I think the French got it right with this one. Lunch should be your biggest meal of the day. I mean, think about it, it’s right in the middle of the day and you still have the rest of your afternoon to get through, and the early evening. If you’re anything like me, I eat lunch around 12.30pm and supper around 7pm – that’s a long time between your meals. Yes, of course you can have some healthy snacks in between, but we want that lunch to go as far as it can before we reach for them. So, I’ve created these lunches with the ‘square meal’– a substantial, satisfying, and balanced meal – in mind. Go get ‘em, tiger!
superfood superheroes
1. Chickpeas (Garbanzo beans)
Chickpeas are incredibly high in nutrients and can easily be added into your regular diet. They are low in fat but high in fibre, making them great for digestion as well as helping you to feel full for longer. They also contain a wealth of protein, which makes them a fantastic plant-based source of this essential compound.
2. Parsley
Parsley is one of the most popular herbs in the world and with good reason! There are two very unusual components found within it: the first is a selection of oil components and the second is a range of flavonoids. These elements work to promote optimum health as well as inhibiting the development of certain cancers.
3. Courgette (Zucchini)
Courgettes boast an impressive nutritional profile due to the range of phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals found in them. They are an especially great source of vitamin C and manganese, which means consuming courgettes regularly can help to protect against tissue damage. Regular consumption will also help your body metabolize cholesterol.
4. Kale
Kale is among the most nutrient-dense foods in existence and you can actually hit several of your daily nutrient quotas with just one cup of raw kale! This one cup will contain more than 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamins A, C and K. It also contains impressive amounts of vitamin B6, manganese, calcium, copper, potassium and magnesium.
5. Mushrooms
Mushrooms often taste better when cooked but are healthiest in their raw form. Whichever way you decide to prepare them, they will still provide some fantastic health benefits. Mushrooms contain selenium, which is great for the function of the bladder and the thyroid. They are low in calories while providing a healthy dose of vitamin D and iron.