It turns out that when midday hunger strikes, the old standby of sandwiches, crisps, and yoghurt might be getting a little tired for countless adults and children.
While the flavours of that daily routine can work in a pinch, busy families might question whether they’re truly consuming the nourishment they need.
Many also wrestle with the amount of time meal prep can steal from an already-packed day. Perhaps the biggest concern is the growing realisation that we’re missing the mark on healthy lunches—for both ourselves and our environment.
Recent findings underscore just how serious the situation is. Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered that fewer than two in every 100 packed lunches eaten by children in English primary schools meet nutritional standards, and the quality of these lunches has even dipped over the last decade.
Another glance at lunch habits reveals that ham sandwiches top the charts among children, while one-third of adults never deviate from the same lunch each day.
Those who prefer to purchase lunch might be alarmed to learn that in certain cities, daily midday spending can climb well into double digits.
In fact, average lunch expenses hover around £6.08 per day in many areas, a figure that more than doubles in London at £15.51—together adding up to a staggering £13.6bn every year.
It seems like the default “healthy” options, such as salads, can even backfire by delivering more calories and fat than their sandwich counterparts.
Environmental concerns also loom large, as the popular “Lunch on the go” routine generates roughly 11bn items of packaging waste each year.
The practical solution arrives in the shape of Jenny Tschiesche’s book, Real Lunchtime Food. This guide strives to refresh the midday meal scene by offering tips and recipes for parents determined to send children off with healthier lunches and for adults who have grown weary of the lacklustre canteen and store-bought choices.
The brilliant feature of this publication is that it offers a combination of nutritious meal plans and common-sense cooking suggestions without demanding a culinary degree or forcing you to reinvent your daily schedule.
This material is designed to help readers regain control over their lunch hour. With an emphasis on easy instructions, Real Lunchtime Food lays out straightforward techniques, from making better use of leftovers to spotting more environmentally friendly packaging choices.
These strategies ensure that the midday meal doesn’t become an afterthought. The ultimate objective is to enjoy a break that is both mouthwatering and beneficial to one’s wellbeing.
In Tschiesche’s own words, “It’s very clear that both adults and children need to make sure they are well fuelled and able to keep up with the demands of a busy lifestyle.
Many of us grab a pre-packed sandwich and an energy drink at lunchtime, but this just won’t cut the mustard on so many levels.
This book is all about being able to create healthy food, and because everything is simple and easy to make, they don’t add to your stress levels.
What we eat impacts how our bodies and brains function, and that’s exactly what Real Lunchtime Food is about.”
She goes on to say, “There’s no rule to say that lunches have to be made up of salty sandwiches and soggy salads and that is something that needs to change.
As well as recipes, I talk about stocking the store cupboard with good quality, readily available foods, what basic equipment you need and hopefully empower people to take positive control of their family’s diet and health.
Lunchtime is an opportunity to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal and this book makes that a reality, rather than a job for another day.”
It’s clear Tschiesche speaks from a place of considerable experience. Holding a degree in Nutritional Therapy from Bedfordshire University, she’s not just a presenter and nutrition expert—her career has spanned work with Olympic athletes, as well as designing recipes for numerous high-profile clients such as the BBC, Cancer Research, and Premiership Rugby. She has also taken her expertise around the globe through seminars, workshops, and lectures.
Her new book, Real Lunchtime Food, compiles easy-to-follow instructions into an extensive resource for refreshing the noontime routine. Below are the key facts:
Practical solutions, easy-to-digest advice, and no-nonsense recipes fill these pages with creative approaches to transform lunch into something more than a time-filler.
By taking ownership of the midday meal, Tschiesche believes families can cultivate better eating habits that yield clear benefits for both mind and body.
Real Lunchtime Food encourages readers to play a bigger role in selecting ingredients, preparing meals, and ultimately reducing waste.
Through consistent, healthy lunches, Tschiesche points out that individuals and families can reclaim part of their day and feel confident in the quality of their nutritional intake.
| Author | Jenny Tschiesche |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | Thursday, December 12, 2019 |
| Price | £8.99 |
| Publisher | Robinson |
| EANISBN-13 | 9781472142863 |
| BIC 2.1 | Health & wholefood cookery (WBH), Quick & easy cooking (WBF), Dietetics & nutrition (MBNH3) |
| Binding | Paperback |
| Format | B Format |
| Extent | 240 pages |
| Word Count | 40,000 words |
| Purchase | Buy on Amazon |
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