Bistro Lunch or Snack Boxes

Tuck your little snack packs in a small cooler with some ice, and you’re ready for an afternoon adventure (or work ).

Sometimes we just need some simple inspiration to create the spark that makes us want to jump into the kitchen and make something delicious.

Here’s today’s inspiration

I’m asked often for cold lunch boxes/snack boxes and cold meal prep ideas, so we’re always working to create new ideas for you!

These types of things are super convenient when there’s no kitchen available to heat things up.

Simply tuck your meal into a cooler or purse, and enjoy it when you’re ready.
Having a few of these in the fridge definitely helps us stay out of the drive-thru, and concession stands.

Since there are only a few simple ingredients used here, I really recommend using the absolute freshest, highest quality ingredients you can get your hands on…it makes all the difference.

What’s my take on highly processed meats such as salami, pepperoni, and sausage?

The studies are clear.

We should limit our consumption of highly processed meats due to many possible and/or proven health risks.

At my house, we consume bacon, sausage, salami, or pepperoni about once a week or sometimes just several times per month.

They are part of our life because we really do enjoy these foods!
What do WE look for?!

Here’s my helpful list:

If possible choose meats containing:

• No antibiotics

• No nitrates: Sodium nitrate/sodium nitrite

• No BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

• No BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

• No Smoked/naturally smoked/smoke flavor

• No Corn syrup

• No Aspartame

• Uncurred

• Look for humanely-raised, pasture-raised meats whenever possible

• Look for lower sodium

Good luck shopping!

And just so you know, I personally believe that we don’t need to obsess or be ULTRA rigid with our healthy lifestyle…I believe that it’s great to be educated and know what we’re consuming, but even better not to stress over every single thing.

4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries

• 2 Tbsps apple cider vinegar

• 8 oz. nitrate-free salami

• 4 oz. cheddar cheese, cubed or sliced

• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved

• 1 cup raw almonds or nut/seed of choice

Instructions:

Soak your fresh strawberries in cool water and vinegar for 10 minutes.

Drain, rinse, and pat dry with paper towels or allow to air dry completely on the counter. We want to allow all moisture to evaporate because moisture will make our meal/snack boxes spoil fast.

Divide and arrange all your ingredients equally in 4 single serving glass containers as shown.

It’s best to use divided containers, similar to the ones I used.

To keep everything fresh and maintain the texture of ingredients, place your proteins and cheese separately from the strawberries.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Enjoy!
Rachel

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