What do you eat for lunch?

[urbancowgirl]

I'm curious to hear what others eat for lunch while expecting. I love a good sandwich, but now that cold cuts are a no-no, I feel a little lost come lunch time. I eat leftovers and soup frequently, but I want a little more variety. I guess I could do salad, but what can I add for protein?

[imoan]

I ignore the cold cut thing.

[emisi]

I have a Healthy CHoice frozen meal, a container of Greek yogurt, string cheese, and an apple. I also make sure to have a snack for before AND after lunch, because I get hungry. Usually some SunChips or a clementine.

[looseseal]

With a salad, you could add grilled chicken strips, or tuna. When I was really good about packing my lunch every day, I used to grill a bunch of chicken breasts or pork loins. Then I would take one for lunch each day. You can use different marinades or salad toppings to change things up. If you have a toaster oven at work, you could heat your sandwiches up if you're concerned about that. I love a good melt.

[urbancowgirl]

Oct 29, 2012 13:32:19 GMT -5 imoan said:

I ignore the cold cut thing.

Lol! I'm definitely going to cheat every once in a while. I tossed some prosciutto in pasta last night. I bought it before I found out I was preggo and wasn't going to let it go to waste.

[VillainV]

I pack a lunch with a lot of little things:

-banana
-grapes
-carrots and sugar snap peas
-goldfish crackers
- sliced sourdough bread

I've never liked sandwiches, so the no-cold-cut thing is no big deal for me. Having lots of little things helps me space out my food consumption and eat when I'm hungry.

Protein? I always start the day with a serving of yogurt, a bowl of cereal, and a glass of soy milk. I eat meat with dinner just about ever day, so there's more protein there. I'm lactose intolerant, and don't really have any place at work to keep food cold, so I do the best I can while I'm at home.

[ladygrey]

I get free lunch at work, so I can't really answer your question. One of my favorite sources of protein is a hard-boiled egg (or two). I also like Greek yogurt and string cheese sticks.

[wkatie]

Turkey sandwiches (I also ignore that rule), PB&J, soup, leftovers, fresh fruit, potato chips and some type of small cookie/candy.

[urbancowgirl]

Ooh, hard boiled eggs- I forgot about those! And pork loin- never thought to put it on a salad. I like the idea of grilling it in advance. I'll have to stock up on yogurt and fruit, too. Thanks, ladies!

[linehelp]

Either a grill chicken salad or sandwich. I'm boring.

[imoan]

Oct 29, 2012 14:14:09 GMT -5 wkatie said:

Turkey sandwiches (I also ignore that rule)

Solidarity sister! Those cold cuts are even more delicious now!!!

[noodleskooze]

Oct 29, 2012 16:56:27 GMT -5 imoan said:

Oct 29, 2012 14:14:09 GMT -5 wkatie said:

Turkey sandwiches (I also ignore that rule)

Solidarity sister!

Ya Ya!

[jssymom14]

Oct 29, 2012 16:56:27 GMT -5 imoan said:

Oct 29, 2012 14:14:09 GMT -5 wkatie said:

Turkey sandwiches (I also ignore that rule)

Solidarity sister! Those cold cuts are even more delicious now!!!

Jimmy johns is my friend

[gogadgetgo]

Team eat cold cuts here. Usually a
Sliced chicken breast sandwich or wrap. I try to buy the organic nitrate free kind, but more because it just tastes better.

[jessuhmarie]

sandwiches

[urbancowgirl]

Those of you that are still eating cold cuts, how did you decide it was okay to still eat them? Did your doctor approve it? Is it because the chance of eating meat infected with listeria is very small?

Bear with me, I'm new to this whole pregnancy thing

[wkatie]

I laugh in the face of listeria! Ha!

I actually do think it's okay because the risk is so small. I just googled a little and there were only 568 cases in the US in 2010 (most recent available) according to the CDC. I buy fresh turkey from the grocery deli and eat it within a few days of purchase (ok, like 4 maybe). Also, I have never heard of anyone getting listeria in my whole life. So, if someone has an anecdote they would like to share, I would be interested. I feel like it's a good source of lunchtime protien for me, which is another reason. You have to just do what you are comfortable with. And stay off the bump! That will help

[urbancowgirl]

Oct 30, 2012 10:53:21 GMT -5 wkatie said:

I laugh in the face of listeria! Ha!

I actually do think it's okay because the risk is so small. I just googled a little and there were only 568 cases in the US in 2010 (most recent available) according to the CDC.

Based on the tiny amount of research I did, this was my conclusion, too. It looks like the number of listeria cases has dropped drastically in the past ten years, too, so maybe the "no cold cuts" advice needs to be revisited.

[mrssandro]

My advice on lunchmeat..if not fresh and you have doubts just heat it up. Done deal!

[joolz]

Oh, I fully ignore the cold cuts thing too.

My current favourite lunch is a ninja salad from a place across the street (extra won tons, hold the peanuts, add tofu or chicken):

EDAMAME, CARROTS, CUCUMBERS, CILANTRO, CRISPY WONTONS AND PEANUTS ON TOP OF ROMAINE, SPINACH, AND SHREDDED CABBAGE SERVED WITH ASIAN SESAME DRESSING.

[imoan]

And apparently, the listeria in cold cuts scare came from an outbreak in the 80s. Listeria has recently been more linked with vegetables than with any cold cuts. But you don't see people telling pregnant ladies to hold off on the veggies.

Just like when they tell you "NO SOFT CHEESES" and then you find out it's only because they MIGHT be unpasteurized... and then your common sense tells you that it's near IMPOSSIBLE to find and purchase unpasteurized cheese in the US in 2012.

[shellbear09]

I usually eat a salad and sandwich or soup. You can add chicken or a hardboiled egg to your salad for protein. I do chicken salad sandwiches or turkey. I use either the canned chicken or leftovers if I have it. I also just bring lots of snacks like fruit, yogurt, nuts, chex mix, string cheese.

[HoneySpider]

I'm a boring lunch eater. I like peanut butter sandwiches. Lately I've been having some soup. I need to mix it up and get some variety but I like things that don't take a lot of prep time since I have to pack everything the night before and Im usually tired by the time I do it.