A do-it-yourself, miniature pizza package ready at house, usually supposed as a conveyable and handy meal. It usually contains pre-portioned pizza crusts (or alternate options like crackers or pita bread), sauce, cheese, and desired toppings, packaged individually for meeting earlier than consumption. An instance could be small circles of pita bread, a container of tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and sliced pepperoni, all neatly organized in a compartmentalized container.
The importance of any such meal lies in its capability to supply a customizable and doubtlessly more healthy various to pre-packaged comfort meals. It permits for management over elements, catering to dietary restrictions or preferences (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian). Traditionally, the idea developed as a response to the demand for handy and interesting lunch choices, adapting the favored pizza format for simple consumption on the go. This strategy gives price financial savings in comparison with buying particular person pre-made alternate options.
The next sections will discover ingredient choice, preparation strategies, variations to accommodate completely different dietary wants, storage options, and concepts for inventive topping combos for any such packed meal.
1. Portion Management
Portion management is a important consideration when making ready a home made pizza lunchable. Efficient administration of portions ensures each dietary stability and prevents overconsumption of much less healthful elements.
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Caloric Regulation
Controlling the amount of elements instantly impacts the general caloric content material of the meal. Extreme parts, significantly of high-fat parts similar to cheese and sure toppings, can contribute to an unbalanced caloric consumption. Exact portioning permits for higher administration of day by day caloric targets.
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Macronutrient Steadiness
Cautious allocation of elements permits for optimizing the macronutrient ratios inside the meal. A balanced portioning technique would possibly prioritize a bigger serving of the crust (carbohydrates) coupled with a average quantity of cheese and protein toppings to advertise satiety and sustained power launch.
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Ingredient Waste Discount
Pre-portioning elements reduces the chance of meals waste. By making ready solely the quantity supposed for quick consumption, extra elements are much less more likely to spoil or be discarded as a result of overestimation of urge for food.
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Selling Dietary Consciousness
Actively participating in portion management fosters a higher understanding of acceptable meals portions. This consciousness can prolong past the context of the home made pizza lunchable and affect broader dietary habits, encouraging knowledgeable meals selections and conscious consuming practices.
The incorporation of portion management ideas into the preparation of a home made pizza lunchable represents a proactive strategy to selling more healthy consuming habits. This technique permits for the creation of a handy meal possibility that’s each gratifying and aligned with particular person dietary targets.
2. Ingredient Freshness
Ingredient freshness is paramount to the general high quality, security, and dietary worth of a home made pizza lunchable. Not like commercially produced, shelf-stable variations, the home made iteration depends on the integrity of its particular person parts to make sure a passable consumption expertise.
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Microbial Security
The usage of contemporary elements inherently reduces the danger of bacterial contamination. Freshly ready sauces, cheeses, and toppings are much less more likely to harbor dangerous microorganisms in comparison with these which have been saved for prolonged durations. That is significantly related for elements like pre-cut greens or meats, that are extra inclined to bacterial development. Adherence to correct meals dealing with practices is essential when using contemporary parts within the preparation of the lunchable.
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Dietary Integrity
Recent produce and cheeses retain a better focus of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their processed or long-stored counterparts. For instance, freshly sliced tomatoes will supply a higher vitamin C content material in comparison with canned tomato sauce, and freshly grated cheese will usually present extra bioavailable calcium in comparison with pre-shredded alternate options handled with anti-caking brokers. Incorporating contemporary elements maximizes the dietary advantages derived from the meal.
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Sensory Expertise
The flavour profile and texture of a home made pizza lunchable are considerably enhanced by the incorporation of contemporary elements. Freshly made sauce gives a brighter, extra advanced taste than commercially produced choices. Likewise, freshly shredded cheese reveals a superior soften and texture in comparison with pre-shredded varieties. Utilizing contemporary herbs and spices additional elevates the general sensory expertise.
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Lowered Preservative Content material
A key benefit of utilizing contemporary elements is the elimination or discount of the necessity for synthetic preservatives generally present in pre-packaged meals. By choosing contemporary parts, one can create a cleaner, extra healthful meal that avoids doubtlessly undesirable components similar to sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, or synthetic colours and flavors.
The cautious choice and dealing with of contemporary elements not solely contribute to a safer and extra nutritious home made pizza lunchable but additionally considerably improve its total palatability and enchantment. This dedication to freshness distinguishes the home made model from its commercially produced counterpart and supplies a superior culinary expertise.
3. Crust stability
Crust stability represents an important issue within the profitable preparation and consumption of a home made pizza lunchable. The textural integrity of the crust instantly impacts the general enjoyment and practicality of the meal, significantly given its supposed portability and consumption with out quick reheating.
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Moisture Resistance
The first problem to crust stability is moisture absorption from the sauce and toppings. Crusts that readily soak up moisture grow to be soggy, compromising each the feel and structural integrity of the pizza. Deciding on crusts with inherent moisture resistance, similar to these made with a better gluten content material or pre-baked to a crisp texture, mitigates this concern. Examples embrace pita bread, crackers, or par-baked pizza crusts designed to resist moisture publicity.
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Ingredient Compatibility
The kind of crust chosen ought to complement the supposed sauce and toppings. A skinny, delicate crust might not adequately assist heavier sauces or ample toppings, resulting in structural failure. Conversely, a thick, dense crust would possibly overwhelm lighter elements. Consideration ought to be given to the burden and moisture content material of the chosen parts to make sure a balanced and secure ultimate product. For instance, a cracker-based crust is healthier suited to thinner sauces and lighter toppings like finely grated cheese and dried herbs.
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Packaging Impression
The strategy of packaging and storage influences crust stability. A poorly sealed container permits ambient humidity to penetrate, accelerating moisture absorption and softening the crust. Utilizing compartmentalized containers that maintain the crust separate from the sauce and toppings till meeting helps protect its texture. Incorporating a desiccant packet can additional mitigate moisture accumulation. Correct storage at acceptable temperatures can also be important to forestall condensation.
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Materials Choice
The composition of the crust influences its resilience. Entire wheat or multigrain crusts, whereas providing enhanced dietary worth, might exhibit a unique degree of moisture absorption in comparison with white flour-based crusts. Experimentation with completely different crust formulations permits for optimization of each dietary content material and textural stability. Some commercially obtainable par-baked crusts are particularly designed for functions the place moisture resistance is important.
The number of an acceptable crust and the implementation of moisture-control methods are important for guaranteeing the lasting high quality of the home made pizza lunchable. Cautious consideration to those components contributes to a extra satisfying and palatable meal expertise, significantly when consumed hours after preparation.
4. Sauce consistency
Sauce consistency is a important determinant of the general success of a home made pizza lunchable. Extreme liquid within the sauce instantly correlates with crust sogginess, negatively impacting the structural integrity and textural enchantment of the assembled pizza. A sauce that’s too skinny compromises the crispness of the crust, rendering it unappetizing. Conversely, a sauce that’s excessively thick might show tough to unfold evenly and will contribute to a dry, pasty texture. For instance, utilizing a watered-down tomato sauce from a can, with out discount, will virtually definitely result in a soggy crust inside a number of hours, making it an unsuitable selection.
Optimum sauce consistency could be achieved by numerous strategies. Decreasing a normal tomato sauce on the stovetop evaporates extra liquid, making a thicker, extra concentrated base. Incorporating tomato paste contributes each taste and viscosity. One other strategy entails utilizing a thicker-style sauce, similar to a marinara, and blotting extra liquid with a paper towel earlier than software. Sensible functions embrace fastidiously choosing pre-made sauces with managed viscosity or using easy discount methods when making ready sauces from scratch. These methods goal to strike a stability, guaranteeing adequate moisture to bind the elements with out compromising the crust’s structural integrity.
Reaching ultimate sauce consistency poses a problem requiring cautious consideration to ingredient choice and preparation strategies. The implications of neglecting this facet prolong past mere style, impacting the feel, structural stability, and finally, the general enjoyment of the moveable pizza meal. The hassle invested in managing sauce viscosity interprets instantly right into a extra satisfying and palatable home made pizza lunchable.
5. Cheese meltability
Cheese meltability is a major issue affecting the sensory expertise of a home made pizza lunchable. The flexibility of the cheese to uniformly soften and coalesce when uncovered to minimal warmth enhances its texture and taste integration with different parts. Cheese that melts properly contributes to a cohesive chunk, versus remaining in discrete, unmelted shreds. Mozzarella, for instance, is a generally used pizza cheese as a result of its favorable melting properties. The number of a cheese with poor melting traits can lead to a much less interesting texture and diminished taste distribution inside the assembled meal.
The absence of a conventional oven or microwave for reheating necessitates cautious cheese choice. Cheeses that soften at decrease temperatures are higher fitted to home made pizza lunchables supposed for room-temperature consumption. Pre-shredded cheese, whereas handy, usually incorporates cellulose or different anti-caking brokers that impede melting. Freshly grated cheese usually reveals superior melting conduct. The kind of milk, getting older course of, and fats content material of the cheese all affect its meltability. For instance, a low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella will soften extra readily than a contemporary mozzarella with increased moisture content material. Provolone is another choice that may ship soften, whereas nonetheless offering a particular taste.
In abstract, optimizing the cheese choice primarily based on meltability is an important step within the preparation of a satisfying home made pizza lunchable. Selecting cheeses with decrease melting factors and avoiding anti-caking brokers ensures a extra cohesive texture and enhances the general taste integration of the meal. Consideration to this element contributes considerably to a optimistic eating expertise, even within the absence of conventional heating strategies. The influence of cheese meltability on enjoyment is a facet that’s generally missed within the planning of packed meals.
6. Topping selection
The inclusion of various toppings considerably enhances the enchantment and dietary worth of a home made pizza lunchable. Restricted topping selections can result in monotony and doubtlessly lower consumption. A spread of choices permits for personalization, catering to particular person preferences and dietary wants. For example, providing each pepperoni and sliced mushrooms supplies a selection between a conventional taste profile and a extra vegetable-centric possibility. The presence of various toppings encourages a extra full and balanced meal, rising the chance that dietary necessities are met.
Sensible implementation of topping selection requires consideration of a number of components. Shelf stability and moisture content material are paramount, as pre-assembled lunchables are usually consumed a number of hours after preparation. Examples of appropriate toppings embrace sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, cooked and crumbled sausage, bell peppers, and numerous cheeses. Cautious choice can contribute to each taste complexity and preservation of the crust’s integrity. Pre-portioning toppings into separate compartments prevents cross-contamination and maintains optimum texture. Moreover, think about allergic reactions and dietary restrictions when choosing toppings.
Topping selection is a central aspect in elevating a primary home made pizza lunchable to a satisfying and healthful meal. Cautious planning, number of acceptable elements, and considerate packaging all contribute to maximizing the advantages of this strategy. Overcoming the challenges associated to moisture management and ingredient compatibility is crucial for guaranteeing a palatable and interesting product. The ideas outlined above contribute to a extra participating and personalised lunch possibility.
7. Container seal
The integrity of the container seal instantly influences the standard and security of a home made pizza lunchable. A compromised seal permits the ingress of ambient air, which accelerates spoilage, encourages bacterial development, and degrades the feel of the parts. For instance, if the seal is insufficient, the crust might grow to be stale or soggy, the cheese might dry out, and toppings might lose their freshness, rendering all the meal unpalatable. This impact is exacerbated by temperature fluctuations throughout transit and storage. The efficacy of the seal acts as a major protection towards these opposed modifications, guaranteeing that the elements stay in a state appropriate for consumption.
Efficient sealing mechanisms embrace hermetic lids with rubber gaskets or snap-lock closures. These designs stop air alternate and reduce the danger of leaks, significantly with sauces or moist toppings. Compartmentalized containers, with particular person seals for every part, supply an extra layer of safety by isolating elements and stopping cross-contamination. For example, a container with a separate, well-sealed compartment for the sauce would stop it from soaking into the crust throughout transport. The number of acceptable supplies for the container additionally impacts the seal’s efficiency; sturdy, food-grade plastics or stainless-steel supply superior sealing capabilities in comparison with thinner, much less resilient supplies.
In conclusion, the container seal is a important, but usually missed, element of a profitable home made pizza lunchable. Its major operate is to protect ingredient freshness and forestall spoilage by making a barrier towards exterior components. Prioritizing containers with strong sealing mechanisms and sturdy supplies is crucial for sustaining the standard, security, and palatability of this moveable meal. Compromising on container integrity undermines all different efforts to optimize ingredient choice and preparation methods, emphasizing the essential nature of this seemingly minor element.
8. Temperature upkeep
Temperature upkeep performs an important function in guaranteeing the security and palatability of a home made pizza lunchable. Not like commercially processed and packaged equivalents, the home made model lacks the preservatives and managed setting that contribute to prolonged shelf life. Due to this fact, diligent consideration to temperature management is paramount in stopping bacterial development and preserving ingredient high quality.
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Bacterial Progress Inhibition
Sustaining a home made pizza lunchable at temperatures exterior the “hazard zone” (40F to 140F or 4C to 60C) is essential for inhibiting the proliferation of dangerous micro organism. This zone represents the optimum temperature vary for bacterial development, which might result in foodborne sicknesses. For instance, Staphylococcus aureus can multiply quickly at room temperature, producing toxins that trigger vomiting and diarrhea. Maintaining the lunchable constantly refrigerated or using insulated containers with ice packs can successfully mitigate this threat.
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Ingredient Degradation Prevention
Elevated temperatures speed up the degradation of elements, significantly these with excessive moisture content material. Cheese can grow to be oily and develop off-flavors, whereas sauces can ferment and produce undesirable odors. Sustaining a cool temperature slows down these processes, preserving the supposed style and texture of the pizza lunchable. Contemplate, as an illustration, the distinction within the style and texture of mozzarella cheese saved at room temperature versus refrigerated situations. The previous tends to grow to be rubbery and launch oil, whereas the latter retains its easy, creamy consistency.
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Crust Texture Preservation
Temperature fluctuations can negatively influence the feel of the pizza crust. Heat temperatures, particularly in humid environments, promote moisture absorption, resulting in a soggy crust. Conversely, extreme cooling may cause the crust to grow to be exhausting and brittle. Sustaining a constant, cool temperature helps to protect the specified texture of the crust, whether or not it is a delicate pita bread or a crispy cracker. Insulated containers and acceptable packaging supplies contribute to stabilizing the crust’s texture.
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Security Throughout Transport
The interval of transport between preparation and consumption represents a important window for temperature management. With out enough insulation or cooling measures, the temperature of the pizza lunchable can rapidly rise into the hazard zone, rising the danger of bacterial contamination. Utilizing insulated lunch luggage with ice packs or frozen gel packs successfully maintains a secure temperature throughout transport. The length of transport and the ambient temperature ought to be factored into figuring out the mandatory degree of cooling. A brief commute in an air-conditioned automobile requires much less aggressive cooling than an prolonged out of doors tour.
These concerns underscore the significance of proactive temperature administration within the context of a home made pizza lunchable. By implementing acceptable cooling and insulation methods, one can considerably mitigate the dangers related to bacterial development and ingredient degradation, guaranteeing a secure and gratifying meal. The cautious number of containers, cooling brokers, and transport strategies contributes on to the general high quality and security of the home made pizza lunchable.
9. Meeting Ease
Meeting ease is an important issue figuring out the practicality and enchantment of a home made pizza lunchable, significantly for people searching for handy meal options. The perceived time and effort required for meeting instantly affect its adoption as an everyday meal possibility. Simplicity in meeting maximizes comfort and minimizes potential frustration, contributing to a optimistic consumer expertise.
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Pre-Portioned Elements
Pre-portioning all ingredientssauce, cheese, and toppingssignificantly streamlines the meeting course of. As an alternative of requiring measurements or estimations, every element is available within the acceptable amount. This eliminates the necessity for extra utensils and reduces the danger of spills or inaccuracies. For instance, pre-filled sauce containers or particular person cheese packets simplify the duty significantly, making the method extra environment friendly, particularly for youthful customers.
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Intuitive Association
The design of the container itself can drastically improve meeting ease. Compartmentalized containers that clearly designate areas for every ingredient facilitate a logical and intuitive meeting course of. Colour-coding elements or offering easy visible directions additional simplifies the duty. A container with a delegated area for the crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings permits for a structured strategy, minimizing the chance of errors and accelerating the meeting course of.
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Minimal Utensil Requirement
Decreasing the necessity for utensils additional contributes to meeting ease. Ideally, the lunchable could be assembled with out the necessity for knives, spoons, or spreaders. That is achieved by pre-portioned elements and design concerns that permit for direct software. For example, utilizing squeezable sauce pouches or pre-sliced toppings eliminates the necessity for slicing utensils, making the lunchable extra moveable and handy for consumption in numerous settings.
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Clear Directions (Optionally available)
Whereas not at all times essential, the inclusion of clear, concise directions could be helpful, particularly for first-time customers or youthful kids. Easy diagrams or step-by-step instructions present steering and guarantee correct meeting, stopping frustration and selling a profitable end result. These directions could be printed instantly on the container or included as a separate card. The aim is to supply simply sufficient steering to facilitate easy meeting with out including pointless complexity.
The emphasis on meeting ease transforms the home made pizza lunchable from a doubtlessly cumbersome activity right into a streamlined and gratifying meal expertise. By prioritizing pre-portioned elements, intuitive design, minimal utensil necessities, and clear directions, the meeting course of turns into fast, environment friendly, and accessible to a variety of customers. This contributes considerably to the general enchantment and practicality of the home made pizza lunchable as a handy and customizable meal possibility.
Continuously Requested Questions
The next addresses widespread inquiries relating to the preparation, storage, and consumption of a home made pizza lunchable, offering factual info to information customers.
Query 1: What’s the optimum length for storing a home made pizza lunchable earlier than consumption?
The advisable storage time doesn’t exceed 4 hours at room temperature. Refrigeration extends this era to a most of 24 hours, offered all elements had been contemporary and correctly chilled previous to meeting. Adherence to those tips minimizes the danger of bacterial proliferation.
Query 2: Which crust alternate options are appropriate for people with gluten sensitivities?
Acceptable substitutes embrace gluten-free crackers, rice truffles, or corn tortillas. Cautious examination of ingredient labels is crucial to make sure the absence of gluten contamination. These alternate options present a structurally sound base whereas accommodating dietary restrictions.
Query 3: How can sauce-induced crust sogginess be successfully prevented?
Using a thick, reduced-moisture sauce is paramount. Separate packaging of the sauce inside the lunchable container, coupled with a crust constructed from a fabric proof against moisture absorption, mitigates this concern. Making use of a skinny layer of olive oil to the crust can create a moisture barrier.
Query 4: What are essentially the most acceptable cheese varieties for a home made pizza lunchable supposed for room-temperature consumption?
Low-moisture mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar cheeses exhibit favorable traits for this software. These cheeses possess lowered susceptibility to grease separation and keep a palatable texture at ambient temperatures. Avoiding contemporary mozzarella or different high-moisture cheeses is advisable.
Query 5: Is it essential to pre-cook sure toppings earlier than together with them within the lunchable?
Sure, sure toppings, similar to uncooked meats (sausage, bacon) or greens (onions, peppers), require pre-cooking to make sure security and palatability. This step eliminates the danger of foodborne sickness and enhances the general taste profile of the meal. Thorough cooking to acceptable inner temperatures is crucial.
Query 6: What container attributes are important for preserving the standard of a home made pizza lunchable?
The container should possess an hermetic seal to forestall moisture loss or absorption. Compartmentalization to isolate elements is fascinating. The fabric ought to be food-grade and proof against temperature fluctuations. Reusable containers contribute to environmental sustainability.
In summation, meticulous consideration to ingredient choice, preparation methods, and storage protocols is essential for guaranteeing the security and palatability of a home made pizza lunchable. Adherence to established meals security tips is paramount.
The following part will discover inventive variations and superior preparation methods for this versatile meal possibility.
Suggestions for Optimizing the Home made Pizza Lunchable
The next supplies steering on enhancing the security, high quality, and comfort of a home made pizza lunchable. The following tips goal to enhance the general preparation and consumption expertise.
Tip 1: Make use of Pre-Cooked Protein Toppings: To mitigate the danger of bacterial contamination, protein toppings similar to sausage, bacon, or floor beef ought to be totally cooked previous to inclusion. Raw proteins current a major meals security hazard, particularly given the dearth of quick reheating.
Tip 2: Choose Moisture-Resistant Crusts: Crusts liable to moisture absorption compromise the feel and structural integrity of the pizza. Go for crusts crafted from supplies that exhibit resistance to moisture penetration, similar to crackers or par-baked pizza crusts with a sealed floor.
Tip 3: Make the most of Compartmentalized Containers: Compartmentalized containers stop ingredient migration and keep optimum texture. Separate storage of sauce, toppings, and crust till meeting minimizes sogginess and preserves particular person element high quality.
Tip 4: Incorporate Lowered-Fats Cheese Varieties: Lowered-fat cheeses exhibit a decrease propensity for oil separation at room temperature in comparison with their full-fat counterparts. This attribute enhances the aesthetic enchantment and prevents the formation of an unappetizing oily residue.
Tip 5: Implement Chilly Chain Administration: Chilly chain administration entails sustaining elements at refrigerated temperatures all through the preparation and transport course of. This observe minimizes bacterial development and extends the shelf lifetime of the home made pizza lunchable.
Tip 6: Decrease Sauce Utility: Extreme sauce software contributes to crust sogginess. Using a thick, reduced-moisture sauce and making use of it sparingly prevents over-saturation of the crust materials.
Tip 7: Add Dried Herbs for Enhanced Taste: Incorporating dried herbs similar to oregano, basil, or thyme enhances the flavour profile with out introducing further moisture. Recent herbs, whereas possessing superior taste depth, are extra liable to spoilage and should contribute to sogginess.
Adhering to those tips elevates the general high quality and security of the home made pizza lunchable, leading to a extra satisfying and handy meal possibility. Considerate implementation of those practices minimizes potential drawbacks related to this preparation methodology.
The next part will current concerns for adapting this idea to accommodate numerous dietary restrictions and preferences.
Concluding Remarks on Home made Pizza Lunchable
This exploration has elucidated key facets of the home made pizza lunchable idea, starting from ingredient choice and preparation methods to storage concerns and security protocols. The dialogue underscored the significance of portion management, ingredient freshness, crust stability, sauce consistency, and cheese meltability in reaching a palatable and safe meal possibility. Moreover, consideration was directed towards container integrity, temperature upkeep, and meeting ease to maximise comfort and reduce potential dangers.
The knowledge offered serves as a useful resource for these searching for a customizable various to commercially ready comfort meals. By cautious adherence to advisable practices, people can create a home made pizza lunchable that aligns with their dietary wants and preferences, whereas mitigating potential well being considerations. Continued refinement of preparation strategies and ingredient sourcing will additional improve the viability of this moveable meal answer as a sensible and nutritious possibility.
