Lunch: The other most important meal of the day

Skipping meals is often a tactic for those who are trying to lose weight, but it's really not a good idea. Sure, you cut a bunch of calories all at once, but then you set yourself up for a crash and binge later on in the day. It's far easier to control your hunger when you're satisfied by light, nutritious foods.

Lunch is an especially important meal of the day. What you eat during your mid-day meal will give you energy for the rest of the day to come. The best way to ensure a healthy lunch is to pack it yourself, though with careful thought you can still find nutritious choices at restaurants and fast food joints.

When packing your lunch, make sure to include a high quality protein and whole grains, plus plenty of fruits and vegetables. Here are a few suggestions:

• lettuce salad with nuts and/or fish
• a simple stir fry
• a sandwich on whole grain bread with plenty of veggies
• hummus on pita bread
• peanut butter and banana sandwich
• leftover chili from your dinner the night before

Speaking of leftovers, as long as you're a healthy cook, they're an excellent choice for lunch as well. For more lunch ideas, as well as breakfast and dinner, visit AOL's Summer Quick Fix and check out their Mix 'n Match Meals.