About a year after leaving my job in the health and fitness industry, I started looking for a part-time job to get out of the house. I soon found myself working at a bank. After working with others who were into health, nutrition and fitness, for so long, this was culture shock to say the least. I was amazed at what “real” people talked about on a daily basis. Now, you might say, but weren't you working with clients who were “real” people? Of course, I was, but this was different. I was now “working” with people who weren't necessarily into this whole healthy living thing. I mean, what else is there to talk about?! (Just kidding, sort of.)
It's important to note, I don't walk around with my “food police” badge on. I make an effort not to comment on other's food choices (unless asked). I quickly found out though, this was not a two-way street at the bank. In fact, quite the opposite was true. I didn't comment on what others were eating, but boy, oh boy, did they ever take note of what I was dining on. For the most part, it didn't matter who was in the break room, if I was eating my lunch, some comment was made. When there was a potluck or someone made something special for a holiday or birthday, declining it was sure to offend. I got back-handed remarks regularly, because I made the choice not to eat the cookies, cakes, candies, pizza, pasta, etc. that was brought in on a regular basis.
So, be ready if you are making healthier nutritional choices, whether for yourself and/or your family. Others will take notice. Some will want you what you've got, asking you to divulge everything you know and others will sabotage your efforts. It can get really dicey when family gets involved because in many families, food = love. If you don't eat what is served, watch out. And if you are standing in the microwave line on your lunch break, you are bound to get some looks when you pull a whole squash out of your lunch bag!!
Whether you are still eating “frozen” diet meals at lunch or not, why not give this 5-minute squash bowl idea a try. It does require you to make an easy beanless chili for dinner the night before, or heck, make the chili Sunday night and portion it out so you have it for a few lunches throughout the week. Either way, all you need to do on your lunch break is make your squash bowl and fill.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ground Beef, Bison or Turkey
- 2 c. Beef Bone Broth
- 1 c. Salsa
- 4 Tbsp. Chili Powder
- 2 Tbsp. Cocoa Powder
- 2 tsp. Celtic Sea Salt
Directions
In skillet over medium-high heat brown ground beef. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and reduce for 30 minutes.
I love, love, LOVE some chili! We recently made some and subbed our usual beans with onions, zuccini, and mushrooms. It was perfect! And we didn’t miss the beans at all. I have a silly question, do you eat the inside of the squash while you’re eating the chili? Thanks!
Yes, eat the inside of the squash! It is so yummy with the chili.
Aren’t you clever ? Never thought of doing that !! Bet it did raise some eyebrows 🙂