6 easy dishes to pack for lunch
The Straits Times|January 05, 2025
Nutritionists and food content creators suggest these healthy and convenient recipes
Cherie Lok

After all the revelry and feasting comes a time for introspection. As a new year slips in, so does the urge to reinvent oneself.

Perhaps this will be the year you finally start eating healthier or saving money. You may have a good shot at eating healthier, thanks to the proliferation of clean eating options, as well as an expanded Nutri-Grade labelling system that flags food with high levels of sodium and saturated fat.

But with the price of food continually on the rise, keeping costs low might prove a challenge in 2025.

One possible hack? Pack lunch instead. The Sunday Times has compiled six lunch recipes, contributed by nutritionists and food content creators. Simple and healthy, these can easily be packed for work, school or wherever 2025 takes you.

LENTIL SALAD WITH TUNA

The star of this recipe is one oftoverlooked food group: pulses, a type of superfood that includes lentils, chickpeas and beans.

"They're high in fibre, a good source of protein and carbohydrates, and packed with antioxidants. They also act as prebiotics, feeding the good bacteria in the gut," says freelance nutritionist Charlotte Mei, who contributed this recipe. Her culinary creations are shared on her website The Charlotte Mei.

Unlike a bed of greens with insufficient protein, this salad is meant to fill you up and leave you satisfied until your next meal. It can be enjoyed cold or warmed up in the microwave.

INGREDIENTS

● 1/2 can lentils, drained

● One-third can black beans, drained

● 1 can tuna flakes in water, drained

● One-third can corn, drained

● 1 handful of arugula or rocket leaves, roughly chopped

● 1/2 yellow capsicum, diced

● 1/2 pear, diced

● 10 roasted almonds, coarsely chopped

● 1 Tbs fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped

● 1 Tbs fresh basil, chopped

● 2 Tbs cottage cheese

Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin January 05, 2025 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin January 05, 2025 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE STRAITS TIMES DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
British novelist David Lodge was twice shortlisted for Booker Prize
The Straits Times

British novelist David Lodge was twice shortlisted for Booker Prize

British novelist David Lodge, who was shortlisted for the Booker Prize twice, has died at the age of 89, his publisher said on Jan 3.

time-read
2 dak  |
January 06, 2025
A CITY FOR BABIES
The Straits Times

A CITY FOR BABIES

After a successful experiment, The City of Babies Lab has opened a new permanent space dedicated to children aged from birth to 23 months.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Scientist Names 16 New Spider Species After Jay Chou's Songs
The Straits Times

Scientist Names 16 New Spider Species After Jay Chou's Songs

A Chinese scientist has named 16 new spider species after songs by popular Mandopop musician Jay Chou.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Actress JJ Jia Xiaochen upset with hubby for not remembering wedding anniversary
The Straits Times

Actress JJ Jia Xiaochen upset with hubby for not remembering wedding anniversary

Chinese actress JJ Jia Xiaochen has grumbled about her husband, Hong Kong action star Louis Fan, on social media again.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Actress Chen Liping leaves Mediacorp after 40 years
The Straits Times

Actress Chen Liping leaves Mediacorp after 40 years

Actress Chen Liping, a household name in the local entertainment industry, has left broadcaster Mediacorp after 40 years.

time-read
2 dak  |
January 06, 2025
Raising four cats costly, but gives Rui En four times the joy
The Straits Times

Raising four cats costly, but gives Rui En four times the joy

In this new series, The Straits Times speaks to pet-owning personalities about the trials and delights of raising their fur kids

time-read
3 dak  |
January 06, 2025
Vet Talk Check that your pet is eating safely during the festive season
The Straits Times

Vet Talk Check that your pet is eating safely during the festive season

Pet ownership is on the rise in Singapore, with many families treating their furry companions as one of their own.

time-read
2 dak  |
January 06, 2025
Learning to embrace change positively
The Straits Times

Learning to embrace change positively

On the last evening of our recent family holiday, my three children were having a boisterous conversation in the bedroom of the apartment we were staying in.

time-read
3 dak  |
January 06, 2025
STRONGER, TOGETHER
The Straits Times

STRONGER, TOGETHER

Good parent-teacher relationships can boost a child's confidence and holistic development

time-read
4 dak  |
January 06, 2025
Roaring Off To A-League Adventure
The Straits Times

Roaring Off To A-League Adventure

Tan makes Brisbane debut as sub in loss to Canberra on her return from knee surgery

time-read
3 dak  |
January 06, 2025