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A long weekend filled with indulgent meals, irregular sleep cycles and a lot of binge watching online content can definitely make one feel sluggish. This leisurely mode and holiday vibe can be hard to shake off the morning of a new week when work, chores and other engagements hit you in full force. What can ward off the long weekend lethargy and help you get back to the grind are healthy, vibrant meals which echo with freshness and rejuvenating qualities. Such invigorating dishes are light on the stomach, rich in nutrients and can be prepared quickly on busy mornings as lunch or brunch repasts.
Citrus And Chickpea Power Salad
Whether prepared for brunch or as a salad lunch bowl, a citrus and chickpea power salad can be the perfect protein-rich meal that energises you on a busy day. Bring together boiled chickpeas, orange wedges, chopped cucumbers, onions and parsley in a large salad bowl. Drizzle a salad dressing over this made using olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper. Toss the veggies lightly and rest them for a few minutes before eating or packing into a lunch box. The salad can be a quick, bright and refreshing luncheon munched on while working.
Quinoa And Vegetable Stir Fry
A comforting bowl that is nourishing and nutritious, quinoa can be prepared fresh on a busy morning to be had as a breakfast on a working day when the body refuses to move. The veggie stir fry, filled with the light spice of red chilli powder and the savoury touch of carrots, cabbages and beans will make you feel bright and light. Quinoa will bring a cosy feel into the meal that still keeps to the long weekend effect. Together, the veggies and quinoa become a recipe that slowly eases you back into the working day routine.
Vegetable Poha With Peanuts
Add other assorted vegetables like peas and potatoes to make it slightly veggie-loaded. Squeezing lime juice over the poha plate infuses a citrusy acidity into the dish that instantly lifts up the warm breakfast with vibrant flavours.
Rainbow Veggie Wrap
What gets rid of that long weekend lethargy and brings you back into work mode are bright colours and hydrating properties in your food. Think a veggie wrap made with carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes and cabbages, with a light protein-rich paneer or chickpea addition. Seasoned mildly using a mint, garlic and yoghurt dip, some paprika, salt and pepper, the crunchy wrap will introduce a light and fresh vibe into your mid-morning or luncheon meal. It is a perfectly fresh, quick and cheery luncheon for that day when you plunge into work after enjoying time off.
Tossed Paneer With Spinach And Corn
Rich in protein, iron and folic acid, this meal is a healthy luncheon bowl that is at once delicious and light enough to keep you fresh and ward off those mid-afternoon siesta feelings. Paneer can be stir fried in simple seasonings like salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Add some boiled baby spinach to the protein along with boiled sweet corn. Dress this up with a little bit of Greek yoghurt and garlic salt. The protein-fuelled recipe can be packed into a lunchbox and eaten as a midday refresher or a late lunch.
