Need a little lunchtime inspiration

How about some homemade soup? You can make a big pot of it for pennies and it's really healthy. Can be taken to work hot in a flask or heated up in the microwave?

I would love to make a homemade soup, but some reason i'm worried they are going to taste like water! Might have a go this weekend, always wanted to make a carrot and coriander suit!

Well i lost 4lbs in 2 weeks (i also went from being 22 stone down to being 16 stone a few years ago) by structuring my meals and carrying a little pot of grapes for when i want something sweet.

I replace sandwiches with bagels because theyre more filling, reduced my potato portions to 2 small potatoes cut smaller and incorporating more green vegtables.

For lunch I like to have a slice or 2 of lean ham with some cooked mushrooms, raw peppers, tomatoes etc.

also onion bagels with ham or smoked salmon

I like to eat soup (the new Heinz ones in the sachets are really nice and the ministroni is quite low, with crispbreads instead of bread to dunk in.

as for soup... try this one.

2 tinns of chopped tomatoes

1 carrot

1 onion

1 red pepper

1 yellow pepper

1 vegtable oxo cube made up as instructions

dice everything small and cook them in the stock until theyre soft (not including the peppers) and when theyre more or less done, add the tomatoes and the pappers to it and stir, then set it down to bubble on low for about an hour

add some herbs you like - i like basil and thyme personally. and either use a blender to make it smooth OR eat it chunky and rustic

its always gorgeous and filling

you can replace the veggies with anything you like and if you want a little more creamy, add a little bit of full fat milk OR a spoon of creme freche

Hi.

I'm trying to lose weight too.

I've teached my body, that there is no eating after 6.

I'm also trying not to eat white bread and potatoes.

I'm trying to fill up (between meals) with vegetables or fruits.

And last thing - I'm making salads at home take to work. You could do that too.

Today i'm having Mango, Cucumber and Spicy Chicken Sala.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking TIme: 20 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium, firm mangoes

• 1 cucumber, finely sliced

• 2 large chicken breasts

• 1 tbsp Cajun spices

• 150g mixed salad leaves

• 1 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

• Dressing:

• 2 tbsp orange juice

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

• 4 tbsp extra virgin oil

• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Run the chicken breasts with the Cajun spices. Pan fry the chicken and allow to cool. Keep refrigerated until required.Peel the mangoes and cut flesh away from stone. Slice thinly. Arrange on a serving platter leaving a space in the centre.Arrange the sliced cucumber on the plate on top of the mango.Cut the chicken into slices and arrange on top of the cucumber. Neatly pile the leaves in the middle.Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Top with pine nuts.

Source of this recipe: Mango, Cucumber and Spicy Chicken Salad

Lots of healthy things you can do with a microwave. Soup and a salad, jacket potato (possible fillings - tuna mayo with extra light mayo, baked beans) and my favourite... .left over dinner! smaller amount obviously but it can be quite comforting during the wintry days and you feel less like you are restricting yourself. A low fat yoghurt and a piece of fruit to finish and happy days