Most people take a lunch hour, but few take full advantage of their midday break. Instead of relaxing over a wonderful, wholesome meal, there's a frantic rush to the drive through, a slice of greasy pizza, or a sad peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Worse yet, there are those days when things are too hectic to get lunch at all, which results in low blood sugar, a bad mood, and diminished productivity.

It doesn't need to be that way. Planning ahead—for example, setting aside an hour or two over the weekend to made make something you'll actually want to eat for lunch—can mean you have nourishing and delicious food at your fingertips when you need it most. A few creative recipes can mean the difference between a lunch break that restores you, and one that leaves you feeling sluggish. The Grown Up Lunch Box series will arm you with ideas and cooking projects that will transform your workday. It's a quality-of-life upgrade that's well worth the effort.

The first collection of five recipes, "A French Picnic," is inspired by the French, who give ingredients, mealtime, and cooking the respect they deserve.