Have you ever had that kind of lunch break where you’re able to decompress, release the stress of the busy morning, and have some quality time for yourself? By the time the lunch hour is complete, you’re ready for the second half of your day and you’re refueled with energy to keep you going until evening? If that kind of midday experience currently seems foreign, you’re not alone.
According to a recent California Walnuts consumer survey, 53% of Americans don’t think about what they’re going to eat for lunch until they realize they’re hungry. In the middle of a hectic day, taking the time for lunch can feel like a luxury, but skipping lunch can take a toll on our productivity, and even our wellbeing. It’s important to press pause on our busy lives and recommit to this important midday ritual. The first step toward reclaiming your midday meal is setting realistic goals for your lunch break, so we’ve put together a quick quiz to uncover what kind of luncher you are! Then, explore our simple, delicious recipes suited for your luncher type and lifestyle.
Breaking Down the “Luncher” Types
There are five luncher types, ranging from staunch devotees to chronic meal skippers. Embrace your inner luncher and align meal prepping to suit your personality and schedule! Choosing to take time for lunch can help you feel more vibrant throughout the day and help you stay alert, energized, and focused.
Busy Bee
During your lunch hour, if you find yourself reaching for your lunch distractedly while you send emails, answer texts and look at vacation ideas, then you’re probably a “Busy Bee.” It’s not likely that a Busy Bee will stray far from their desk for a lunch break, so it’s important to pack ahead to have a lunch that’s balanced and nutritious, but effortless. Bento box lunches are a great grab-and-go option. Try packing one with easy lunchtime classics like a Tuna Salad Sandwich or Spiced Walnut Trail Mix. To maximize time even more, you can meal prep in larger quantities, like this Asian Walnut, Chicken, and Vegetable Noodle Jar recipe.
Lover-o-Lunch
If you’re already thinking about lunch before you’re done eating breakfast, you might be a “lover-o-lunch”. You know that the midday sojourn is essential for your overall well-being, and you make sure to take your lunch hour every day, using that time to refuel and revive. Because you view your lunchtime as a sacred treat, the Lover-o-Lunch is searching for an exciting meal. This delicious Toasted Walnut, Black Bean, Corn and Tomato Salad is the perfect way to get a variety of flavors and textures in one dish. A Lover-o-Lunch can also take the time to savor each season’s flavors, like this Butternut Squash, Quinoa, Pear, and Walnut Bowl for the fall!
Mindful Muncher
By the time the clock strikes the lunch hour the “Mindful Muncher” is already on their feet to step away from the desk. Mindful Munchers make the most of their lunch hour, using it to stretch your legs, give your mind a reset, and refuel with a nutrient-rich meal. For all those “mindful munchers,” walnuts are a great addition to your lunch meal to keep the mind sharp and energy levels high. This simple Hummus and Veggie Wrap is super portable, so no matter where you seek your midday refuge, your lunch is right there with you. A Mindful Muncher might also want to load up on good fats with their midday meal, so these Salmon, Quinoa, and Walnut Stuffed Avocados are right up their alley! Snackaholic
For those whose desk drawers are full of easy-to-grab snacks that sustain your lunches most days, you’re probably a “Snackaholic.” You don’t need to be between meals to reach for a snack, but you do need to stockpile your stash with wholesome, nutrient-dense options. An easy-to-assemble Whole Grain Walnut Trail Mix combines the flavor of walnuts with naturally tart cherry and sweet raisins. Or, create a meal out of an assortment of your favorite snacks. These Cucumber Walnut Butter Pretzel Buttons, Walnut Salsa are great examples of sneaky way to add nutrients into your lunchtime snack. Try scooping with cucumbers in place of chips!
The Last-Minute Luncher
You always intend on taking a lunch, and then one more email pops into your inbox and there’s one more call to take and one more meeting appeared on your schedule… If this scenario sounds all too familiar, you’re likely a “Last-Minute Luncher.” Lunch is often whatever you can forage from the food cart or grab at the nearest quick service restaurant. But there’s a better way! A packed lunch from home that’s easy to create means you won’t have to worry about going on a scavenger hunt when hunger strikes. These Fruity Walnut Butter Wraps are portable for an easy multi-tasking lunch break while still offering the fuel you’ll need to conquer the rest of your to-do list. For a more savory option, throw together whatever ingredients you have at home into a delicious food bowl like this Walnut Chicken Salad.
A missed midday meal not only reinforces bad eating habits, but it could be detrimental to your health as well. No matter what kind of luncher you are, California walnuts make it easy to add flavor, crunch and nutrition to your meals and snacks to make your lunchtime count.
