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Mouth-watering Lunch Ideas When Working from Home

Nothing beats healthy, nutritious, homemade food. But if cooking mid-day is next to impossible for you, there are other ways to get your hands on at least one wholesome meal daily. When working from home, it’s easy to fall into a rut when it comes to lunch options.

Preparing the same easy meals day after day can lead to boredom. Plus, relying on takeout is not always the most affordable or healthiest option. Fortunately, various tasty and nutritious work-from-home (WFH) lunch recipes are also easy to prepare.

There are several kinds of work from home (WFH) lunch recipes and we will try to take a look at some easy go to options. One is the Mediterranean WFH lunch recipes which is a way of eating linked to several health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes

Mediterranean lunches should revolve around fiber-rich ingredients like vegetables and beans, proteins like seafood, and healthy fats like olive oil. Let’s take a look at few of these delicious lunch recipes

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Canned tuna can be transformed into a delicious lunch using just a few simple ingredients. Adding Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like marinated artichoke hearts, olives, tomatoes, parsley, feta, and garlic puts a fresh new spin on the classic tuna salad.

This flavorful recipe for Mediterranean Tuna Salad is mayo-free and seasoned with fresh herbs, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.

It’s a great choice for a balanced lunch filled with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Grilled Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls

This recipe for Grilled Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls is a smart choice for meal prep. Simply marinate and grill chicken breasts and cook a large batch of quinoa.

When ready for a quick and healthy lunch, put together your bowl by topping the premade quinoa with grilled chicken, diced veggies, avocado, olives, feta, and homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce. You’ll have a filling Mediterranean lunch ready in a matter of minutes.

In a situation where quinoa is not available, brown rice can be a great alternative.

Other recipes apart from Mediterranean based lunches include;

Paleo WFH lunch recipes

Plant-based WFH lunch recipes

Low carb WFH lunch recipes

Paleo WFH lunch recipes

When following a paleo dietary pattern, certain ingredients like grains and legumes are off-limits. However, this doesn’t mean your choices for a hearty lunch are limited. Here are just two of the numerous choices available to you.

Fish Taco Bowls

Fish is highly nutritious, providing protein, omega-3 fats, vitamins like B12, and minerals like selenium. This is why it’s recommended that adults consume at least 8 ounces (225 grams) of a variety of seafood per week.

Even if you’re usually not a fan of seafood, this recipe paleo-friendly Fish Taco Bowls recipe may change your mind. It uses mild-tasting cod, which is served over a bed of cauliflower rice, shredded purple cabbage, pico de gallo, and avocado, and gets a kick of flavor from cilantro, lime, paprika, cayenne, and cumin. Hmmmm yummy!!

Avocado Egg Salad

If your go-to egg salad recipe is getting a bit boring, try this Avocado Egg Salad recipe. In addition to good old mayo, it adds another dose of healthy fat in the form of avocado. Plus, it’s packed with flavor from red onion, chives, parsley, and lemon juice. This egg salad can be paired with some nut-based crackers and veggies for a hearty snack or sandwiched between grain-free bread for a heartier paleo-friendly lunch.

Plant-based WFH lunch recipes

There’s no doubt that a plant based diet is beneficial for health in many ways.

Nutritious plant based diets have been shown to reduce the risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, and help promote a healthy body weight. You don’t need to exclude all animal products to be plant-based. Simply adding more plant foods to your diet is most important for health. A delicious example is;

Best Veggie Burger

It can be difficult to find a veggie burger that’s both flavorful and filling. However, this Best Veggie Burger recipe checks both of those boxes.

Mushrooms give these plant-based burgers a savory taste, while walnuts, brown rice, and flax provide satiating protein sources.

Enjoy these tasty burgers on a whole grain bun with pickles and sweet potato wedges or atop a bed of veggies.

Low carb WFH lunch recipes

Many people have adopted a lower carb way of eating to treat certain health conditions, including diabetes. This is because low carb diets may help promote optimal blood sugar regulation and lower triglyceride levels.

Low carb diets vary in carbohydrate content, but the general idea is to choose lower carb foods like non-starchy vegetables, proteins, and fats over higher carb foods like grains and starches.

Here are a few excellent options for low carb WFH lunches.

Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that makes excellent low carb rice alternative. This Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice recipe has all the flavor of traditional fried rice without the high carb content.

It’s packed with protein from the shrimp and fiber from the cauliflower rice and other veggies like carrots and scallions.

Ginger, garlic, coconut aminos, and sesame oil round out the flavors of this super satisfying and healthy WFH lunch option.

Garlic Butter Meatballs

When following a lower carb diet, carb-rich foods, like pasta, are limited. However, there are plenty of low carb, high fiber pasta substitutes, like zucchini noodles.

This recipe for Garlic Butter Meatballs pairs perfectly with zucchini noodles. Both can be made ahead of time so you can enjoy a ready-to-eat low carb lunch while WFH.

Enjoying your lunch, come what may

When working from home, you have the opportunity to prepare healthy and delicious lunches in the comfort of your own kitchen and you can never run out of options, you don’t have to be on a diet to enjoy the goodness of healthy delicious lunches, for example you can do more with your avocado, here is Avocado Chicken Salad

If you’re concerned about feeling full, you should give this one a chance. It abounds in protein and healthy fat from avocado and rotisserie chicken which makes this a hearty meal.

Food experts recommend boosting your salads with 25 grams of protein and 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of fatty foods at the least. And don’t forget to add up some flavor with your favorite homemade dressing.

Another is Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

Why not make your own shrimp stir-fry instead of heading to the fast-food restaurant. You’ll save money and get a healthier dish. This blend of flavors pairs wonderfully with a flavorful rice bowl.

Awesome! right? Your choices are endless.

With a little planning, you’ll be on your way to accomplishing your nutrition goals in no time.

Remove Tariff On Solar Power Equipment, UK Tells FG

The United Kingdom has called on the federal government to consider the issuance of tarrifs and customs duty exemption on solar-powered equipment to accelerate Nigeria’s energy access and low carbon energy transition.

This is contained in a communique issued during the fifth ministerial meeting of the UK-Nigeria economic development forum, held virtually on Tuesday.

Recall that the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on February 2018 imposed a five percent duty and a five percent value added tax (VAT) on solar panels coming into Nigeria.

This was asides the already 20 percent customs duty on deep-cycle batteries required for energy storage.

The development contravened a federal government law — common external tariff (CET) 8541.4010.00 — that places zero percent import duties on solar panels to encourage the use of renewable energy and diversification of power sources.

However, Joseph Attah, NCS public relations officer (PRO) said the CET code only applies to solar panels.

“We are not saying if today you bring only solar panel, it will not be zero percent, it will still be zero percent in accordance with government policy. When you now bring other components by our tariff classification, it’s no longer under 8541,” Attah explained.

A bilateral technical group is expected to be established by both countries to review the proposal and report to the Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Minister of Finance for necessary action.

The meeting was attended by Adeniyi Adebayo, minister of industry, trade and development; Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance budget and national planning; Hameed Ali, comptroller-general of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Ranil Jayawardena, UK minister of international trade.

The UK counterpart presented to the ministers the UK’s new investment deals brokered in renewables, waste management and light manufacturing.

The ministers agreed to sustain this effort and also canvassed the duty exemption on solar equipment as a way to accelerate Nigeria’s energy access.

According to the communique, the ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the legal services technical working group and they also agreed that a framework for the legal services partnership can set the foundations for future cooperation in other professional services areas.

Italy’s Opera House Reopens To The Public

Italy’s La Scala opera house has reopened its doors to audiences on Monday, raising hopes of a gradual resumption of Milan’s vivid cultural life after a nearly seven-months.

The concert marked the debut at La Scala of 34-year-old Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen – won a five-minute ovation and ended with an encore of Verdi’s “Va, Pensiero”.

Artistic Director Dominique Meyer described it as “a symbol of restart not only for La Scala, but for Italy as a whole,” 

The concert also marked the 75th anniversary of the reopening of the Milan opera house after World War Two bombings.

Tickets for the next three performances have sold out.

Uganda Deploys Troops Ahead Of Museveni Inauguration

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Ugandan security operations have ramped up around the capital ahead of Wednesday’s inauguration of President Yoweri Museveni including tight security around the home of opposition leader Bobi Wine, who accused the government of fraud in January’s election.

Kampala streets are guarded by foot patrols of soldiers, rooftop snipers, artillery pieces, armored vehicles and riot police and the security measures seem to be a warning to the opposition from authorities..

Authorities are also intent on containing opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine. Police spokesperson Fred Enanga says officials have intelligence that Wine was planning a parallel inauguration ceremony.

The Ugandan government has confirmed the arrival and attendance of African President’s among them; Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Somalia’s Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir and Namibia’s Hage Geingob.

Also confirmed to attend are Ghana’s Nana Akufo Addo, DRC Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi, Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), and Alpha Conde (Guinea).

Kenya has also sent two Cabinet Secretaries (Foreign Affairs CS Amb Raychelle Omamo and Transport CS James Macharia) as representatives while Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Obisanjo is representing President Buhari.

Museveni and his National Resistance Movement party were declared the winner of the January 14 elections with 58.6% of the vote.  Wine and his National Unity Platform, which came in second with 34%, say the vote was rigged.

The 76-year old has been in power since 1986 and is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

French Army Chief Tells Soldiers To Quit Over Civil-War Letter

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The French army chief of staff has urged soldiers to resign if they signed a controversial letter that warned of a civil war trigged by religious extremism in the country.

The letter, published in a right-wing magazine, accused the French government of granting “concessions” to Islamism and followed a similar letter three weeks ago signed by 20 former generals.

Both letters were condemned by the French government but praised by right-wing politicians.

On Tuesday, General François Lecointre addressed the latest letter in a message to military personnel stating that the most reasonable step is certainly to leave the institution in order to freely express their ideas and convictions.

While the general did not threaten any sanctions, he accused the service personnel behind the letter of violating their “obligation of discretion, adding that their “personal convictions” had embroiled the army in an undesirable political debate.

He said every soldier enjoys freedom of thought but must unambiguously distinguish between civic and military duties.

The soldiers’ letter was published late on Sunday by Valeurs Actuelles, a right-wing weekly news magazine published in Paris. The letter purports to have been written by active soldiers, who said they preferred to remain anonymous for fear of punishment.

The authors of the letter described themselves as part of a younger generation of soldiers who have served in Afghanistan, Mali and the Central African Republic, or joined domestic anti-terrorism operations.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for President Emmanuel Macron’s party said the letter was a media stunt to help far-right leader Marine Le Pen, a candidate in next year’s presidential election.

Israel Declares Emergency In Lod As Unrest Spreads

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Israel has declared a state of emergency in the central city of Lod after rioting by Israeli Arabs, as conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants intensified.

Protests by Israeli Arabs broke out in Lod, a city near Tel Aviv, and escalated to full-scale rioting, with protesters throwing rocks at police, who responded with stun grenades.

On Tuesday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of emergency in Lod. Israeli border police have been brought in from the West Bank.

Cars were set alight and a father and daughter -both Israeli Arabs – died when a rocket hit their car and at least 40 people have died in some of the worst violence in years.

Palestinian militants fired hundreds of rockets deep into Israel, while Israel carried out heavy air strikes on Gaza. Israel’s military says it is targeting militants in Gaza in response to rocket attacks on Jerusalem and other areas.

The Israeli army said that over 1,000 rockets have been fired towards central and southern Israel by Palestinian militants since Monday evening, when hostilities suddenly escalated.

Residents have been warned to evacuate the 12-storey al-Jawhara Tower. However health officials say there were still civilians deaths.

The fighting came after weeks of rising tensions that were stoked by violent confrontations between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters at a site in Jerusalem that is holy to both Muslims and Jews.

The international community has urged both sides to end the escalation. The UN’s Middle East peace envoy, Tor Wennesland, also warned that both sides might be escalating towards a full-scale war.

Thousands Suspended At Myanmar Universities For Protests

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Over 11,000 academics and other university staff opposed to Myanmar’s ruling junta have been suspended after going on strike in protest against military rule.

An official of the Myanmar Teachers` Federation who declined being identified for fear of reprisals said as of Monday, over 11,100 academic and other staff had been suspended from colleges and universities offering degrees.

The suspensions come on the heels of resumption of universities after a one-year closure due to Covid-19. It prompts a new confrontation between the army and the staff and students, who are calling for boycotts over the February 1 coup.

A professor on a fellowship in the United States said she was told she would have to declare opposition to the strikes or lose her job. Her university authorities had told her every scholar would be tracked down and forced to choose.

Students and teachers were at the forefront of opposition during nearly half a century of military rule and have been prominent in the protests since the army detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and halted a decade of tentative democratic reforms.

Many teachers, like medics and other government workers, have stopped work as part of a civil disobedience movement that has paralysed Myanmar. As protests flared after the coup, security forces occupied campuses in the biggest city, Yangon, and elsewhere.

A spokesman for the junta did not respond to phone calls seeking comment on the suspensions. But the junta-controlled Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said teachers and students should cooperate to get the education system started again.

Japan Launches First Joint Military Drill With US, France

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Japanese, US and French troops have kicked off their first-ever joint military drill in southwestern Japan, following concerns over China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

The drills, which include fighter jet and amphibious operation exercises, will be held in the Kyushu region and at sea with virus countermeasures.

A Japanese submarine and 10 surface ships; six Japanese, two French, one American and one Australian, will be used, according to a French naval official.

It comes as Tokyo looks to deepen defence ties beyond its key US ally and with eyes on Beijing’s moves in the East and South China seas.

Head of the Institute of World Studies at Takushoku University, Takashi Kawakami told Newsmen that the drill is no doubt a deterrent to China’s increasingly aggressive behaviour in the region.

He said in the long term, European commitment in the Indo-Pacific could lead to closer ties between Japan and NATO, something former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe advocated.

China claims the majority of the South China Sea, invoking its so-called nine-dash line to justify what it says are historic rights to the key trade waterway.

Japan has long said it feels threatened by China’s vast military resources and territorial disputes.

It is particularly concerned by Chinese activity around the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands, which Beijing claims and calls the Diaoyus.

France has strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific including territories like Reunion in the Indian Ocean and French Polynesia in the South Pacific.

Japan has rarely held joint military drills with European counterparts, but both a British aircraft carrier and German frigate are expected to be sent to the Indo-Pacific region later this year.

Iran Candidates Register For Presidential Election

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Iran has opened registration for candidates hoping to succeed President Hassan Rouhani, who will step down following the June 18 elections after serving the maximum two consecutive terms allowed.

The five-day registration period at the interior ministry ends on Saturday, with the names of candidates then handed to the conservative-dominated Guardian Council for vetting.

According to the interior ministry, over 20 public figures have officially announced their intention to run, with the final list of those qualified due on May 26-27.

Former Revolutionary Guards Corps’ official Saeed Mohammad, a general and an advisor to Guards commander Major General Hossein Salami, was one of the first to submit his name Tuesday.

Another was Mohammad Hassan Nami, an army general who was briefly telecoms minister under former ultra-conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

According to the Hamshahri daily newspaper, Nami is a former military attache to North Korea, and also holds a doctorate in “public management” from Pyongyang’s Kim Il-sung University.

Several top political figures are seen as possible presidential hopefuls, but are yet to declare whether they will run. They include former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

This year’s election is also expected to feature a string of military figures, stirring unease over a possible militarisation of the Islamic republic’s politics.

First Hearings In Gibril Massaquoi Trial Held In Sierra Leone

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The trial of former rebel leader Gibril Massaquoi for war crimes committed in Liberia has entered a new phase with the first witness hearings in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone.

Gibril Massaquoi, aged 51, is on trial for a litany of murders, rapes and torture perpetrated in Liberia by himself or rebels of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) between 1999 and 2003.

He was a senior member of the RUF, a Sierra Leonean armed group led by Corporal Foday Sankoh, who was close to former Liberian warlord and later president, Charles Taylor.

His trial began in early February in Finland, where he has lived since 2008 and where he was arrested in March 2020 after NGOs mobilized, under legislation giving the national justice system the power to try serious crimes committed abroad.

The court then moved to Liberia, a first in a country where no court has so far tried crimes committed during the civil wars of 1989-1996 and 1999-2003, which were marked by numerous atrocities and left 250,000 dead.

According to a spokeswoman for the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, the hearings, which were due to resume at the end of April in Sierra Leone, have been postponed several times because two judges had contracted typhoid fever.

They opened Tuesday morning at an undisclosed location in Freetown and are expected to continue until May 19. The verdict is expected in September at the earliest.