Home for Lunch

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Look who I got to eat lunch with.  Yay!

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Stylin’.

 

The Husband normally ‘forgets’ to take a real lunch break while at the clinic; he’s either spending extra time with a patient or filling orders or answering emails.  I finally started to build in lunch appointments to his calendar (I know, I know – I’m supposed to be retired from my secretarial duties but I can’t help it – it’s our business!), and today, he had enough time for a legit lunch break. 

 

It is almost too hot for deck lunches.  I think the dog days of summer are nearly upon us in Charlotte…

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My meal:

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Why yes, I would like a sandwich with all my produce.

 

Melted goat cheese and apples <— killer combo.

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I was thinking about lunch breaks…  Obviously, since I self-employed, my lunch breaks aren’t very structured, but I confess – I eat most of my breakfasts and lunches in front of the computer.  It’s not ideal but I can’t help it and prefer to multitask.  Also, I like to eat slowly (that lunch took me 45 minutes to eat), so I tend to write, write, pick at my meal, write, answer an email, pick at my meal… You get the point.

 

When I worked in an office, I usually ate lunch at my desk, too.  My boss was fine with me coming in a half hour late if I did that, and I used the extra half hour to go the gym before work.  When I needed a dedicated break, I would just go for a little walk outdoors, but I rarely made my lunch a break.  Occasionally, I would eat in the break room with my coworkers or, if the weather was really nice, we’d sit outside and eat (this was in Pittsburgh – if it’s over 65 and sunny, everyone is outside at every possible moment). 

 

Do you eat work lunches at your desk?  Or do you take a dedicated break?

{ 60 comments }

 

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats June 7, 2012, 1:22 pm

    Haha I’m eating lunch at my desk right now, my break is reading blogs! I also try and take a walk to get tea or something to break up the afternoon!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat June 7, 2012, 1:23 pm

    That’s great that you and the Husband got to have lunch together! Like you, I also eat in front of the computer a lot and I know it’s not exactly the most mindful thing to do. However, like you said, it makes me eat a heck of a lot slower because I’m commenting on blogs or writing at the same time, so I guess my body has longer to realize that I’m full. I suppose both eating with no distractions and eating while also having to do something with your hands both have advantages, as long as you really truly stop eating when you’re full. Have a great afternoon Caitlin!

  • April June 7, 2012, 1:23 pm

    That apple and goat cheese sandwich looks so good! I need to make that happen soon. Like Katie, I am also eating lunch at my desk right now! I try so hard to get some fresh air and take a walk but lately life stuff has gotten in the way and I need to do things online during my “off” time.

  • Sara June 7, 2012, 1:26 pm

    I typically eat at my desk too! (Whether I bring or run an errand and bring lunch back with me–I still eat it at my desk.) Before my husband started his new job, we were able to eat lunch together several days during his last two weeks. It was great!

  • Kelly June 7, 2012, 1:26 pm

    Ha. Guilty as such. I’m sitting in front of the computer, reading blogs…and eating lunch. Being self-employed has it’s perks, but sometimes I wish I was “better” at taking breaks away from the computer.

  • Sarah F. June 7, 2012, 1:27 pm

    I eat in front of my computer all the time! I usually go to yoga in the morning and then eat breakfast once I get to work (while I catch up on emails), and for lunch I’ll work on my schoolwork. But hey- when you work full-time and go to school full-time- every second counts. Dinner’s are usually eaten away from technology!

  • Laura @ My Pink Thumb June 7, 2012, 1:27 pm

    I get a 1hr lunch break from work (my hrs are 8-5) so I take advantage of the fact that my mom is ‘retired’ and have lunch with her every day. 🙂 I luck out with a free healthy lunch every day all while hanging with my mom. It’s a pretty great gig.

  • Sarah W. June 7, 2012, 1:33 pm

    unless the office policy/legal isseus force me to take a 30-60min lunch break, i’m generally happier eating at my desk and only having to be in the office for 8hrs.

    however, if my place of business had a gym in the building, I would probably take my lunch voluntarily/and/or forced b/c lunch workouts are the BEST and I would GLADLY “be” at work that extra time.

  • Kendra @ My Full-Thyme Life June 7, 2012, 1:33 pm

    I kind of do both! I eat lunch while working at my desk. Then, I take a dedicated break and I either run a quick errand, walk outside, go to my parents house which is really close to my office and relax on their couch. The last one is perfect while pregnant and tired. My lunch breaks are the best part of my day! Hmmm… now I’m wondering what that says about my job. :0/

  • Ashley @ The North Carolina Cowgirl June 7, 2012, 1:37 pm

    I rarely go out or get away from my desk at lunch. I don’t want to spend extra money on fuel to go anywhere (I drive a truck). For awhile I was going outside to walk but stopped recently because I started to take shorter lunches so I can leave earlier.

  • Kelly June 7, 2012, 1:38 pm

    I also eat at my desk and snack for a while. I definitely find it hard to take a “real” lunch break when basically I set my own hours. Not that I necessarily think I couldn’t get away from work for a lunch break, but I would rather get all of my work done and then leave earlier than taking a break in the middle of the day and then stay at work longer. Although, when things do get busier at work I am more likely to force myself to go somewhere and get food instead of just snacking at my desk, for the sake of my sanity.

  • Kristin June 7, 2012, 1:38 pm

    I have a very cool supervisor and can be flexible with my hours — so I usually only work an 8 hour day and just eat at my desk. Sometimes, I will take an hour and meet a friend or family member for lunch, but that is rare.
    In a previous job, my supervisor required that I take a 30 minute lunch break and since I was working on a time clock, it literally could not be any longer or shorter than 30 minutes — I got in trouble if it was less or more, even by 1 minute. Needless to say, that was just one of many issues there, and I’m happy to have moved on from that!!

  • Jamie June 7, 2012, 1:40 pm

    Funny, I just posted about taking a real Lunch Break yesterday! (www.studioeats.com). I never really do but I loved it yesterday. It really is so refreshing.

  • Danielle June 7, 2012, 1:41 pm

    I usually eat lunch at my desk now. At my new job they are flexible so if I work though lunch I can leave an hour early. So it’s like an 8-4 or 9-5 day. 🙂 I get up every once in a while to stretch though and move around.

  • Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes June 7, 2012, 1:44 pm

    When I was at college, I usually ate in the dining hall with friends, or at the very least designated a time to grab food together at the cafe. As I’m trying this comment, I am sitting at the table and eating lunch 🙂

  • Rachel O. June 7, 2012, 1:44 pm

    i almost ALWAYS eat at my desk if I’m not out running errands. I tend to browse the web for personal use on lunch, though – the last thing i want to do when i’m at home is look at a computer since that’s all i do all day.

    I also make sure I walk a mile mid morning, a mile at lunch, and a mile mid afternoon. it really helps break up the day

  • Olivia June 7, 2012, 1:48 pm

    Ha! Enjoy those lingering lunches while you can. I have a seven week old little boy and–out of necessity–have learned to down an entire meal in under a minute! 🙂

  • Liz June 7, 2012, 1:48 pm

    I also eat in front of my desk, although I can tell my digestion likes it better when I don’t. I get an hour for lunch, and I like to use it running errands or exercising. I’ve made a point to eat breakfast and dinner very intentionally and just accept that my lunch is eaten in front of a screen.

  • Earthy Nicole June 7, 2012, 1:51 pm

    Most of the time I try to have lunch at the table with my little girl. I try to keep her involved in making our meals and even if it’s just leftovers (like today) I make sure we sit at the table together.

  • Tara June 7, 2012, 1:56 pm

    I eat at my desk while I work, but I usually wind up going outside for my actual break to read or run some quick errands or do a little shopping (it’s dangerous working right next to a Target!!) I don’t mind eating while working, but I still like to get an actual break during the day too. Sometimes it doesn’t happen, but I appreciate the days it does!

  • Jocelyn @ Peace Love Nutrition June 7, 2012, 1:57 pm

    i think it’s so important to take a lunch break! Although sometimes I end up having lunch at my desks. It’s important to give yourself some time to stretch and walk around (esp if your behind a computer!)

  • Anne June 7, 2012, 1:58 pm

    As much as I can, I take a dedicated lunch break – I close my office door, eat my lunch at my desk, read HTP blog and mealsandmiles.com and a few others for a good relaxin lunch

    • Caitlin June 8, 2012, 10:44 am

      🙂 Thanks!

  • Lauri June 7, 2012, 2:02 pm

    Lunchtime is really the only time i can squeeze in the gym, and we have a gym at work that is right in my building (and they offer classes! And it’s free!). So during my lunch break I hit the gym for a class or head outside for a run. Then i come back and inhale my lunch in 5 minutes at my desk in front of my computer b/c I’m usually so hungry by then…

  • Sarah June 7, 2012, 2:09 pm

    Oh my gosh, you used to live in Pittsburgh? That’s where I’m from and currently live! Crazy.

    I prefer to eat slowly and work at the same time, too. Most of my breakfasts take 20+ minutes and involve blog reading, writing, responding, commenting, etc.

  • Lauren T June 7, 2012, 2:16 pm

    I have to take a break and get away from my desk, or I get a little crazy by the end of the day. I like to go outside and read if it’s nice, or take a short walk to get a little exercise. If it’s not nice outside, I’ll go somewhere else and sit and read, or even just read in my car. Plus it’s warmer in there in the summer because it’s freezing in my office!

  • Vanessa (@IsleStyleLiving) June 7, 2012, 2:19 pm

    Sometimes I eat at my desk. But I prefer not to do that… I like to “escape”.

    I’m trying to work in a 20 minute walk during my lunch break. We usually convene in an empty conference room for lunch but I need to find someway to get my exercise for the day!

  • Sana June 7, 2012, 2:29 pm

    Yeah we get a 30 min break for lunch when we work 6 hours soo I read blog 🙂 Like nowwwww and munch on my food!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat June 7, 2012, 2:31 pm

    I eat breakfast and lunch at my desk in front of the computer so that I can do stuff at home before work and take a 30 minute walk outside every day at work 🙂 It’s worth it to me!

  • Lindsey June 7, 2012, 2:31 pm

    I do take a break from work and come home for lunch, its about 15 mins each way which only leaves me with 30 mins at home but totally worth it. But I am guilty of eating both breakfast and lunch in our home office in front of the computer, like I am now!

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed June 7, 2012, 2:41 pm

    Sometimes I eat at my desk and catch up on blogs, but most of the time I like to get away from my desk! Today we went out for Mexican so I got to sit outside and enjoy a margarita… win! And now I have no desire to work!

  • Amber K June 7, 2012, 2:51 pm

    I don’t eat lunch at my desk, although I used to. I do eat breakfast at my desk every morning though while I read blogs. It really helps me to slow down while I’m eating. I read magazines while I eat lunch and dinner.

    I’ve never given into the “distracted dining” thing, because it’s just not the way I work. I actually concentrate a lot more on my food, how full I’m getting, and making sure I eat slowly if I’m somewhat distracted.

  • Caitlin @ This Bride's Joyride June 7, 2012, 2:55 pm

    I eat at my desk while I work and honestly I think it’s such a bad habit! Some days other than water refills and bathroom breaks I’ll be sitting at my computer for 8.5-9 hours straight! I think I may force myself to just take two 15 minute breaks throughout the day to just walk around!

  • Presley @ Run Pretty June 7, 2012, 3:02 pm

    Glad he got to join you today! Soon it will be three of y’all!

    I eat my lunches in a crowded elementary school cafeteria. It’s as awesome as it sounds. haha It’s worth it, though, because I eat my lunches wherever I want in the summertime!

  • Kellie June 7, 2012, 3:20 pm

    Lunch is the only meal that I eat while multitasking (at the desk), and that’s because I work in a clinic as an RD and my patient schedule is incredibly unpredictable. I absolutely HATE that I do this! It just is not typically feasible for me to take a legitimate lunch break (despite a 30 min break being taken out of pay DAILY for lunches!).

    However for both breakfast and dinner, I make it a point to sit down at a table and just eat the meal with my husband. We definitely enjoy eating together mindfully and with intention – not with distractions of TV, computer, books etc. It’s one of the things that I actually DO practice what I preach!

  • Julia H. @ Going Gulia June 7, 2012, 3:57 pm

    For the first two years or so of college, I used to be bad about always eating meals while on my computer or doing something…partly because that’s what everyone else was doing & I felt awkward being that person just eating without something else in front of her! When I started to become more conscious about mindful/intuitive eating, though, I cut way down on the multitasking & now try to just eat & enjoy my meal.

  • Rae June 7, 2012, 4:17 pm

    Im lucky enough to get an hour for lunch, and my gym is a 5 minute walk…so most days I go get in a run/swim/strength session. It realy helps the 3pm slump!!

  • Katie @ Katie Without Restrictions June 7, 2012, 4:26 pm

    Melted goat cheese + apple sounds like an AMAZING combo! And I’m jealous of your little lunch date… It’s very, very hard for me to convince my hubby to come home at lunch time because he “never knows where he’s going to be.” Silly boys!

  • Amber June 7, 2012, 4:26 pm

    I just finished eating lunch at my desk but I only do that about 1-2 times per week. Usually I use my lunch hour to get out of the office and run errands or catch up with friends! I have lunch with friends 2-3 times a week (usually packing our own lunches and just eating together to catch up but NOT spend money!) I don’t have a dedicated lunch break though. Sometimes I take it at 11, or 12 or 1 or even 2. Ha! My office is flexible like that and I love it 🙂

    • Amber June 7, 2012, 4:28 pm

      Oh but I should add that I eat BREAKFAST at my desk every single day! I just can never fit in eating it at home so I always eat it at my desk and drink my coffee while starting my work day!

  • Maren June 7, 2012, 4:26 pm

    Just started a new job…and hoping to be here for awhile! This is my 4th job in a year (thanks to a couple moves for the fiance’s job)!!! I am choosing to eat at my desk. If I need some fresh air, I can go outside, but working 7:30-3:30 is AWESOME. Now I just need to get out of the hotel we are living in and into our new home we bought! We close June 18. I literally cannot wait anymore!

    • Caitlin June 8, 2012, 10:45 am

      Congrats on your new gig!

  • Hillary June 7, 2012, 5:08 pm

    Soooo this is what my boyfriend (a sociology PhD candidate) is writing his doctoral dissertation on! Haha.

    I’m a teacher, and I try to take my 25 minute lunch break as a legit break. Unless a kid REALLY needs me, I feel like I need that time to recharge—and use the bathroom!

  • Rebecca June 7, 2012, 5:24 pm

    I know that my dad eats at his desk, which my mom thinks is weird and not technically allowable anywhere… Mom usually comes home for lunch, but she combines her coffee and lunch breaks and comes home for about an hour.
    I’ve only worked two days this week, and both days I’ve brought a lunch to eat in the break room. But I don’t have a desk. So… doesn’t apply, haha. 🙂

  • Maria June 7, 2012, 6:25 pm

    it varies. If I have work to do, I eat at my desk otherwise I eat in the break room with my co-workers. I will definitely have to try your apple/melted goat cheese combo. It looks like the perfect lunch for summer time…especially when pregnant.

  • Beth June 7, 2012, 6:33 pm

    I always try to get out for lunch. I just have to relax and get my mind off of work for an hour.

  • Michele Albert June 7, 2012, 7:09 pm

    I am a meeting planner so I rarely get to eat lunch at lunchtime, it is usually on the run or at my computer. Once a year my boss gets us all together for a long long lunch and then we get to home early!

  • Suzanne June 7, 2012, 7:55 pm

    I am a SAHM now but when I used to work I took an actual lunch break everyday. It helped to break the day up and in my opinion, made it go by faster and that was always a good thing.
    Now that I stay at home with my kids, I basically just eat when I can. Usually at the counter as I am cleaning up their lunch mess, lol!

  • Becca @ Blueberry Smiles June 7, 2012, 8:08 pm

    I eat at my desk, but it usually causes me to eat way too fast while I’m distracted doing something on the computer. Since none of my coworkers ever take lunch breaks, I felt weird taking one in the beginning….and now it’s just become a bad habit.

  • Dione June 7, 2012, 8:27 pm

    I’m a med lab tech in a hospital…so no eating at the benches haha. We get a morning coffee break a lunch and then afternoon break. Depending on the shift and mood we are either in the cafeteria or our coffee room.

  • BroccoliHut June 7, 2012, 9:34 pm

    I used to be really good about setting aside time to eat lunch when I was in college. These days, I’m almost always checking e-mail while I eat though–bad habit, I know!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 8, 2012, 8:04 am

    I tend to eat a lot of my meals in front of the computer too. I like to use mealtimes as a break from schoolwork to just read blogs or check facebook!

  • Charise June 8, 2012, 8:12 am

    I work in the office 3x/week and at home 2x/week. I always eat breakfast in front of my computer, and lunch except for the 2 days my coworker friends and I are all in the office, when we eat together. I don’t mind – at hime, I’ll use my actual “break time” to work out, clean the house, blog, etc., instead!

  • Katy @ HaveYouHurd June 8, 2012, 8:43 am

    I usually eat lunch at my desk while working but I also take small breaks throughout the day to keep me going so it evens out!

  • Erin June 8, 2012, 8:54 am

    The mural is beautiful!
    I called my grandmother Nan 🙂

  • SweatyGirl June 8, 2012, 10:13 am

    I work just 15 minutes from my house, so I drive home at lunch and let my dogs out and eat lunch there. I like the break, the drive, and seeing my pups!

  • Laura June 8, 2012, 2:50 pm

    I always used to be rushed for lunch…that is until I moved to France. Now my love comes home everyday for lunch (he has 1.5 hours) and we enjoy a relaxed lunch (that I make) and a coffee afterwards and to catch up on half of our day. I really hope this doesn’t change any time soon 😉

  • Sam @ Fit for My Fork June 8, 2012, 2:57 pm

    I eat lunch at my desk most days. It’s not the best way of doing things but there’s lots of other things to do on my lunch break sometimes so I’ll head out afterwards or check emails etc. Plus we don’t have anywhere else to eat lunch in my office really!

  • jules June 9, 2012, 1:25 pm

    I bring my breakfast and lunch to work and snack on it all throughout the day while I work, whenever I get hungry, at my desk. The only breaks I take are for walking outside and getting some fresh air. I feel like dedicated breaks longer than 15 minutes, especially driving away from the workplace, are distracting. I get in, work, and get out.

  • Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See June 9, 2012, 2:57 pm

    I definitely pick at my lunches, while at a computer too! I know it probably isn’t the best, but I’m a multitasker at heart 🙂

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