Let's Talk Lunch

I'm in a mood that isn't conducive to writing anything meaningful.  It's been a rough week.

I tried a little experiment with Big Boy this past week.

I've been an advocate of the gluten free diet.  I agree that artificial food dyes cause hyperactivity and aggression in children.  Not to be a hypocrite, I put Big Boy on a gluten free diet this week, in addition to his no artificial food dyes (which has been working for over a year).

I knew it had to be more fun.  I couldn't expect him to be okay without his really good bread and all the same accouterments.  So, I took a page from the traditional Bento Box lunch and found a divided container with a freezer pack lid.

Packing these lunches are much more fun for me, than the traditional "throw stuff in a baggie" lunch bag.  I saved four snack sized baggies that I normally would have used in this lunch.  Also eliminated the packaging on the Luna Protein Bar and the Baby Bell Light Cheese.

And the results?  He loved the presentation.  Liked most of the foods.  Everything but the bread.

That's how it is with gluten free.  Everything but the bread.  Now, I will contend that the bread used in his lunches was pretty good, it's not gluten bread.  There isn't a match for pre-made gluten free bread as of this day.  They are close, but not quite.  For me, I don't care.  I like my rolls and I always warm them, so I don't have an issue with cold, hard, stiff bread.

And most importantly...did removing the gluten benefit Big Boy's demeanor?

No.  Not at all.

In fact, this has been a pretty horrible week.  Anger, defiance, talking back, repetitions.  It's been a rough one.

So, tomorrow, it's back to real bread for the boy.  Maybe he'll cheer up.

Chicken Salad

My pants were tight yesterday.  I disgusted myself.

So, today for lunch, I tried to eat a bit more healthy.

We had leftover chicken from two dinners last week that I chopped up.

Added Vanilla non-fat yogurt, some Dijon mustard, apple chunks, cut grapes, celery salt and onion powder.

I mixed it up and felt it needed some stabilizing, so this is where the healthy goes a bit awry...I added about 1/4 cup of Miracle Whip.  Then it was too wet, so I added more chicken.  It's a science, people, true science.

Placed it on two lettuce cups and that was my lunch.  I ate this about 20 minutes ago and am still hungry.  I have issues.

Off to drink a gallon of water to fill up this stomach.

Now THIS is Lunch v.2

We didn't have much in the cupboards for lunch. I have been spoiled with Tom doing the grocery shopping all summer. Since he is back in classes, the chore is up in the air.

After a while, I get really sick of sandwiches. Looking through the pantry (aka closet with shelving that Tom devised) I found a can of black beans. In the refrigerator, half a jar of salsa. Bingo. Black Bean soup. I used to make this with a blender and onions and fancy ingredients. However, if you have a good hearty salsa - you are set. A soup with two ingredients. That is my kind of soup.

.

Black Bean Soup

1 can black beans

Half jar of salsa (approximately 10 oz for my 'measure chefs')

.

Place the black beans in a pan and mash a bit with a potato masher (this isn't required, but makes the soup more stoupy). Add salsa. You may want to add a little water, even though technically it no longer becomes a two ingredient soup. Heat and serve.

I added some corn tortillas for dipping and some shredded cheddar (which wasn't that great, I should have saved the calories). Raw onions are also good on top - if you aren't kissing anyone later.

.

Any one have another simple, quick, gluten free soup recipe?

.

Working on some wash towels for a Yummy gal. Thinking Halloween costumes, baby gifts and I have to do my sales taxes...ugh (unfortunately/luckily I only had two in-state sales).

Now THIS is Lunch

Who's with me?