Delicious lunch spread today!! I love it when it’s convenient to pack vegetables in my lunch. We cooked extra green beans and tofu last night that I put together in a container. (I always go ahead and cook things if I have leftover raw ingredients instead of having a small amount of something uncooked left).
Plus I threw in the last of our homemade hummus (need to go buy more Sabra!) and had that with some sliced sweet pepper
And the last of our vegetable kashi crackers. Again, a good portion was left so I just threw in the bag.
And last but not least. I have decided that while I do like the flavored Chobanis a lot, I really prefer plain Greek yogurt with mix-ins. And I decided that I think Trader Joe’s has the best texture. So I guess I won’t have to make the extra trip to find the Chobanis. Luckily Trader Joe’s is the cheapest of them all, and while the single serve containers of Chobani and Fage are most convenient, it does increase waste.
It took me a while to work through this lunch, which is always fun. I started with the hummus and ended with the yogurt.
Off to LAB 
{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, so many vegetables!
It is hard sometimes to figure out interesting ways to include veggies in a packed lunch, but it looks like you’ve got this one nailed.
Good luck with lab and have a great afternoon!
I think that’s more vegetables than I ate between 2004 and 2007.
Now… where’d I put that box of Cheez-Its…?
do you have an insulated lunch bag to carry all of this food with you? I’ve never had baked tofu, did storing it with the beans alter it’s texture at all? Awesome if it doesn’t!
is that your cute pink ipod? i likey!
Katelyn ,
I use a Built NY lunchbox. It’s somewhat insulated, but really needs an icepack if you want things to stay super cold. I have sensitive teeth, so I like things room temp anyways, and I’m not concerned with foodborne stuff between breakfast and lunch.
Caitlin,
Yup!!
Kath
Hi Kath!
It’s been a while since I posted – but I’m still here reading your post.
Just been super busy!
Just wanted to say that I’ve come to the same conclusion: Trader Joe’s Greek Yogurt is the best! I was trekking to a different grocery store every week to get the Chobanis – but now I just stock up on TJ’s. I think it has the best taste/texture as well.
Regarding packing up the yogurt:
http://www.fit-fresh.com/products/transportation/smartportionchill2cp.php
These Fit ‘n’ Fresh containers have been indispensable to my food transportation! They even have the measurements on the sides of the containers. I just measure out a half cup of yogurt and I’m good to go. And it has a small ice pack to keep yogurt and other perishables cool for hours! They are adorable and come with different colored lids.
Suzanne ,
Those container do look really handy – I’m going to check the “where to buy” page.
Welcome back!!! We’ve missed you
K
Delicious lunch! I love Sabra hummus. Definitely the best brand out there. I found huge containers of it at BJ’s the other day, I was too excited for my own good.
Yummy lunch! Hope your LAB goes well.
Thought you might be interested in this LaraBar giveaway:
http://megansmunchies.blogspot.com/2008/10/what-in-world-is-jamfrakas-giveaway.html
i am well aware that i should know this, but why is greek yogurt a must? is it because of the amazing protein content? and how much cheaper is trader joe’s? all i can find here (i live in iowa city) in the 0% fat version is the fage, which is just really ridiculously expensive.
Thanks, Kath!
I picked my containers up at Target. But I see them everywhere – even at the grocery stores. Might want to check your stores first (so you don’t have to pay for shipping!).
Kate,
Yes, Greek yogurt has a lot of protein. And if you’re working out everyday (especially if you’re lifting weights) – it definitely helps your muscles to recover. I’m sure Kath can add more to that. Plus, it has calcium and good bacteria for digestion.
For me, I find it very filling. I eat it for breakfast with honey, fruit, flax seeds and granola. It also makes a great snack. I think it’s just an all-around nutrient-packed food. Hope that helps!
No fruits today? :] I’ve seen Chobani but I haven’t tried it yet. Have you have Oiko or any other kinds of Greek yogurts? MMM, everytime I see you eating Kashi crackers I’m so tempted to buy a box at Whole Foods.. but I know I’m just gonna polish it off in like one sitting :] You have SO much self control with the few crackers, a few pieces of nuts or a date for a snack. :] hehehe…
Delicious lunch, indeed!!
Hang in there with lab!!
kath! sorry, i forgot to ask what TYPE of mop you used? thanks again!
You lunch confirms it – I must buy me some tofu and make some hummus this next weekend. It’s been too long.
I was just wondering what kind of tofu you eat. I really want to try it. I have never had tofu. But I know there are different firmnesses and have no idea where to start.
Hi Kath – I have kind of a random question. I have found that if I eat late at night, I always wake up really hungry the next morning. For example, I didn’t eat dinner until 9:30 last night, went to bed at 11, and woke up ravenous at 7:30! Usually I eat dinner around 6:30-7 p.m. and I’m never that hungry right when I wake up. Doesn’t it seem that the later I eat at night, the less hungry I should be in the morning, since less time has passed since my last meal? I just find this very strange and am wondering if there is any explanation for it! Thanks! Keep up the good work!
Hi Kath – I am a new reader but I really love your blog! You have such a great, healthy attitude about food and it’s very inspiring – plus I’ve gotten so many ideas for fresh, delicious, tasty new recipes from your site. I’m a fan!
About the Fit & Fresh containers – I have a set and they are great – my one nitpicky complaint is that they don’t STACK inside each other like most tupperware containers, so they take up so much room in my cabinets! Maybe that isn’t an issue if you’re not living in a teeny tiny grad student campus apartment, like I am
.
looks healthy and delicious at the same time!
I totally agree with your conclusion about the TJ’s yogurt. It’s my favorite, despite the lower price!
Yep, I definitely agree that Trader Joe’s is the cheapest for Greek yogurt anywhere. I just love the thick texture, and don’t even feel the need to anything (but its good with a few tablespoons of Kashi Go Lean Crunch!)
Megan ,
Great idea to do the giveaway. Hope you liked me submissions
Kate ,
The reason greek yogurt is a must = 100% texture + taste. There’s nothing “healthier” about is over regular plain yogurt, although it is try that it is higher in protein. But the reason I am head over heels is the texture. I hate runny/watery yogurts and TJ’s Greek is thick and delicious without quite the tang that regular plain yogurt has.
Miss Tiffie,
I don’t like Oikios nearly as much.
I realized I had no fruit too
Jenn ,
Lol. I have the Method O Mop with a microfiber washable pad. It’s pretty good but there’s nothing to wring the water out of it after you dip in the vinegar. I haven’t figured that one out yet.
ANY MOP RECOMMENDATIONS OUT THERE?!?
Cassidy ,
We usually buy a block of firm or extra firm. Various brands. Just make sure it doesn’t say silken on the package. It’s usually refridgerated near the produce at my grocery stores.
Dale ,
My nutrition answer would be that you’re experiencing a surge in insulin after you eat late and your insulin levels say elevated throughout the night (or more elevated than they would be without eating) but I really have not studied eating patterns on an in-depth level enough to really know the answer. Does it vary depending on the TYPE of food you eat or how much? Or does it happy every time regardless?
Kelly ,
Welcome to KERF!! That sucks about the containers – I have the “as seen on TV” rotating ones that all stack together and share lids, so I would be mad at the space consumption. But I guess you’d only need 2 or so for yogurt and chilled things.
Kath
I love Greek yogurt. That all looks like a delicious lunch.
I still can’t used to Greek Yogurt maybe I need to try this brand instead:)
This is my kind of food! Everything looks super delicious!
I am envious of how healthy you are….. Hope you have a good day in your lab.. take care
zesty
Eeek, look how neat:
http://www.youbars.com/buildabar/
Dale – Maybe you’re actually more thirsty than hungry in the morning when you eat dinner late. Is it possible that you eat salty dinners and don’t have time to hydrate after your meal when you eat late? Then in the morning you’re more thirsty than when you have time to hydrate the night before. Just an additional theory!
that little angry lab face cracks me up everytime.
Kelly Turner
http://www.groundedfitness.com
I’m so glad you discovered the goodness that is Sabra.
M,
I’d love to build a YouBar but they are so expensive
Kathryn ,
Great hypothesis! I confuse hunger and thirst all the time.
Kath
Hmm…I have no idea if it makes a difference based on what type of food I eat…or if it’s really thirst-related instead of hunger. Looks like I have some investigating to do!! Thanks for the ideas!
The tofu and veggies combo looked great. Can’t seem to find Chobani out here. Will have to try TJ’s
For stackable lunch buckets, I bought a Mr. Bento box which I am pretty happy with. Its pricey but has lasted me awhile. I take it on the plane with my dinner for those long 10 hour flights.