Subway reveals 5 tips to make lunch count
They conducted a lunchtime habits poll.
A national research survey, the ‘Aussie Lunchtime Habits Poll,’ presented that one in three Australians are not eating lunch everyday, with Aussies aged 25 to 34 being the worst offenders.
The study revealed that 88% are concerned that they are not eating healthily, and one in four respondents admitted to opting for burgers and fries, chocolate bars, and a pack of chips for lunch.
In addition, it also showed that more than 7 in 10 Aussies aged 18 to 34 felt that lunch would not contribute to their “2&5” requirement or would only do so by a small amount.
According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines, adults are recommended to eat five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit everyday.
“Missing lunch on a regular basis can mean not just short term impacts like reduced energy and fatigue in the afternoon, but knock-on effects like grabbing unhealthy snacks and over-indulging at dinner – bad habits which can lead to weight gain, slowed metabolism and increased risk of chronic lifestyle diseases,” said Kate Di Prima, accredited practicing dietitian.
Di Prima also shares five tips to make lunch count that can help create positive habits for one’s health and well-being.
1. If you can’t make it out of the office
Have a desk drawer or locker stash of food. Store nuts, seeds, canned soups, microwaveable rice cups, canned tuna and salmon and individual tubs of chopped fruit in juice.
That way, if you can’t make it out of the office you can still eat something nutritious.
2. Lunchtime is perfect for leftovers
If you do take a packed lunch, it’s easy to re-invent your dinner from the night before. Use leftover meat like chicken, beef or lamb, slice and place into rolls, pita or wraps and add salad.
Or cut the meat into strips and add a hard-boiled egg, a handful of cherry tomatoes and a few celery sticks. If you can cook an extra steak or chicken fillet for dinner, it can be easily transformed for lunch the next day by adding some coleslaw or rice salad for a healthy midday meal.
3. Not all fast foods are created equal
If you’re buying lunch go for a wrap, some sushi or a sandwich with lean meat to keep control over kilojoules, and add as many fresh salad fillings as you can.
A standard Subway Six-Inch® Sub includes 84 grams, or over one cup of salad vegetables, including lettuce, capsicum, cucumber, onion and tomato, which provides over one serve of an adult’s daily “2&5”.
4. Get out - it’s good for your sanity
Do yourself a favour and don’t eat lunch at your desk. Take a break and eat lunch with a friend, or enjoy lunch outside. If your time is limited, eat a quick lunch and power walk around the block.
Getting a little exercise will boost your energy and up your productivity for the afternoon.
5. If you do miss lunch
Don’t over-indulge at dinner – it’s not a great time to be stacking up on kilojoules and big portions, which can cause bloating, and fullness which isn’t great before bed.
Try and squeeze in a healthy snack before dinner, like some vegetable sticks and hummus or a couple of crackers with cheese – that way you won’t be tempted to go for inflated portions.
