I just started Phase 2 also.... I have been finding it difficult to get enough protein in at lunch time. I am so used to having a big salad and the IP broccoli and cheese soup (which was easy to heat up at work). Without the packet I have been eating a lot of tuna.... and hard boiled eggs.... but when I compare it to the grams of protein in the packets it is not as much.
I have looked through the recipe threads to find some that might help during lunch. I just tried one out today! I can make this and then bring a portion to work.
I copied the information from this link:
https://www.facebook.com/IdealProteinLohja
SAVORY CHICKEN/ HAM PUFFS (All Phases. Serves 2) :
Delicious and portable! Great for lunch! Especially helpful for those just starting the diet who need to snack often during the day until the ketosis kicks in and you dont feel hungry all the time. Because it uses egg whites which are minimal protein and calories, and veggies, this is a great recipe to make and eat 1-2 puffs throughough the day.
Ingredients:
1- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked and diced (using less chicken allows you to eat all of the portions (12) in one day. Using two breasts means you eat half the batch...about 6 portions in one day) Also see notes for other meat suggestions:
5 egg whites
1 cup celery, minced
2 tbsp red or green bell pepper
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp sea salt
Olive oil cooking spray
OPTIONAL: Additional veggies...add 1 or all. I used all.
1/4 cup frozen or fresh chopped raw onion
1/4 - 1/2 cup minced mushrooms (canned or fresh)
1/4 - 1/2 cup fresh alfalpha sprouts and/or mung bean sprouts
Directions:
1. Beat egg whites
2. Mix all ingredients well in a medium bowl.
3. Spoon into 6 well-sprayed muffin cups.
4. Bake at 350 F (about 180 C) 30-35 minutes, until set and lightly browned.
NOTES: I finally made these from a link from another website that I posted earlier. The other recipe didnt have the baking powder, so although they were delicious, they didnt set up as nicely as when you add it.
I also added additional veggies to stretch the batch and get more vegetables in my diet, since I sometimes find it hard to get everything in.
If you are in a rush, you can substitute chopped precooked ham or turkey for the chicken. (I have even just taken a scissors to lunch meat slices to cut into tiny pieces and add in. If I dont want to use all of my meat protein for the day, just use more veggies and a couple of chopped ham slices to flavor the puffs, but still have a leftover allowance of meat protein for later in the day.
I have now made these a few times and love them. They are great hot out of the over and very very good cold. As mentioned above, this is now my "go-to" recipe when I know I will be wanting to snack on something throughout the day or feel especially hungry. Great to make-ahead the night before too.