Article by Fab after Fifty
Do you skip lunch? Not take a break? Work right through the day even if working from home? Well perhaps it’s time to have a rethink.
I’m as guilty as the next in getting engrossed in my work and not taking time out to eat, but new research suggests that our commitment to our desks could be doing us more harm than good.
Research from Caffè Nero reveals that despite nearly 40% of us feeling re-energised (37.9%), a third of us feeling happier (31.9%), a fifth more focused (21.3%) and 16% (16.35%) more motivated after a lunchbreak, nearly one in ten Brits (9.5%) never take a break at all, and 15% of us do lunch ‘al desko’.
Most famous for its range of espresso based coffees, Caffè Nero will be encouraging Britons to reclaim their lunch hours by launching its first ever ‘hot food’ menu this autumn.
Yet with a fifth of people saying they never take a full hour for lunch (20.9%), 8% escaping to a café and just 5% meeting up with a friend or colleague, Caffè Nero’s food consultant, chef and food-writer Ursula Ferrigno has provided tips for Brits on how to learn from their European counterparts when it comes to enjoying the perfect Italian style lunchbreak.
Tips for an Italian Working Lunch Break
Treat yourself: “Good food is good company” especially when it comes to Italian food. Whether you are having a big Italian affair with family and friends, or nipping out on your own for a quick bite to eat on your lunch break, you’ll be sure to have an enjoyable experience if you allow every mouthful to transport you to sunny Italy.”
Eat for the season: “Al Forno and risotto dishes are so warming in the autumn season and enjoying the tastes of rich tomatoes, fresh basil or mozzarella at lunchtime is sure to make you feel happier and add some Italian sunshine to your afternoon.”
Be social: “Whatever you are dealing with in the office, a relaxed environment should always be at the heart of any Italian lunch. To create a laid-back atmosphere invite colleagues to enjoy it with you.”
Espresso finale: “A good quality Espresso is key to finishing the perfect Italian lunch. An espresso helps with the digestion process once the lunch has finished and will help you feel refreshed rather than sluggish – allowing you to carry out the rest of your day with a spring in your step.”
Lunch like an Italian
As the summer fades, the Italian Coffee Company is planning to tempt Britons to lunch like Italians with a new range of exclusive dishes which can be enjoyed in Caffè Nero’s coffee houses or as a takeaway option. These include:
- Al Forno dishes: Penne Bolognese in a rich ragu and Chicken Pesto Al Forno with fresh pesto and a crisp breadcrumb topping
- Layered pots: Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Risotto with fresh leaves, Mediterranean Vegetable Arrabiata with basil and olive oil
- Flatbreads: Chargrilled Vegetable or Sunblush Tomato, Pesto and Mozzarella flatbread topped with a creamy mozzarella.
Taking a Meditteranean style lunch break really could boost your afternoon productivity!
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