Lunch Box Little Italy Chicken Pitas

Every day I rush to work and I don't make the time to pack a good lunch.  I keep soups and meal shakes at the office, but they get boring after a while.  I also go to the grocery store to buy a large salad from the deli, and I eat that 2 days in a row.  Other days I rush out to McDonalds for a Filet-o-Fish and a diet coke...ok not a great idea.  Yet, my kids pack lunch every single day because it is "cool" to pack lunch in high-school.  My kids make sandwiches, pack fresh fruit, chips, and a snack.  I should follow their example.  I found some quick lunch ideas at My Recipe.com and they looked so good.  I have small refrigerator at work which is perfect to store my sandwich and fruit.  I will probably buy the ingredients and keep them in my office.  I have to be honest in admitting that I can't rely on myself to prepare my lunch every day at home.  Most mornings I'm rushing to get ready; shower, change, and blow-dry.  There isn't a time to make lunch like Paula Deen or Rachael Ray.  I often hear that a key to weight loss success is preparation and planning.  I think they are right.  So tomorrow morning I am going to buy pita bread, chicken, veggies, and grapes.  Yummy!

 What do you usually have for lunch?

Source

 Little Italy Chicken Pitas  

A smart trick to this zesty sandwich is using oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to prepare the vinaigrette. Prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and pack separately. Fill pitas just before eating.  Fresh, whole fruit is your best option for sides and snacks during the day. Change things up by selected fruit that’s in season--you'll enjoy diverse flavors plus nutritional variety as your choices change naturally throughout the year. An apple, chilled grapes, or mango slices offer a great source of fiber, keeping you feeling fuller longer.

  Ingredients 

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar   *   1 1/2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil 

1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomatoes   *   1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 garlic clove, minced   *   4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast 

1 cup chopped tomato (about 1 medium)   *   1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Asiago cheese

1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil   *   6 pitas, cut in half   *   3 cups mixed baby greens

  Preparation 

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in chicken, tomato, cheese, and basil.

Line each pita half with 1/4 cup greens. Divide chicken mixture evenly among pita halves.