Think Outside The Lunchbox: Simple Snacking

Welcome to week three of "Think Outside The Lunchbox"! This week Mandy and I will be covering our favorite simple snacks, and now that we've reached the halfway point of this series, we want to hear from you! What meals or topics would you like us to cover? Please leave your suggestions in the comments below! 

Healthy Snacks by Hannah 

1. The Fresh

Bell Pepper Slices: 25 calories per pepper

Bell peppers are so low calorie that they make the perfect snack for mindlessly munching on while doing homework or watching TV. 

2. The Fruity 

Annie's Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks: 70 calories per bag

I always carry these in my purse in case I'm feeling low energy. The fruit sugar gives me the perfect boost, but beware these fruit snacks are so addictive and it's tempting to eat like twelve packages at a time... trust me. I know from experience. 

3. The Sweet 

Fiber One Brownies: 90 calories per brownie 

When the inevitable chocolate craving hits, try this low calorie brownie! Your sweet tooth will be satisfied and you won't feel guilty. 

4. The Spicy 

The Good Bean Smoky Chili & Lime: 120 calories per serving

I just discovered these yummy roasted chickpeas! The chili-lime flavor is anything but bland and I find myself snacking a little too much on these. 

5. The Savory

Pirate's Booty: 130 calories per serving 

These baked cheese puffs are what I would describe as healthy Cheetos. They're my go to snack during break at school 

Allergy Friendly Snacks by Mandy 

1. Boom Chicka Pop: 35 calories per serving

There are 12 different flavors- one for every craving!

2. Kind Granola Bars: 150 calories per bar
Basically Kind anything is delicious and gluten free. Kind brand products are a staple in my diet.

3. Mini Clif Bars: 100 calories per bar
Being gluten free and a vegetarian, its hard to eat out. When I’m out running errands or shopping, I like to keep a mini Clif Bar in my bag or purse to keep me tied over in between meals.

4. Sabra Hummus: 80 calories per serving

Normally I end up buying the individual hummus packages because I eat the whole family sized tub in one sitting….

5. Nature’s Path Sunrise Crunchy Vanilla: 110 calories per serving

My love for this crunchy and sweet snack is unreal. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or late night snack) this gluten free cereal is my go to.

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Inspiration

image via

I was browsing Pinterest, as I do way too often, and came across this beautiful quote. I couldn't seem to get it out of my mind because, to be honest, I need to take this to heart right now. Whether I'm working on college applications, planning my 18th birthday party, or focussing on furthering my career, this time in my life is very "me" centered. It's absolutely great to have goals and ambitions for yourself, but I guarantee that you will achieve those goals and feel better doing it when you put others first. Next time we see someone eating alone at lunch, let's sit down and get to know them. Let's pay it forward at Starbucks by paying for the person in line behind us. Or just listen and be a comforter if a friend is having a rough day. I'm challenging myself to do this and I hope you do the same! I'd love to hear your experiences. Comment below with a time that you have risen by lifting others!

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Think Outside The Lunch Box: Salad

 

Welcome to week two of Mandy’s and my “Think Outside The Lunchbox” series! If you missed last week’s post, you can find it here.
 

Spinach Salad by Hannah
 

I must say, I was hesitant about our meal topic this week. Usually I am NOT a fan of salad. I wondered how I was going to write about an awesome salad recipe when I myself practically hate it! Then I realized that I needed to have an open mind because salad can be a great, healthy lunch option. So for the sake of this series, I decided to give it another go, and I ended up finding a salad that even I love!

Spinach Salad Ingredients:

1 cup fresh spinach leaves

1 slice bacon chopped into bits

1 hard-boiled egg finely chopped

1 serving Gourmet Thousand Island dressing
 

Gourmet Thousand Island Dressing Ingredients:

1 tbsp. mayonnaise

2 tsp. ketchup

1 tsp. champaign vinegar

½ tsp. sugar

Dash of salt
 

This is a great school lunch option because all you need to do is combine the spinach, bacon, and egg into a Tupperware container. Once lunchtime arrives, drizzle the dressing over the top and you’re good to go!
 

Lentil Salad by Mandy

Unlike Hannah, I am head over heels in love with salad. No, that is not an exaggeration. I eat a salad with almost every lunch and almost every dinner. I’ve actually had salad for breakfast before (that is 100% true, my nose is not growing).
 

Being gluten free and a vegetarian, eating out in always a challenge. That's why I love salads so much! Salads are the one thing I can always count on to be allergy friendly. However, there are only soooo many salads you can eat in your life. After a while, all lettuce tastes the same. Thankfully my mother has an awesome group of friends with food allergies that likes to pass around recipes! This gluten free and vegan rice lentil salad is a great way to spice up my daily salad intake!




Rice Lentil Salad Ingredients:

Cooked lentils
Cooked rice
Cucumbers
Carrots
Green onions
Tomatoes
Cilantro

Dressing Ingredients:
2 t. wine vinegar
2 t. olive oil
1/2 t. sugar
Dash of salt and pepper
2 t. lemon juice
2 t. oil

Feel free to switch up the veggies and include your favorites! This salad is jammed back with essential vitamins (thank you veggies!) and protein (s/o to the lentils). I prefer this salad cold, but it tastes just find room temp!  

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