My first post on this blog is going to be about an easy meal.  This was not my intent and don’t get used to it – I LOVE taking on challenges, whether it be a new ingredient, cuisine or technique!

That being said, last night I was at Trader Joe’s picking up a few things – butter, coffee, Pastry Bites with Feta and Caramelized Onions…you know…the basics – when I realized I had forgotten to bring lunch to work for the past month or so.  During the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year’s, my lunch consisted of cookies or brownies that some lovely co-worker had brought in…or nothing at all.  Realizing this simply could NOT continue, I perused the pre-made section of soups, salads and sandwiches.  Nothing jumped out at me.

Then it dawned on me…make your own salad!  Since this was going to be lunch at work and I wouldn’t have to take into consideration the tastes and preferences of my family, I was free to choose anything I wanted.

Belgian Endive

Baby Beets

Roasted Turkey Breast

Marinated Goat Cheese

So simple….veggies, lean protein and cheese…it was nutritious (more so than cookies, for sure) and delicious!  I definitely felt the difference during my afternoon energy as well.

I will not preach: “from this day forward I shall always have a salad for lunch!” – That just won’t happen, let’s be real.  I am glad, however, that I took a few moments to think of some ingredients that I could quickly throw together to break the bad rut I had been in.  Some of the best meals I have ever made have been a few delicious ingredients that I simply threw together at the last minute!