Have a Healthier Lunch Break (Courtesy of Santa Cruz Peanut Butter) [And Giveaway]

One of my favorite brands of peanut butter crossed my path lately and I couldn't wait to tell you about it. Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butter is one of the healthiest - but tastiest - brands of peanut butter out there. To me, it's worth paying a few extra dollars for because when I buy peanut butter the ONLY thing I want to see in the ingredients is peanuts (and maybe salt). And that is it. You don't get that often I notice! So many peanut butter brands add a LOT of other non-peanut like things to their peanut butter, including unhealthy oils.

But whether you are packing your own lunch, or your kiddos lunch, it's the time of year to get healthy and think about ways that you can pack some good things into your day.

But how? It can be hard sometimes. I know for me choosing healthy lunches is a challenge when I can only focus on getting myself out the door on time. But if you break it down a little bit it IS possible to add health to your lunch and not spend too much time and energy to it.

Here are some recommended lunch time tips to consider - some my own, some are ideas I picked up from Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butter company!

1.  Get some color into your lunch box. 

The more (healthy, natural) color you have in your lunch box, the more likely you will be eating the best stuff for your body. Whether it's cut up carrot sticks or berries or some kind of fruit, you will be getting good nutrients during the day.

2.  Go classic with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! 



Sometimes going classic is the best way to go. I loved peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as a kid and I still do now. Even though going gluten-free has made me re-think how I eat, there are really healthy gluten-free breads out there (Dr. Schar and Canyon Bakehouse are two of my favorites).  Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butter is by far my favorite and top choice for peanut butters and they offer up a tasty fruit spread that I highly recommend.

3.  Grab easy finger foods.

Neat and clean finger foods are my favorite options for lunch. Although I shouldn't, I usually eat at my desk so the neater but healthier I can be, the better. Carrot Sticks, cheese sticks, apple slices, or nuts are all great choices. Add dip like peanut butter for apple slices if you aren't in the "pb&j" sandwich mood but still want your protein. Also if you have these healthy protein based small snacks that you can add to your day, you will probably avoid that candy dish that just so happens to pop up this time of day. Avoid that afternoon slump by saving quick snacks!

4. Prepare in advance.

If I at least KNOW what I want for lunch the night before, the easier it will be for me in the morning. And the least likely I will just end up buying lunch (which is more often than not a very unhealthy decision). So prepare the night before, even if you are just making a list for what to make for yourself. If you want to be extra prepared, get a weekly lunch meal plan going so you can be on your game for health conscious lunches.

5. Keep it simple.

I am never the type to have an overly complicated lunch. I don't want to "cook" for lunch, especially since I work in an office. So, keeping things simple whether it's quick and easy sandwiches, healthy finger foods, or even the occasional healthy leftover from the night before (I'm having left over beans and rice for lunch today! Go complex carbs! Woo!) means I'm more likely to choose the healthy lunch option (instead of buying the quick greasy choice that are out there for me if I bought lunch). And for a healthy addition to your lunch, Santa Cruz Organic also offers some tasty fruit sauces and pouches that are perfect for kids and kids at heart (like me!).

Check out Santa Cruz Organic website for more tips and more information about their products.

And best of all, I get to giveaway the same pack - the Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butter, Strawberry Jam and Apple Sauce to one lucky winner. Enter via Rafflecopter below. Ends 10/16.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received compensation in the form of gift cards and products exchange for my honest review.