When you're sick of iceberg lettuce and greasy pizza...

Sometimes it's difficult to find vegetarian choices in my school cafeteria, which is why I think packing lunch is probably a better option. I'm not a fan of long lunch lines, either. This is how I would plan my week :)

Monday

Microwaveable pasta:
My favorite brands are Healthy Choice, Simply Asia, and of course, Easy Mac. Microwaveable pasta is convenient and doesn't take much time to pack in the morning. Add an apple and bottled water, and you're good to go.

(If you don't have access to a microwave at school, try a peanut butter, honey, and banana sandwich instead of the pasta. Toast the pieces of bread and spread the PB on both sides to prevent it from getting soggy from the honey or bananas.)

Tuesday

Veggie hot dogs:
Yves brand is probably my favorite, but I rarely see it outside of Whole Foods. Cook them before school and wrap them in aluminum foil for later. I use whole grain hot dog buns and add soy sauce, onions, and cilantro to the water I cook the soy dogs in since they lack flavor on their own. Top with your favorite condiments, likely already found in your school cafeteria. Pack chips, soda, and freeze dried fruit to go with your hot dogs.

Wednesday

Hummus:
Pack enough hummus to spread on pita bread, baby carrots, and whichever crunchy vegetables you desire. Try stuffed grape leaves (you can get them canned from the ethnic food section of the grocery store if you don't have a Mediterranean restaurant near you), a banana, peanuts or cashews, and iced tea to complete your meal.

Thursday

Pizza bagels:
This recipe requires shouldn't take longer than a few minutes to prepare. Split a bagel in half and cover each side with cream cheese. Add slices of tomatoes and provolone cheese and bake in a toaster oven or microwave them until the cheese is melted. Vegan cheese substitutes work just as well for people who don't eat dairy. Have some strawberries, blueberries and juice with your pizza bagel.

Friday

Tempeh sub:
Tempeh is made from soybeans, but has a different texture than tofu or soy meats. You can find it in the produce section at Publix, near the other refrigerated vegetarian protein options. If you don't, use soy lunch meat substitutes or just veggies. I usually buy the brands that come marinated and pre-sliced to save time (sesame garlic is my favorite.) Cook according to the directions on the package and add the strips of tempeh to your sub along with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cheese, bell peppers, and olive oil and vinegar. Pack chips and Vitamin water, too.