List of Healthy No-Cook Lunches

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I take my lunch to work on most days for two reasons:

1. It’s cheaper

2. It’s healthier

Whether it’s leftovers from dinner or a sandwich or salad — sometimes I’m bored with whatever I’ve brought for lunch. So in an effort to spice up my options and be less stressed I reached out to nutritionist Patricia Bannan, author of “Eat Right When Time is Tight” for some inspiration.

21 Healthy and Delicious No-Cook Lunches

By

Patricia Bannan, MS, RD

No time to cook? Whether you’re brown bagging it, busy at home or dining out, try one of these healthy lunch ideas from my new book “Eat Right When Time is Tight: 150 Slim-Down Strategies and No-Cook Food Fixes.” Nutritious and delicious, they all have 400 calories or less and provide protein and fiber for sustained energy.

BROWN BAG IT

Here are seven lunch options to brown bag and carry with you:

• Tuna hummus dip. Mix together 1/2 cup of canned, drained water-packed albacore tuna with 2 tablespoons of hummus and a splash of lemon juice; eat with slices of celery or cucumber or a few baked pita chips.

• Italian bean salad. Toss 1 can of drained white beans with 1 teaspoon each of balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil and add fresh herbs (e.g, parsley, basil and/or oregano) to taste. Read more

How to be a Productivity Junkie

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To-do ListYou already know that I’m a compulsive list maker — but I’m also a productivity junkie. With a to-do list in my hand — it’s pretty hard not to be.

I have my days of course when I feel like I haven’t gotten anything done but for the most part I’m extremely efficient and I have my to-do list to thank.

I was lucky enough to be able to guest blog for the “Life…Your Way” blog this week. Check out my post about Ways a To-Do List Will Help You Do More.

What are your productivity secrets?

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T8DDPDJBHAYH

Checklist for Parenting

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Our trip to Miami was fabulous. We slept in, went to the beach, swam in the ocean, read, ate great food and just relaxed. Until we got on our Continental flight from Miami to Newark…

I don’t know anything about being a parent. I’m not one yet. But I know how NOT to be a parent and I learned that valuable lesson on Flight 44 — thanks to a family of four that sat in front of us.

The parents were traveling with their two and four-year-old daughters and completely ignored those girls the whole trip. For that excruciating two hour and 28 minute flight – one of the girls was whining, while the other one was screaming at the top of her lungs…the entire time. I’m not kidding. And the parents were zoning out – doing nothing — literally nothing. I was feeling my blood pressure rise.

I don’t blame the kids at all – they are innocent in this story. It’s the parents who I have a problem with. They acted like they were in their own living room instead of on a crowded plane with 200 other people. They were rude, selfish and inconsiderate to me and to their kids.

I’m not a parent yet and I’m not pretending to know what it’s like to be one. So I’ve enlisted the help of my parent friends for this checklist for good parenting:

Jene Luciani, Gigi’s Mom

  • Count to ten before reacting in a high pressure situation
  • Always find time for laughter; at the end of the day, a happy child trumps all else
  • Always be as prepared as possible…especially when going on a trip! Bring everything you could possibly need in any situation – make lists! Read more

Angie’s List: An Empire Built on a List

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Angie Hicks, Angie’s List

As many of you know I’m a senior producer for a news network in New York City. I cover everything from surgeries to fitness classes. Recently I was fortunate enough to do a segment about saving money on your medical bills with one of the most famous list makers of all — Angie Hicks — the founder of Angie’s List.

Her consumer review website helps people find doctors, contractors and other local services. Angie’s List now has 1.5 million members across the country — and to think it all started with a list!

Q: Why do you call yourself a compulsive list maker?

A: I wouldn’t necessarily call myself compulsive, but Angie’s List is certainly getting a national reputation as the mother of all lists… Angie’s List started out as just that – my list of the best and worst companies in and around Columbus, Ohio. We’re in more than 200 U.S. cities, now and the list just keeps growing – both of cities served and number of companies rated by consumers in each local market. So I guess I am compulsive about making lists, after all! Read more

Checklist for Perfect Grilling

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Photo Courtesy: Marnely Rodriguez

Socializing with family and friends around the BBQ is an all-American pastime, and it will soon be time to get the grills out once again. If you’re lacking in the cooking department, have a look for the Best george foreman grill, as one of these babies could be a life saver with 4th of July around the corner. This 4th of July you should know what you’re doing around the grill. I’ll be in Miami soaking up the sun — but if you’re “manning” the grill — here’s some tips from grilling expert JoAnn Witherell of Allen Brothers Steaks.

Checklist for Perfect Grilling

by Joann Witherell

There’s No “Right” Grilling Equipment

Some love gas grills for their convenience, while others swear by the unique flavor charcoal provides. But you can grill a great steak on both types of grills – it all comes down to personal preference. Either way sear the meat on high with the lid off, then turning down the temperature and closing the lid to finish cooking. Cooking techniques like this are useful and you can learn different techniques by reading cooking books or watching videos on Youtube. Depending on what you are cooking on, will depend on what cooking techniques to use, you can check out this Grill Types Guide to see different grill types. Once you have chosen the right grill type for you, you can then read about cooking on your grill, and cook the perfect meal for you and your loved ones.

Start with a Clean Slate

Start your grill on high (or over very hot coals if you’re using charcoal) to burn off any residue from previous grilling sessions – you don’t want charred bits of last week’s burgers contaminating your dinner. This simple rule keeps your food clean and also prolongs the life of your grill. Read more