Hey friends! Today, I’m sharing one of my go-to lunches that’s both simple and delicious, yet far from “basic”. Lunch always seems to be the meal that gets skipped over or missed more than any other, so I’m super pumped to partner with California Walnuts for their Choose Lunch campaign. I’ve really been livin’ for my lunch breaks these days, because it’s my time to fuel up and recharge for the rest of my day.

The Importance of a Midday Break

We all know how it feels to get in the zone with work or get caught in back to back meetings, answering emails, and poof, the hours just seem to disappear. Next thing you know, you look at the clock and it’s already 3pm and you haven’t eaten lunch. Sure, it might be tempting to just skip a meal or keep on working and wait it out until dinner rolls around, but that usually just leaves you feeling famished and exhausted. It's super important to make space in your schedule to slow down, eat, and refuel - you’ll actually have a much more productive day when you have energy and give your brain a break.

Making the Most of Your Mealtime

1. Plan ahead 

It can definitely be a struggle to eat well when you live a busy life, and you’re running around doing all the things. Because our schedules are always changing, we do have to remain somewhat fluid, but when you’re tired the last thing you probably want to do is cook. A lil bit of forward planning and prep puts me in a position to not only make sure I actually eat lunch, but it also sets me up for a week full of making healthier choices rather than just grabbin’ something on-the-go.

2. Eat mindfully

 A lot of our “downtime” these days is actually spent sitting in front of a screen or scrollin’ social media (67% of Americans choose to scroll while eating lunch, according to a survey conducted by California Walnuts). I try to be really mindful of this especially during meal times. It’s totally fine to catch up on socials during your break, but maybe make a compromise with yourself - eat first and scroll second! 

3. Use quality ingredients 

It’s crazy how much better our food tastes with simple, high-quality ingredients. I freakin’ love integrating walnuts (an underrated nut, in my opinion), because they’re a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids which is a perfect lunchtime ingredient. Walnuts help keep my energy levels consistent and keep me feeling satisfied for longer throughout the day. They’re also so darn delicious and an amazingly versatile ingredient that can be used in alllll sorts of recipes.

So, what’s been on my lunch plate recently? Here are two of my favorite simple n’ easy options for whether you’re craving a lil something sweet or savory. 

The Sweet ~ Walnut Ricotta + Peach Basil Toast

What You’ll Need:
Bread of your choice (I chose a GF Bread), Walnut Ricotta*, Peaches, Basil, Honey

How to Make Walnut Ricotta:

• 1 Cup for Walnuts

• 1 Tbsp of Nutritional Yeast

• 1 Tbsp of Lemon Juice

• ½ Cup of Filtered Water

• Salt to taste

• Blend on high for 30 seconds

The Savory ~ Upgraded Avocado Toast

What You’ll Need:
Bread of your choice, Ghee (optional), Avocado, Radishes, Tomato, Sunflower Sprouts, and Walnuts, Feta Cheese (optional)

Easy peasy. Cheers to delicious, real, whole foods!

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