Protein Packed Lunch

One of the ways I diverge from the Vegan path during this 6-weeks is seafood. I'll occasionally eat seafood. For instance, I have tuna for lunch once a week. I have a couple of fabulous recipes I've created through searching and borrowing and tweaking, and they are both delicious and packed with protein.

Crunchy Tuna Veggie Salad
serves 2, 180 calories

Mix:
- 1 can chunk light tuna in water, drained
- 2 Tbsp. onion, chopped small
- 1 stalk celery, chopped small
- 1/4 cup cucumber, chopped small
- 2 Tbsp mayo*

NOTE:
- Split and eat in romaine lettuce leaves
- *If you would rather substitute the vegan cashew spread, you can take out the mayo. I have eaten it both ways, so am presenting both options to you here. If you add the cashew spread, the calories drop to about 150/serving, and you are adding more protein. Sometimes I like to indulge myself with the mayo because I like the consistency better.
-  To up the calories in this meal, you could add 10 saltine crackers for 100 calories, or a 1/2 slice of pita bread for 100 calories, or a piece of dry toast for 80 calories. If you aren't trying to avoid gluten or grains, that is. Otherwise, I would suggest an orange or an apple to accompany this lunch - both just under 100 calories.


Protein Packed Tuna Salad
1 serving, 352 calories

Mix:
- 1/2 can chunk light tuna in water, drained
- 1 hard boiled egg, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 2 Tbsp slivered almonds
- 1 Tbsp mayo, or 2 Tbsp cashew spread (same calories)

NOTE:
- Eat in romaine lettuce leaves
- I thought this combination sounded intriguing but a little outlandish when I first saw it... EGG in my TUNA?! But, yes, it really does work. Try it for yourself to see. I was pleasantly surprised and hope you will be, too. It is filling and packed with protein - especially with those yummy, crunchy nuts in there!

Both of these recipes are great for make-ahead, take to work, eat the next day, ect. They keep well.

image borrowed from recipegreat.com