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Packed: Lunch Hacks to Squeeze More Nutrients Into Your Day
The workday packed lunch - so often a repetitive and disappointing affair - is easier than you think to get right; it just requires a little forward planning. Throw out the soggy sandwiches and fill your Thermos or lunch box with nutrient-packed goodies that are simple to prepare, delicious - and full of things that are good for you. Contemporary and seasonal recipes are supported by sound nutrition to bring you this hip and easy guide on lunch on the go. While food writer Becky Alexander shows you how to knock up simple and satisfying bites - from vibrant Skip to the Beet Soup to satisfying Good Mood Cookies - nutritionist Michelle Lake will explain how that lunch is doing you good. Chapters
• Get Up and Go for those breakfasts on the run
• Raw Goodness salads
• Filling Flasks of satisfying hot food
• Fork-free sandwiches, dips and other cutlery-free eats
• Snacks and Bites for the inbetween times and treats
By strategic shopping, making things ahead, and using your fridge and freezer craftily, creating exciting and healthy lunches every day becomes almost effortless. Health benefits of particular foods are featured throughout, so you know your blood sugar will be balanced, the nutrition will be packed in and your brain will be kept in top gear. Because work is harder when you're not fully fuelled!
• Get Up and Go for those breakfasts on the run
• Raw Goodness salads
• Filling Flasks of satisfying hot food
• Fork-free sandwiches, dips and other cutlery-free eats
• Snacks and Bites for the inbetween times and treats
By strategic shopping, making things ahead, and using your fridge and freezer craftily, creating exciting and healthy lunches every day becomes almost effortless. Health benefits of particular foods are featured throughout, so you know your blood sugar will be balanced, the nutrition will be packed in and your brain will be kept in top gear. Because work is harder when you're not fully fuelled!
176 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2017
12 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 5, 2017
4.5*
This is a fabulous book for anyone taking a packed lunch or just wanting a different and healthier choice.
We get a quick run down on ingredients like which carbohydrates are good to use, healthy fats etc.
In fact it's chock full of good advice and tips
It starts with some alternatives to the morning coffee including:
Hot Morning Zinger which is lemon, ginger, mint and cayenne pepper.
Cucumber and Mint Infusion
1. GET UP a n d GO
There's breakfast layer pots, hot and cold oats, muesli made easy, muffins, frittata and so many others, my favourites are:
Good for you granola
Coconut, pistachio-goji berry granola bars.
2. SALADS a n d SLAWS
Here we get a huge selection of salads and dressings including:
Nutty noodle salad
Roasted cauliflower, chickpea, feta-pomegranate salad.
Also pick n mix salads:
Dressing layer
Energy layer
Endurance layer
Deli layer
Immune boosting layer
Leafy goodness layer
You build you salad in the above order starting with the dressing, there's so many options you could have a different salad everyday.
3. FILLING FLASkS
A good selection of soups including:
Spicy cauliflower and almond
Immune boosting soup
Creamy wild mushroom soup
Spicy chickpea and red lentil,
4. FORk-FREE mEALS
Sandwiches, dips, flatbreads, deli plates including:
Warm roast vegetable and halloumi salad
Cauliflower, green lentil and spinach curry
Goats cheese dip,
5. SNACkS a n d bITES
Crisps, popcorn, cookies including:
Raw brazil nut date —cherry slice
Apricot, cashew energy balls.
I have to mention while I'm vegetarian this book isn't there's plenty of meat options if that's what you're looking for. It's well presented and while there's plenty of pictures there isn't one for each recipe which I normally look for in any recipe book I read but this book is so good I let that slide.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Nourish.
February 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
Images can be seen on The Candid Cover
I am always searching for ways to simplify my life and my routine. Eating healthy and making wise food choices is something that is important to me and I am sure many others out there. While Packed has some wonderful ideas and takes an interesting approach to lunchtime fare, most of the recipes and ideas were not in accordance with my definition of a “lunch hack,” a way to use shortcuts and tricks to simplify my productivity.
Smoothies for breakfast and salads for lunch are not a relatively new concept for healthy eating options. However, there are some interesting combinations and ideas that may shake things up for you, if you are looking for new ideas. Some of the other recipes included in this book are deli plates, soups and even sushi. As you can imagine, the soups will take some effort to prepare and the sushi will require time, equipment, and skill. These techniques are unique and they are definitely a delicious approach to your standard lunch, but you will have to put quite a bit of effort into their creations.
As for the recipes included in the Snacks and Bites chapter, these are quite a bit easier to prepare. However, I still found that the number of dishes, time, and ingredients to make something as simple as popcorn was a little excessive. I made the Paprika Popcorn, which was quite tasty. The method uses coconut oil to pop the corn in a pan on the stove and a small amount of butter and paprika. I am not sure if I would go to all of this trouble before leaving in the morning, but I will concede that it is a healthy and filling snack.
Another recipe that I enjoyed from Packed was the Pick-and-Mix Granola. I really enjoy granola and it is so versatile, as you can snack on it and use it as a topping for so many other foods. This recipe calls for oil, sweetener, grains, spice, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. What is great about this approach is you can choose from a variety of items and make it all your own. I used coconut oil, oatmeal, cinnamon, vanilla, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. The recipe is simple enough, yet will require an hour to bake in the oven.
If you are looking for some different lunch ideas that have health benefits, then you may want to take a look at Packed. Many of these recipes will require time and some skill, so if a “hack” is what you are after for your lunchtime routine, this book may not provide you with those solutions. There are quite a few recipes in this book that I will definitely attempt on weekends, but most of these ideas don’t work for my busy lifestyle.
Images can be seen on The Candid Cover
I am always searching for ways to simplify my life and my routine. Eating healthy and making wise food choices is something that is important to me and I am sure many others out there. While Packed has some wonderful ideas and takes an interesting approach to lunchtime fare, most of the recipes and ideas were not in accordance with my definition of a “lunch hack,” a way to use shortcuts and tricks to simplify my productivity.
Smoothies for breakfast and salads for lunch are not a relatively new concept for healthy eating options. However, there are some interesting combinations and ideas that may shake things up for you, if you are looking for new ideas. Some of the other recipes included in this book are deli plates, soups and even sushi. As you can imagine, the soups will take some effort to prepare and the sushi will require time, equipment, and skill. These techniques are unique and they are definitely a delicious approach to your standard lunch, but you will have to put quite a bit of effort into their creations.
As for the recipes included in the Snacks and Bites chapter, these are quite a bit easier to prepare. However, I still found that the number of dishes, time, and ingredients to make something as simple as popcorn was a little excessive. I made the Paprika Popcorn, which was quite tasty. The method uses coconut oil to pop the corn in a pan on the stove and a small amount of butter and paprika. I am not sure if I would go to all of this trouble before leaving in the morning, but I will concede that it is a healthy and filling snack.
Another recipe that I enjoyed from Packed was the Pick-and-Mix Granola. I really enjoy granola and it is so versatile, as you can snack on it and use it as a topping for so many other foods. This recipe calls for oil, sweetener, grains, spice, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. What is great about this approach is you can choose from a variety of items and make it all your own. I used coconut oil, oatmeal, cinnamon, vanilla, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. The recipe is simple enough, yet will require an hour to bake in the oven.
If you are looking for some different lunch ideas that have health benefits, then you may want to take a look at Packed. Many of these recipes will require time and some skill, so if a “hack” is what you are after for your lunchtime routine, this book may not provide you with those solutions. There are quite a few recipes in this book that I will definitely attempt on weekends, but most of these ideas don’t work for my busy lifestyle.
March 3, 2017
A very useful, informative recipe book for putting some excitement into packed lunches.
There are healthy recipes from the usual salad ingredients to fruity suggestions. There are seasonal ones also, so you will never be bored any time of the year.
The ingredients are available in most supermarkets and the methods are simple.
It almost makes me wish I was in working again, although I may prepare one or two when I'm busy in the garden!
Highly recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Nourish via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
There are healthy recipes from the usual salad ingredients to fruity suggestions. There are seasonal ones also, so you will never be bored any time of the year.
The ingredients are available in most supermarkets and the methods are simple.
It almost makes me wish I was in working again, although I may prepare one or two when I'm busy in the garden!
Highly recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Nourish via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
April 25, 2017
Really Loved this book, Loved the style & the amazing amount of info! Recommended to my friend who has already tried some recipes out.
February 20, 2017
A really useful book filled with excellent ideas to lift your packed lunches (and breakfast for that matter) out of the boring and mundane and into the homemade and healthy category. Many of the recipes are simple to prepare while others require a little pre-planning. Many of those requiring more effort actually provide 2 to 4 servings which can be refrigerated or even frozen for later.
I would say the majority of the recipes are vegetarian but there is also a good number of fish and meat variations. Therefore, this is one book that I would love to buy for my vegetarian daughter who loves interesting packed lunches.
Great ideas for workdays and even picnics for sunny days out.
My thanks to NetGalley and the editors for the advanced e-reader copy of this book!
I would say the majority of the recipes are vegetarian but there is also a good number of fish and meat variations. Therefore, this is one book that I would love to buy for my vegetarian daughter who loves interesting packed lunches.
Great ideas for workdays and even picnics for sunny days out.
My thanks to NetGalley and the editors for the advanced e-reader copy of this book!
March 5, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This was a pretty good guide to lunch and how to make your lunch healthier. I really liked the ideas in the book, and I can’t wait to try some of them.
My only complaint about this book was how busy it felt. There were multiple fonts and colours on every page and it was pretty distracting.
This was a pretty good guide to lunch and how to make your lunch healthier. I really liked the ideas in the book, and I can’t wait to try some of them.
My only complaint about this book was how busy it felt. There were multiple fonts and colours on every page and it was pretty distracting.
February 22, 2018
Good reminder that I should eat a vegetable
May 8, 2017
I picked up Packed because I am a busy professional. Yes, that sounds cliché, but I know that I am the most likely to cheat myself on lunch. I pack often, but what I pack isn't always the most balanced. Leftovers are easy, so ta-da! I definitely don't get enough vegetables that way, and I've been in a creative slump for lunchtime meals. After the success I had reviewing some other cookbooks, I thought I'd give this one a go.
Broken into 5 sections, Alexander and Lake do a great job breaking up recipes with informational tidbits about why you should be eating/drinking these foods and how they help balance your day. For example, in an early section about coffee, they warn that you should only consume caffeine-heavy beverages around mid-morning once you've gotten some food in your belly and hydrated some. This is because caffeine, like sugar, will cause a blood sugar roller coaster, which in turn will make you irritable and hungrier. Oops. I need to rethink my morning schedule.
There is also science! Like yogurt included mood-boosting amino acids (trytophan) or oats contain beta-glucan a soluble fiber which helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Food science is so cool.
My favorite recipes include:
- Paprika Popcorn
- Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup
- Coconut, Pistachio, Goji Granola Bars
- Apricot Cashew Energy Balls
- Goat Cheese Dip
A great addition to the cookbook collection of an aspiring chef, particularly those new to packing lunches.
Broken into 5 sections, Alexander and Lake do a great job breaking up recipes with informational tidbits about why you should be eating/drinking these foods and how they help balance your day. For example, in an early section about coffee, they warn that you should only consume caffeine-heavy beverages around mid-morning once you've gotten some food in your belly and hydrated some. This is because caffeine, like sugar, will cause a blood sugar roller coaster, which in turn will make you irritable and hungrier. Oops. I need to rethink my morning schedule.
There is also science! Like yogurt included mood-boosting amino acids (trytophan) or oats contain beta-glucan a soluble fiber which helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Food science is so cool.
My favorite recipes include:
- Paprika Popcorn
- Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup
- Coconut, Pistachio, Goji Granola Bars
- Apricot Cashew Energy Balls
- Goat Cheese Dip
A great addition to the cookbook collection of an aspiring chef, particularly those new to packing lunches.
March 12, 2017
I read Packed Lunch hacks to squeeze more nutrients into your day by Becky Alexander; Michelle Lake published by Nourish this past Feb 14th while I was waiting for the arrival of a friend also very interested and intrigued about this book because it's indispensable to bring good food from home to work but the question is: what and how much? And let's also add something else: sometimes we lack in fantasy, we are repetitive.
If these problems are also your problems don't worry because the sunny authors of this book will explain you what and how you should eat for breakfast, lunch and the various part of the day, what to avoid because we could fall in sleeping mood in case and what to eat preferably. What it gives good energy and what it gives bad energy. Starting of course from good ingredients.
Fantasy talking of recipes in this cook book great and you feel a yummy! sensation while you will read it.
I love all the breakfast recipes because I am a fruit lovers and also the various soups, salads and chicken recipes.
With this cookbook no more boring lunch at work from home, no more lack of fantasy, but only joy, appreciation and the certainty of a great moment everyday to dedicate at food.
Highly recommended for sure!
I thank NetGalley and Nourish for this book.
If these problems are also your problems don't worry because the sunny authors of this book will explain you what and how you should eat for breakfast, lunch and the various part of the day, what to avoid because we could fall in sleeping mood in case and what to eat preferably. What it gives good energy and what it gives bad energy. Starting of course from good ingredients.
Fantasy talking of recipes in this cook book great and you feel a yummy! sensation while you will read it.
I love all the breakfast recipes because I am a fruit lovers and also the various soups, salads and chicken recipes.
With this cookbook no more boring lunch at work from home, no more lack of fantasy, but only joy, appreciation and the certainty of a great moment everyday to dedicate at food.
Highly recommended for sure!
I thank NetGalley and Nourish for this book.
February 16, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley and the editors for the advanced readers copy of this book!
This is a great book for working people who want to eat healthy at work and don't want to spend a lot of money. The pictures were great and I am excited to try more of the recipes. So far I have done a breakfast smoothie and one of the salads. I am excited to try the morning cookies, some of the dips and the soups!
Some positives about the book include the great pictures, the variety of recipes and the key that lets you know if it's going to be a fast recipe, one that could be made ahead or freeze well. The ingredients are fresh, real and good for you. I love that there are several that will be perfect for garden season when I am over run with zucchini and green beans.
I was disappointed that the nutritional information wasn't included with the recipe. I am diabetic and that makes it so much easier for me to know right away if the recipe will work or not. Some of the recipes also had some strange ingredients. I don't see myself ever eating Sardines, and if I did like them I probably wouldn't eat a stinky fish at work.
Overall, well done and full or things I plan to try!
This is a great book for working people who want to eat healthy at work and don't want to spend a lot of money. The pictures were great and I am excited to try more of the recipes. So far I have done a breakfast smoothie and one of the salads. I am excited to try the morning cookies, some of the dips and the soups!
Some positives about the book include the great pictures, the variety of recipes and the key that lets you know if it's going to be a fast recipe, one that could be made ahead or freeze well. The ingredients are fresh, real and good for you. I love that there are several that will be perfect for garden season when I am over run with zucchini and green beans.
I was disappointed that the nutritional information wasn't included with the recipe. I am diabetic and that makes it so much easier for me to know right away if the recipe will work or not. Some of the recipes also had some strange ingredients. I don't see myself ever eating Sardines, and if I did like them I probably wouldn't eat a stinky fish at work.
Overall, well done and full or things I plan to try!
February 27, 2017
This is a book about packing your lunch--how to make it tasty, healthy, and interesting. The recipes include some templates to use to personalize to your taste and the photos are beautiful (though not every recipe has one). I made the creamy wild mushroom soup, which was light and delicious. My husband loved it even though it used almond milk instead of cow's. I also made the good mood cookies, which I loved. They seemed very crumbly when I put them on the pan, but held together beautifully and had great chewy flavor.
Some of the names of ingredients are British and may be unfamiliar to American cooks, but the recipes are also forgiving and the authors encourage revising them for one's own taste.
I received a free digital copy for review. My comments were my own.
Some of the names of ingredients are British and may be unfamiliar to American cooks, but the recipes are also forgiving and the authors encourage revising them for one's own taste.
I received a free digital copy for review. My comments were my own.
August 6, 2017
Reviewed by Gretl Wagner for San Diego Book Review
Still eating sandwiches every day? Maybe running for take out? It's time to up your lunch game. Becky Alexander and Michelle Lake understand how difficult it can be to break out of your regular rut, but they also know how important lunch is for sustaining your energy and nourishing you, body and soul, throughout the day. They have put together an amazing cookbook of wonderful ideas and recipes that will do just that.
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
Still eating sandwiches every day? Maybe running for take out? It's time to up your lunch game. Becky Alexander and Michelle Lake understand how difficult it can be to break out of your regular rut, but they also know how important lunch is for sustaining your energy and nourishing you, body and soul, throughout the day. They have put together an amazing cookbook of wonderful ideas and recipes that will do just that.
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
March 14, 2017
I won this book on Goodreads Giveaway! Thank you so much for kindly sending it to me.
I love this book, the format, the explanations and the recipes. What I love the most is that if you are in a dairy-free or meat/fish free diet you can change the ingredients easily.
It will make a difference in my packed lunch, it has given me a lot of inspiration!
I love this book, the format, the explanations and the recipes. What I love the most is that if you are in a dairy-free or meat/fish free diet you can change the ingredients easily.
It will make a difference in my packed lunch, it has given me a lot of inspiration!
March 21, 2017
I am so glad I received this as a Goodreads giveaway and didn't buy it. There is not one idea for a packed lunch that I would use. Most of the recipes/ideas are up to date, ie: they use jam jars to put the food in, not my idea of a good way to transport food! If you are wanting ideas for your lunch that use foods like quinoa and coconut oil then this is the book for you.
July 31, 2017
This book is great if, like me, you are stuck in an unending cycle of terrible sandwiches for lunch everyday. There are lots of recipes for simple to make salads and a pick 'n' mix page for throwing together your own. The ingredients used are simple but the book makes them look appetising and has tips for how to layer them so that they keep fresh.
June 29, 2017
As far as cookbooks go this was okay. It had some okay ideas. It did have a picture for almost every recipe. It is British, so there are some conversion and translation issues. There was nothing too earth shattering. But it was certainly worth look.
December 2, 2017
This has a lot of great ideas!!
4 stars because it has recipes with chorizo, chicken, etc. but many are adaptable for vegetarians. It’s especially *pescatarian* friendly, with recipes that include things like sardines and mackerel.
4 stars because it has recipes with chorizo, chicken, etc. but many are adaptable for vegetarians. It’s especially *pescatarian* friendly, with recipes that include things like sardines and mackerel.
January 12, 2023
MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS WITH MORE DETAIL ON NUTRITION IN THE MEAL PLEASE !! if anyone has recommations please tell me .... This book is great i have bought and passed more on
February 14, 2017
True to its title, this cookbook is packed full of nutritious recipes.
I'll admit, my picky child-like tastes rebelled against many of the recipes, including a prawn and grapefruit salad. However, for adults who are ready and willing to eat healthier on a time-budget, this is a well-recommended read.
Also of note: recipe measurements are given in both metric and standard, and the layout and design of the book are very easy on the eye and convenient for reading.
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'll admit, my picky child-like tastes rebelled against many of the recipes, including a prawn and grapefruit salad. However, for adults who are ready and willing to eat healthier on a time-budget, this is a well-recommended read.
Also of note: recipe measurements are given in both metric and standard, and the layout and design of the book are very easy on the eye and convenient for reading.
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2017
This is a wonderful book! It had lots of recipes that are quick to prepare, simple in ingredients, and portable for those of us on the go! All the recipes are healthy and rich in superfoods. The photography was stunning and made me want to run to the kitchen and start making some of the dishes! I can see everyone enjoying this book - busy parents, single people, and anyone trying to feel healthier or lose weight.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2017
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
This is a great little book full of useful ideas for quick and healthy meals and snacks. The recipes are well set out and easy to follow and the pictures are great. As others have noted in reviews the one thing that stops this from being a 5 star book is the lack of nutritional information for each recipe.
This is a great little book full of useful ideas for quick and healthy meals and snacks. The recipes are well set out and easy to follow and the pictures are great. As others have noted in reviews the one thing that stops this from being a 5 star book is the lack of nutritional information for each recipe.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews