Is cous cous with roast vegetables a nutritionally balanced lunch?

[PrincessRagnhild]

I am trying to have fewer sandwiches for lunch, as they always seem too heavy and bready. Does cous cous and roast veg (e.g. peppers, aubergine, sweet potato, fresh coriander) sound like a good lunch, or does it need more protein?

Sounds perfect (and I'm changing tonight's supper...)

As long as there's protein elsewhere in the day I can't see anything wrong with this.

That's what I thought. I eat plenty of meat, cheese and fish during other meals - need to train myself out of the habit of needing them with every meal! Glad you were inspired anyway :)

Yes.

If you're actually worried about protein (and it doesn't sound like you are) you could throw in some nuts or seeds with it. Would give it some crunch as well as protein.

Add some chickpeas in with the cuscus

We add toasted pine nuts to the couscous and also add some cheese to the veg.

I agree with the chickpeas suggestion, without them I would be feeling hungry again after an hour.

oven roast the chickpeas!!

I don't like chickpeas! I hate the texture of pulses. Otherwise, good suggestion. Nuts and seeds are a great idea, thanks.

I am not hungry this afternoon after having it for lunch, so maybe the lack of protein is not going to be a problem.

How about braised tofu? Or a bit of smoked salmon? Small cubes of feta cheese? Making myself hungry now!

Mmm, smoked salmon, I hadn't thought of that. Am trying to eat less cheese, otherwise i would definitely go for feta.

Feta or chickpeas would be my protein of choice for a meal like that. Or some falafel and/or yoghurt dip alongside.

I'd add hummus or yoghurt (mixed with some mint or coriander if you want to be fancy).

Sounds a lovely lunch! Who says we have to have protein at every meal? We often have roasted veg and cous cous for our din dins. Normally would have it with a piece of fish or lamb with harrisa paste ... But sometimes just on its own if the fridge is bare and there's nothing in!!

Pine nuts in it sounds yum, I'm gonna try that next time!

Well we had roasted veg couscous with a cheese tart for supper tonight. DDs (2 and 4) and DH thought it was lovely so thank you!

You could use quinoa instead of couscous. It has higher protein in it.

I like feta cheese with cous cous and roasted veg.

People recommend protein with every meal because it helps you to feel fuller for longer. Plus it is good for your hair, or so,I have been told.