The Great Hunt: Cheap and healthy packed lunches

Elisecas

gloriouslyhappy wrote: »

Sounds delicious, I'd love to give it a try - how much tahini to one can of chickpeas? Thanks.

My problem with buying tahini is I get a whole jar for two tablespoons and then it goes off before i use it again. Peanut butter works just as well... shhh.

Elisecas

robertoegg wrote: »

for snacks, I buy Tesco own fruit and nuts, I then supplement with seeds (generally Lidl or Morrisons (who do lovely chilli packs!)) and make myself a pot every day from a big mix. Chop up the brazil nuts 1st. I use an old 50ml cream pot as my pack...tasty and healthy snack!

Another cheapy, for lunches, I'll simply mash up some mackerel with cream cheese and chilli powder. Scoff with rough oat cakes - nom!

I loved that, until i realised that a smoked mackerel fillet has the same calorie count as a mars bar..

humel

I love homemade hummous! I add a squeeze of lemon juice and some finely grated lemon rind with fresh coriander to mine




Buying a big box or carton of something and portioning up nearly always works out cheaper, and saves on packaging too. We get a big pack of raisins and put a few into a little plastic pot each day for the kids' lunchboxes. Big pots of yogurt can be decanted into small tubs, too - cheap plain yogurt can be mixed with fresh or canned fruit, chopped or pureed, to liven it up.


May I just mention a word of warning about nuts though? Please do be sure no one at your workplace or at your child's school has a nut allergy - I've had a couple of reactions at work because people have had peanut butter as part of their packed lunch

humel

Oh, and another alternative to crisps - cut up tortilla wraps into triangles and bake until light brown and crispy - I like them with a sprinkling of salt and black pepper, but they're also good with a pinch of chilli powder or cinnamon if you prefer a sweeter taste. Air-popped popcorn is another good alternative, with the same flavour combos!

onlyroz

Elisecas wrote: »

My problem with buying tahini is I get a whole jar for two tablespoons and then it goes off before i use it again. Peanut butter works just as well... shhh.

Tahini should last for ages in the fridge. Having said that, my jar has been lurking at the back for several months - should prob check it before I start boiling up the chick peas...

gloriouslyhappy

Can you freeze tahini? Am intrigued by the peanut butter substitute suggestion, I've always got some so will buy a tin of chickpeas and have a go then consider the more expensive tahini for later. What else can you make with tahini?

Elisecas wrote: »

My problem with buying tahini is I get a whole jar for two tablespoons and then it goes off before i use it again. Peanut butter works just as well... shhh.

onlyroz wrote: »

Tahini should last for ages in the fridge. Having said that, my jar has been lurking at the back for several months - should prob check it before I start boiling up the chick peas...

onlyroz

gloriouslyhappy wrote: »

Can you freeze tahini? Am intrigued by the peanut butter substitute suggestion, I've always got some so will buy a tin of chickpeas and have a go then consider the more expensive tahini for later. What else can you make with tahini?

Don't see why you can't freeze it. I've never tried substituting peanut butter but it might work - because tahini certainly does taste quite a lot like it.

Kirri

gloriouslyhappy wrote: »

Can you freeze tahini? Am intrigued by the peanut butter substitute suggestion, I've always got some so will buy a tin of chickpeas and have a go then consider the more expensive tahini for later. What else can you make with tahini?

Tahini can be used in salad dressings, think HFW did some recipes with it.


Can't say I'd fancy peanut butter in my houmous!

robertoegg

Elisecas wrote: »

I loved that, until i realised that a smoked mackerel fillet has the same calorie count as a mars bar..

With the greatest of respect, I think that your comment is a little misguided. 200 odd calories is 200 odd calories. Whether it comes from fish or chocolate, it is still 200 odd calories. In a day, a moderately active individual will need between 2000 and 2500 calories dependant upon their sex amongst other things.

The sums for such a lunch:
1 mackerel filet - 230 calories (260 in a mars)
6 oatcakes - 6x45 = 270 calories
1 oz of cream cheese = 100 calories

Lunch is 600 calories out of a minimum 2000 recommended per day.

Hope that helps!

(I also commute 25 miles on my bike so I can eat what I like within reason )

gloriouslyhappy

robertoegg wrote: »

Quote:
Originally Posted by Elisecas
I loved that, until i realised that a smoked mackerel fillet has the same calorie count as a mars bar..Unquote

With the greatest of respect, I think that your comment is a little misguided. 200 odd calories is 200 odd calories. Whether it comes from fish or chocolate, it is still 200 odd calories. In a day, a moderately active individual will need between 2000 and 2500 calories dependant upon their sex amongst other things.

Yes, but we're talking CHOCOLATE here - Mars bar or mackerel? No contest, it's the Mars bar every time!!!!!