Today, I made myself a pasta and meatball lunch.
I got told by my friend that was a “very stodgy meal for lunch”.
That friend had a “Meal Deal” for lunch.
I feel many people would agree with my friend here, and that is why I feel the need to write about it. Isn’t it great that they are wrong, and you can enjoy filling meals on your lunchbreak too?
Meal Deals
Ham & Cheese sandwich: 540kcals, 40g carbs, 25g protein, 20g fat.
Walkers Max Paprika: 266kcals, 26g carbs, 3g protein, 16g fat.
Slice of Carrot Cake: 251 kcals, 33g carbs, 3g protein, 12g fat.
TOTAL: 1057kcals, 100g carbs, 50g fat, 30g protein.
Plant-based:
Plant-based egg & cress sandwich: 320kcals, 42g carbs, 17g protein, 8g fat.
M&S Lightly Salted Crisps: 208kcals, 23g carbs, 2g protein, 12g fat.
Vegan choc chip bakery cookie: 300kcals, 44g carbs, 4g protein, 15g fat.
TOTAL: 828kcals, 110g carbs, 40g fat, 20g protein.
Pasta & Meatballs
6 x Beef Meatballs: 282kcals, 5g carbs, 26g protein, 17g fat.
1/2 serving penne pasta: 139kcals, 29g carbs, 4g protein, 1g fat.
30g Grated Cheddar: 124kcals, 0g carbs, 7g protein, 10g fat.
1/3 can chopped tomatoes: 11kcals, 2g carbs, 1g protein, 0g fat.
TOTAL: 695kcals, 70g carbs, 35g fat, 40g protein.
Plant - based:
5 x Linda McCartney Meatballs: 200kcals, 8g carbs, 12g protein, 12g fat.
1/2 serving penne pasta: 139kcals, 29g carbs, 4g protein, 1g fat.
20g black olives: 31kcals, 1g carbs, 0g protein, 3g fat.
5g Nutritional Yeast (cheese substitute): 17kcals, 2g carbs, 3g protein, 0g fat.
TOTAL: 387kcals, 40g carbs, 20g fat, 20g protein.
As you can see from just reading the standard nutritional info that can be seen on packets, my choice of lunch that is considered a proper hefty dinner, is actually a lot more nutritious and lower in calories than a standard meal deal which is considered a typical lunch. A meal deal tends to be more desirable for lunch as they high carb, which is probably what you crave at lunch time, but the same feeling of satiety from a nutritionally balanced meal might not be as long-lasting.
Other plus points of cooking a meal for lunch is the ability to control portion size, add extra nutrients to your meal e.g. seeds, and it is generally more filling for less calories. Thinking about the food you eat rather than purchasing the most desirable thing on the shelf whilst hungry is a great habit for weight control. You can also make extra and have it ready-made for another day, so potentially even more convenient as no need to spend time going to the shops.
Winner winner, enjoy your dinner.