The Nest

Monday, May 07, 2007 1:08 PM

What's for lunch?

By Paula

Since I started working at The Knot, I've been trying really hard to branch out during lunchtime. Up until a few months ago, the only decisions I made were a. what kind of soup, and b. banana or bagel on the side. But then... the unthinkable happened. I got sick of soup! Really! Also, I started reading more about nutrition, and realized that despite its soothing, nurturing properties, my diet was a little lacking in the health department.

So I enlisted help. My coworker Jeanine -- equally open to culinary experimentation and nutritional improvement, equally limited with the finances, a little bit pickier with the food, and a little bit better in the kitchen -- proved to be the perfect lunchtime companion. Together, we set out to expand our palates and improve our nutrition. And expand we did. Our first month saw such diverse menu items as lettuce, carrots, cucumber, chicken, pita, chick peas, sugar snap peas, hummus, tomatoes and pastrami. And, it was cheap! We found that by buying for two, planning a few lunches at a time, and doing a little of our own preparation, we could save a lot of money. Plus, now we know exactly what goes in our meal (and in our mouths).

But here's the problem... I'm bored again. Turns out, we're not these two creative and amazing masters of the lunch hour like I thought. No, we just hit on a couple good combinations. Good combinations that -- just like any other -- get old. So, now what? Any ideas for lunch that are quick... and cheap... and easy... and healthy... and (by Jeanine's demand) not too exotic? I guess one or the other of us could cook the night before and pack the lunch, but please keep in mind that we are not great chefs. (Okay, I guess I mean just me. Jeanine's actually not so bad in the kitchen.) What kinds of things are easy to make in advance?

(Remember, please -- I did tell you that I'm in the very early nesting stages. For you, this lunch stuff may be painfully basic. But for me, it's important. I'm really trying hard to be healthy and cost-efficient and interesting, and it's not so easy! Your tips are much appreciated...)