Lunch

The best part about the workday is that little window of opportunity where we are reserved a certain amount of time to break. This “break” that I speak of is most commonly referred to as lunch. The most glorious meal that falls in the middle of each and everyday! It’s provided for you to ensure you obtain daily nutrients, increase energy and maintain a healthy regimen. For some, it is your first source of substance for the day (besides your beloved coffee). In which case I choose lunch as the most important meal of the day! Doctors and dietitians say breakfast is most important because it jumps starts your metabolism and helps burn fat, blah, blah, blah. I say fooie to those people who went to Medical school, studied the body’s functions, nutrition and how it all works together. I champion lunch! Not only does lunch enhance your ability to function when the java buzz has worn off, it also allows you a release from the grind. Anything that the Department of Labor deems necessary in a productive work schedule must be vital.

Deciding what to consume during this period of relief from annoying customers, demanding bosses and slow Internet connection can be most frustrating. While your stomach is gargling with demands for provisions your head is flustered by countless selections. Your thoughts race through your mind in search of the perfect antidote to subside your twisted tummy. Quickly think, OPTIONS!:

• The family owned deli across the street. They have those freshly made subs that you crave so often. Although, the small Asian women who makes them freaks you out. She hides in the back for what seems like too long to make a sandwich. X-ray vision is the only thing that would prove to you that the utensils she uses are sanitary and that the rating of B (which is placed in the front window) should be upgraded.
  
• The Sushi place down the street. This craving for spicy tuna cut rolls and edemame is usually due to being on an exercise streak or raw fish just sounds too good to resist. Either way what kind of “healthy diet” that allows you to add extra sodium?
  
• The Crazy Chicken restaurant three miles away. That damn “el pollo loco” (that’s what you get for five years of Spanish) always makes you stop and consider it. “They” say it is the healthiest fast food offered, which is why you consider those three miles. Apparently though, everyone else received that memo too because the line is always out the door and around the corner.
  
• The small vegan place two blocks up. Yeah, about that…
  
• The smoothie joint right next door. You can smell the sweet scent of watermelon, strawberry and banana from your cubicle. You figure three thousand calories is not really that bad, well, if it is the only thing you eat for the day? You could also add a Parmesan pretzel to the mix, although, that might just push the limit.
  
• Lastly, the other dreaded Fast Food establishments on every single corner. You tend to save this choice for Friday. It’s the last day of the week; you’ve eaten pretty well throughout, so it’s a little treat you like to give yourself… Lets be honest, you love fast food Friday because it is the day after your “wine” night with the girls. It’s the only remedy that cures your lingering headache.

Your hunger is only suppressed by whatever “totally hits the spot” for that meal. But the joy that your “lunch break” itself gives you is indescribable. It does not matter if it is a burrito, salad or sandwich that takes you away from the nuisance of employment, because they all do the trick.