My lunchtime “diet”

Since around the start of the year, I’ve been doing my best to really reduce the amount of $$ I’ve been spending at lunch, as well as the intake of crap I’ve been eating during it. My solution so far, soup. Now I’m not going to tell you that I’ve mastered the art of the Amazing Soup Diet, even though it does sound good. I don’t have much time for it. I bring leftovers as often as I can, and since I’m trying to clear out my pantry again, I’ve been cooking more. As far as days when I don’t have leftovers, it’s off ot the selection of soups in a box under my desk. Variety is key, including low fat as well as tasty fatty versions for days when I am hitting the gym or just need a bit more of a comfort food style.

Some tips that seem to make this easier:

  • I have found that that it actually hinders my efforts if I buy from big box clubs such as BJ’s or Sams. Reason being, variety. If you have only two or three flavors of soup, you are going to get really tired of them really quickly. Every week a different brand of soup is on sale, go grab a nice varied selection.
  • Soup isn’t always healthy, read the labels.  I keep really healthy options on hand for weeks when I’ve been bad at night,  and more flavorful ones for when I’ve been good or going to gym.
  • If trying to lose weight, watch out for not only the fat content on the soup, but the crackers.  I try to limit myself to 4 Club crackers per lunch, but that is more of a guideline and sometimes I need to increase it.
  • Keep a little TVP (textured vegetable protein) in your magic lunch box too, just a few tablespoons will not only add protein to anything, it will add some texture, which helps cut down on the need for fatty crackers. 
  • Give yourself a reward day during the week. Let’s face it, some days you just don’t want soup or leftovers.