Healthy Lunch

Recently I have gotten into a very bad habit of eating whatever can be scrounged up from the fridge for my lunches each day. Leftovers from the night before usually go with Bryan to work, but sometimes they are frozen or I eat them, too. Eating better lunches was not one of my goals that I listed yesterday, but it is something that I have become very mindful of recently.

A list was made before I went to the store earlier this week, with specific ingredients for healthy lunches for myself. Anything that is sour, tangy or salty makes me start to drool. Lemon was in my favorite lunch of the week, and it was oh so yumm-o! I grilled chicken to add to my salad, but it is not necessary.

Golden Chickpea and Artichoke Salad

+ Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 (15 oz.) can chick peas, drained and rinsed well

5 to 7 artichoke hearts (1 can), drained and sliced lengthwise

¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted if desired

1 teaspoon lemon juice  (I used a whole lemon)

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (I used 1 teaspoon dried)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a seasoned wok or cast-iron skillet. Add the chickpeas and cook on medium-high for 10 minutes, stirring only occasionally to prevent burning, until the chickpeas are golden brown all over. When done, put them in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

2. Add more oil to the pan and cook the sliced artichoke hearts until browned. Add them to the bowl of chickpeas.

3. Toast the almonds in a dry skillet (if desired) and then grind them in a food processor. Add the almonds to the artichokes and chickpeas. Season the salad with lemon juice and salt and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature. 

*This served two people for lunch, but could serve more if used as a side dish.

*I grilled chicken and added a large, cut up breast to the bowl and tossed it in the seasonings.

..........

For a while now, my eyes have been set on a Michael Kors watch. It was on my Christmas list, and fortunately I got enough money to pick out the watch of my choice. After searching online and two different cities, I had just about given up hope of finding a smaller-sized gold one in stock anywhere. Much to my delight, my mother sent me a text earlier this week showing this little baby that she picked up for me in just the size I have wanted!

It had to be classic enough to wear alone or be stacked--that was one of my requirements. What do you think about it? I can hardly wait to slip it on my wrist and stack it with pretty baubbles.

Have a great weekend, everyone!