Dietitian Lyndi Cohen has shared some of her tips on how to make the most of your lunch, as it was revealed that 2.4 million Australians eat the same lunch every day.
Research commissioned by Arnott’s Vita-Weat shows that Australians appear to be gripped by lunchtime fatigue, but are shelling out $2,615.60 a year on their typical midday meal during the average workweek.
In an attempt to inspire us to mix things up, nutritionist and dietitian Lyndi Cohen says there are many benefits to mixing up your lunch box features.
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“Supercharging your diet with a greater variety of foods each day serves us well for many reasons,” says Cohen.
“Not only can it help improve your metabolic health, but it can also improve your mood.
“While it’s easy to become a creature of habit during the work week, choosing from a variety of nutritious food groups can help you make the most of your lunch hour.”
The research also revealed that the sandwich is the number one lunch choice for Australians, with two in three (68 per cent) Australians eating a sandwich (or wrap) for lunch on any given day.
On average, millennials spend more than any other generation on a single weekday lunch ($13.95). Younger Australians are more likely to eat the same lunch four to five days a week compared to their older counterparts (Millennials by 32 per cent, Baby Boomers by 18 per cent).
To avoid buying lunch, Australian workers and students, on average, pack a lunch to take to work/school almost three days a week (2.69). Women are more likely than men to pack a lunch to take to work/school four to five times a week.
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Tips to make the most of your lunch
1. Eating seasonally will not only help you save on groceries, it may also naturally increase variety in your diet by mixing what you eat with the changing seasons.
2. Crispbreads are a healthy pantry staple where you can make nutritious, affordable and easy lunches.
3. Reducing food waste is a super smart way to stick to a budget while eating healthy. Create an “eat now” tray that’s front and center in your fridge, reminding you to dig into your favorite items while they’re fresh.
4. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be picky. Create a balanced lunch in no time with a simple four-step formula; look for a source of whole grains, some lean protein, healthy fats, and colorful vegetables.
5. Keeping a pantry well-stocked with nutritious, shelf-stable ingredients makes it easy to prepare healthy meals. Personal favorites include cans of legumes and diced tomatoes, Vita-Weat, and plenty of spice blends to add a pop of flavor.
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