For three months, Mr. Canuck Buck and I were on a dairy and gluten free diet. There were various reasons for it, and while it was hard to stick to, I will admit I did lose some weight, and it definitely cut down on the amount of junk I ate.

When you can’t eat dairy or gluten, it definitely narrows down your lunch choices. One lunch I ate then (and will be eating this week, even though the diet is done!), was a fairly simple one. It’s suitable for pretty much any diet, and quite easy and cheap to make.

• One box of PC Organic Quinoa. 1.99. I could probably buy it cheaper in bulk, but this comes with instructions, and I always seem to make it correctly. It makes enough quinoa for the whole week, with some extra left over. Provides carbs and protein.
• 1 container of white bean and roasted garlic dip. 3.49. Add some nice flavour when mixed in with the qunioa, as well as some more protein and carbs. Dip is enough to last more than a week as well.
• 1 avocado. 1.79. I love avocados – they’re like crack to me. Chock full of healthy fat, and just taste awesome.

So, there you have it. I just cooked up the quinoa tonight, and each evening, just take a few minutes to mix the whole thing together. It’s very filling, and keeps me from reaching for bread (which I love, but always makes me want to eat more!) or from hitting the food court.

What’s your favourite cheap and healthy make at home lunch?