03.13.06
Packing Lunch
So, in the continuous quest to avoid corn, I’m finding that I have gotten into a lunch rut. I either eat out at one of the 3 places I know is safe, I bring my lunch of leftovers, or I do cheese and crackers with fruit.
Help! I need some new ideas! Please post your comments on what *you* bring to work. I’m open to any suggestions, even ones that aren’t corn-free - so don’t worry about that. I will post a round- up after a bit (with and without corn-free alterations), and I’ll keep it updated if it seems like people are interested. This is your opportunity to de-lurk and do a good deed for a person in need. 
If you don’t want to comment on the blog or your idea is long enough to warrant an email, feel free to email me at trueepicure [at] gmail [dot] com or at my personal email (if you normally use that one).
Damian said,
March 14, 2006 at 3:12 am
During one of my healthier phases I used to make myself a nice salad with lettuce, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, grapes, nuts and some Feta. It’s too chilly in the UK for that kind of nonsense at the moment but I’m sure it would be ideal for Phoenix.
Alison said,
March 14, 2006 at 8:26 am
Hey there - just a thought…. passover is right around the corner, and for most Jews of the Western world… corn/flour (among other things) are off limits, as are things like corn syrup, etc. That makes for some interesting food choices.
My suggestions for you is to do a search for suggestions on what to pack for lunch on passover…. I did a quick one and here is what I came up with (several of these are designed to be spread or placed on matzah):
Almond butter (with matzoh, veg, fruit, etc)
low fat Ricotta cheese and sweet grape tomatoes
Fruit
Veggies
Cheese slices
Potato chips or vegetable chips
Candy (tons that are Kosher for Passover, or I just buy pure dark chocalate and eat that)
Macaroons
Little matzoh pizzas
Grilled matzoh cheese
Hot dogs
Deli meat
Herring
Gefilte fish
Hard boiled eggs
Whitefish salad
Carrot and celery sticks
vegetarian chopped liver (homemade)
real chopped liver
lox spread (you can buy lox trim at Whole Foods and chop it, mix with dill, scallions, cream cheese)
pickled herring
babaghanouj
sephardic charoset for its matzah-counteracting digestive properties (homemade)
pimento cheese
Tuna salad or egg salad on a tomato
Try this site for some more suggestions: http://www.jewfaq.org/kfpfood.htm or this one http://www.aish.com/SSI/articleToPrint.asp?PageURL=/family/cooking/More_Passover_Recipes.xml&torahportion=
That should get you started. I’d also go to the book store and buy yourself a good Passover cookbook - no corn to be found in those
Let me know if you need any more suggestions - passover is coming up and I have corn free flour free meals on the mind! 
Melanie said,
March 14, 2006 at 8:29 am
I’m in the same sort of rut, but when I was in one of my healthy phases, I would pack a tuna kit that has the stuff in it to make tuna salad and some crackers. I would pair that with some broccoli slaw mix covered in red wine vinaigrette. Lately I am planning on making my own tuna salad, with veggenaise and making a sandwich with ezekiel bread. I have no idea if there is corn in any of this stuff, though
Heather said,
March 14, 2006 at 11:37 am
I love soup. I make some and just freeze it and bring all different kinds when I can. Cheese, crackers and fruit is another favorite. Although it makes me daydream of the RK cheese.
toni said,
March 14, 2006 at 1:43 pm
I make my own hummus which can easily be sassed up (and made more healthy by reducing the fat sources) as well as a similar thing using lentils (or whatever legumes), silken tofu, roasted red bells peppers, parsley (I think cilantro would be amazing w/ it) and a variety of spices. The latter works well as a spread in lieu of mayo (gak!), eg. Both freeze well. I like them with pita wedges and/or fresh veggies.
Kelli said,
March 14, 2006 at 1:51 pm
I love pita bread with turkey, spinach, humus and tomatoes. I also love yogurt, fresh fruit, oatmeal with raisins and rice cakes, for lunch snacks. My favorite lunch is a bean tostada with a side of rice and a large ice tea!
Ashley said,
March 14, 2006 at 9:36 pm
Hmm. Lunch. I just had brown rice and steamed veggies. That’s the healthiest I’ve been in ages.
I’m a big fan of vietnamese chicken salad. Use lots of napa cabbage, shredded carrots cukes bell peppers, a handful of mint, some cilantro and spicy basil. Then douse it in rice wine vinegar, a little fish sauce for salt, a little sugar cause that’s what the recipe said, and some mild olive/veg oil and a dash of peanut oil. Throw on some chicken boob, and you’re done. YUM.
michelle said,
March 14, 2006 at 11:31 pm
I’ve gotten a lot of ideas from this vegan mom, she packs her son’s lunch every day and takes a pic of it, http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/
Kelli said,
March 15, 2006 at 8:46 am
Oooh, I change my vote to Ashley’s lunch. That salad sounds yummy!
Kelli said,
March 22, 2006 at 2:29 pm
Dude. I’ve now left three comments on this post. I guess I’m begging. GIMME MORE NEWS!