These days, most people are looking for ways to eat healthy, but sometimes healthy eating seems like a fairly arduous task and can sometimes be prohibitively expensive. In addition, because of the rise of food allergies and sensitivities, finding one thing the whole family can eat can be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are 3 easy and affordable lunch options that the whole family can enjoy.
Hummus
Hummus is both incredibly easy to make and extremely economical when you make it yourself. The main ingredient in hummus is chickpeas, which are also known as garbanzo beans. Chickpeas are gluten free, high in fiber and protein and very low on the glycemic index, which makes them perfect for pretty much every diet imaginable. Throw some garbanzo beans in a blender, add some tahini, lemon juice and garlic and viola – you have hummus. You can play with different spices like cumin or smoked paprika and best of all, you can allow individuals to season the hummus to their own tastes, for your pickier eaters.
Rice and Beans
Beans and rice combine to create a perfect protein that is a great substitute for meat protein. Beans also freeze well, so you can make a giant pot of them and then throw the in the freezer for individual recipes. There are a million and one ways to cook beans and rice to keep them fresh and exciting. Add Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage for a Cajun flare, or try taco seasoning for a more Mexican flare. Roll them up in a tortilla and wrap them in tin foil to eat on the go or heat them up and eat them in a bowl with salsa and sour cream. There are as many ways to serve beans and rice as there are to prepare them. If you want to avoid the gassy effects of beans, simply soak them overnight prior to cooking them.
Sandwiches
Adjusting sandwiches for your dietary needs is easy as the variety of ingredients you can add to a sandwich is formative. You can make them quickly at home or consider trying some from a sandwich shop such as Pickleman’s or other sandwich and salad establishments close to you. There are a variety of healthy sandwich options for everyone in your family.
Tofu
Tofu is an amazingly diverse food that can be bought and consumed many different ways. It ranges from a soft substance that resembles cream cheese to a more firm substance like bread. It can be cooked and used in a variety of recipes or eaten straight out of the package. Tofu is actually well known for its ability to absorb new flavors through spices and marinades and can be used as a meat substitute, egg substitute or even made into a dessert. It is both low in calories and high in protein and is also gluten free.
Conclusion
Whatever dietary issues you or your family may have, there are delicious foods available that will satisfy an entire range of eaters. Whether you are packing sack lunches for school or a plastic container for work, making lunch for everyone doesn’t have to be a chore anymore.
