Next after breakfast, the next meal that is most skipped is lunch. Many people, after hearing or reading on the necessity of the morning meal, will be virtuous enough to do breakfast, and thereafter, forget about their bodies right throughout the day until evening. Well lunch is as important a meal as breakfast and should usually be eaten within 4-5 hours after having breakfast. Let’s take a look at the attributes that make lunch a must;

1. Lunch helps boost your energy
As midday approaches, your body would have depleted quite a bit of its energy resources and will be screaming for refueling. A healthy lunch, which is high in fibre, low in fat and provides long lasting energy from low GI (Glycemic Index) carbohydrates helps to provide the body and mind with energy to avoid the mid-afternoon slump.

2. Lunch for weight management

Making the time to eat a healthy lunch and other regular meals can help to prevent weight gain by reducing the risk of snacking on or over-eating unhealthy high calorie options later in the day.

3. Lunch – The motivation booster

Eating both breakfast and lunch has been shown to reduce feelings of lack of energy and motivation compared to skipping one or both of these meals. Observe how you obtain a sudden burst of energy and drive after having lunch! Overeating at lunch however may result in sluggishness, so careful now!

4. Ensure Adequate Nutrient Intake

A healthy lunch can make a great contribution towards ensuring you get all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you need each day to keep you fit and healthy. Make sure you include some wholegrain foods, lean protein, fruit and vegetables and you’re well on your way to optimum nutrition!

5. Enhance Relationships
Taking time out for a lunch break can help rejuvenate your mind as you relax and socialize with your workmates and friends and leave the stresses of work behind. Lunch time is not the time to pore over sensitive documents and hold stressful meetings. Its time to relax with friends ( or alone if you prefer it that way) and enjoy a good meal.

6. Improve Your Fitness

Taking a lunch break can be a great way to get your daily exercise. Go for a 20-minute walk or park the car walk to lunch spots further away on purpose for a change. You can also work out before or after eating at your office gym (surprised? I have actually seen one in a high rise office building in the center of Accra) with a bunch of mates to help improve your fitness and health.

I hope that after this discussion you wouldn’t need any further motivation to have lunch everyday. Keep reminding yourself with these proofs that lunch is an essential meal to maintain your health and wellbeing. Say to a friend today, ‘Let’s Do Lunch’.

By Laurene Boateng