bench or patio table to eat lunch. My job has me attached to a computer most of the day but when I can I bring my lunch outside and I am always in a better mood and more productive the rest of the day because of it. Scientists are beginning to find evidence that being in nature has a huge impact on our brains and behavior, helping us reduce anxiety and stress and we already know those play a role in weight gain; another reason to take it outside...
Here are a few of my most recent low carb, protein packed bento box lunches. Click on the highlighted links for recipes and resources...
Pink Box (top left): Carne Asada Steak
Green Box (top right): Guacamole
Blue Box (bottom left): Kale Salad with Shredded Cheese, Carrot and Cucumber
Pink Box (top left): Cheese Cubes
Green Box (top right): Pistachios
Blue Box (bottom left): Hard Cooked Egg on a Stick with Everything Bagel Seasoning (Trader Joe's or Bagel Spice Online)
Orange Box (bottom right): Blueberry Muffin Quest Protein Bar turned into "Cookies"
Pink Box (top left): Greek Yogurt sweetened with Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup
Green Box (top right): Raspberries and Blueberries
Blue Box (bottom left): Shelly's Cinnamon Churro Mini Ricotta Pancakes
Orange Box (bottom right): (in the little blue container) Sugar Free Maple Syrup
Pink Box (top left): Cottage Cheese sprinkled with Cinnamon
Green Box (top right): Shelly's Chai Spice Protein Granola
Blue Box (bottom left): Green Grapes (Salt & Pepper and Hot Sauce for the Egg)
Pink Box (top left): Lettuce Salad with Shredded Cheese and Salsa
Green Box (top right): Guacamole Packet (Trader Joe's)
Blue Box (bottom left): Leftover Cooked Chicken
Orange Box (bottom right): Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Quest Protein Bar turned into "Cookies"
Pink Box (top left): Mustard Packet and Cheese Cubes
Green Box (top right): Pickles
Blue Box (bottom left): Roast Beef Cold Cut Roll-ups
Orange Box (bottom right): a hunk of Quest Waffle Cereal Bar
More Bento Box lunches, FAQ's and an Online Source for them
My Bento Pinterest Page (Tons of Lunch Ideas)
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it." ~ Ferris Bueller