The Great Grab and Go(b)

The idea of a great ‘grab-and-go’ meal is all in its simplicity, as well as its nutritional value.

One thing we often overlook is the quality of our packed lunch, especially if we are working people.

The tendency is to just grab whatever was left last night and have that for lunch. However, we often forget our body requirements are different at different times of the day. Stuffing yourself with last night’s pap and wors may not be ideal if you want to get through the rest of the day, especially if there is a lot of work still to be done.

For high energy-expending individuals in construction and other labour-intensive jobs, you can get away with it, as you burn the food through physical exercise.

The other half, who go to sit in front of a computer after their mid-day meal, often see themselves dozing off after a heavy lunch. This can be problematic, especially when your boss is waiting for that presentation you promised you’d complete after lunch.

A heavy dose of pasta and other comfort foods can be absolutely delicious the following day and be great for showing off your cooking skills in the office, but it also has a wicked secret: it will slow you down.

So, what then is the alternative? I have seen those light nutritious eats, loaded with flavour and flair, deliver both on the taste and the filling factors. The idea is to get bits of different things and combine them into a fully packed meal that will leave you as the envy of the office.

Sandwiches are a great start but instead of the traditional bread with butter and stuff in-between, try buying pita pockets, opening them, placing a sauce and stuffing them. They are not only fancy but also practical in that they contain everything in one ‘pocket’.

Instead of packing the whole of last night’s dinner, perhaps you can stuff the protein into your pita pockets with a few slices of cucumber, some chopped spring onion, grated carrot and garlic, and boom, last night’s stew or chicken is elevated to new levels.

The pita recipe of leftovers below is a great example of how I repurpose my leftovers the following day, but ensure I keep it light, to not leave me feeling like a bloated elephant at 14h00, with three more hours still to deal with office drama.

LEFTOVER PITA POCKETS

• Two pita pockets (you can buy them ready made, or if you are brave and have time, make your own)

• Leftover protein, diced and chopped (beef stew, chicken, beef strips, whatever it is)

• One carrot

• Cucumber, sliced or diced

• Spring onion, chopped

• Garlic, chopped

• Feta cheese

• One tablespoon oil

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

•Warm your pockets to make sure they open well. If they need to be cut open, cut them. Place a sauce of your choice inside. Mayo is always a good idea. Chop up your leftover meat and place it in the pocket.

•Meanwhile, thinly slice your cucumber and cut your carrots into tiny strips. Mix together the feta cheese, spring onion and chopped garlic, cayenne and oil to make a ‘salad’, which you then stuff into the pita along with your protein.

•Pack it into your lunchbox and try resisting eating it all before work.

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