Andrea E. McHugh
Newport Life magazine
For nearly a year, countless people across the globe and in our own community have had to adapt to working from home. Those accustomed to “grabbing something close to the office” for lunch are having to plan their own midday meals a chore that can quickly lead to what’s colloquially called “food decision fatigue.” But with some careful planning and the introduction of interchangeable meal components, convenient lunchtime options abound.
“Leave me in a kitchen with groceries, a label maker and matching containers, and in four hours you’ll see what a serial killer’s refrigerator looks like,” laughs Jen McMahan of Newport. McMahan, an event manager at the Newport Art Museum; her husband Robert, who traveled frequently for work; and son Jackson, a university student, all found their lives turned upside down when the pandemic started. Rhode Island’s “stay at home” order changed their schedules and their eating habits.