Lunch is undeniably tough. I am often too busy or distracted to take that noonday pause: Trying to make and take time for a nutritious, delicious meal can feel like a battle.

But I’m old enough to know that a balanced lunch deserves to be a priority. When I skip it or indulge in a protein shake, my blood sugar dips and that zaps my energy, focus and stamina. Plus, I start to stress out. With only a short window in the day, I try not to eat the same dull thing in front of my computer. It’s a recipe for disappointment and a setup for chocolate at 3 p.m.

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