It's 12 Noon, Frugal Time

I have discussed frugal and healthy breakfasts and given you a menu of some of my dinners.  Now, let's discuss the meal in between.  At our house, lunches are usually very simple but full of variety.  In one week, our pallets can travel to a cottage in the country, a bistro in Italy, or a lunch cafe in San Diego.  Here are some nutritious and frugal lunches we enjoy the most:
A Cottage in the Country

• Good ol' lunch meat. You can't go wrong with a lunch meat sandwich and some popcorn or pretzels.  It is our standard lunch on very busy or very lazy days.  We buy the cheapest lunch meat on the market, since we really aren't picky, which usually is cotto salami (for my husband) and turkey bologna (for the rest of us).  Occasionally I will pick up some regular turkey, but only if it is a good deal.  We never buy from the deli because the prices are not usually worth it.  This is an area where you should determine your priorities.  Perhaps you just aren't willing to give up your deli thin-sliced ham, and that's fine.  You may need to do lunch meat sandwiches less often.  Add some extra nutrients and a crunch by using cabbage instead of lettuce.
• Peanut butter and jelly. This is another basic sandwich that I try to make as healthy as possible.  I buy 100% whole wheat bread, all-natural (just peanuts and water) peanut butter, and fruit preserves.
• Macaroni and cheese. Use 100% whole wheat elbow macaroni, add some milk, cheese, and a pinch of mustard and you have a quick and healthy homemade macaroni and cheese.
• Chicken and rice. Cook rice according to package directions.  Add two 2 cups hot water, 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon and mixed vegetables.

A Bistro in Italy

• Herbed Pasta Primavera. Chock full of vegetables and fiber, this is a great lunch so spice up your boring week.  Stay tuned for the recipe tomorrow!
• Super Easy Spaghetti.  Cook up some spaghetti noodles and drain.  Toss in a can of tomatoes, some oregano, basil, parsley, and garlic to taste, then sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese.
• Caesar Salad. Romaine lettuce, some dried homemade bread bits, and some homemade Caesar dressing.  Simple and light.

A Cafe in San Diego

• Grilled Cheese. Some days it is nice to have a warm sandwich.  I use 100% whole wheat bread to make it more nutritious.  You can even toss on some tomatoes and cabbage.
• Easy Lentil Soup. Combine 1/4 cup lentils, 2 cups water, 2 teaspoons beef bouillon and some frozen green beans in a bowl.  Microwave 15 to 20 minutes or until lentils are tender.  If you prefer, a splash of Worcestershire sauce really spices up this soup.
• Quick French Onion Soup. Saute 1 cup finely chopped onion in butter, add 2 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and boil.  Top with Swiss cheese.

Just get creative. Find items in your kitchen that sound good together and play with them.  If you have the time, lunch is a great meal to get creative.  If you are rushed, you can always make a little extra dinner and have leftovers for lunch the next day.

Make lunch time easy going and light on the proteins and you will guarantee yourself a frugal meal.