A third of us are stuck in such a rut that we have the same thing for lunch every day, according to research.

Most common of all is the simple cheese and pickle sandwich, which people tend to eat by themselves, at their desks, in a lunch hour that lasts just 15 minutes.

The survey of 2,000 adults was carried out by the cream cheese brand Philadelphia, who have some handy alternatives for hungry workers as part of its Love Lunch Again campaign.

Independent psychologist Sue Firth said: "Doing the same thing every day is pretty much guaranteed to make you feel bored and when you feel bored your mood drops.

"So push yourself a little. Variety is fun and makes you feel great, surely that’s a good enough reason to try something different.

"With a bit of effort you can make your lunch great again- get excited about the food you make, step outside, make it sociable- that way we can all learn to love lunch again.”

 

RECIPES

Ham and Philly Open Sandwich

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Spread the bread with the Philly and place on a serving plate.

Top the bread with ham.

Sprinkle over the rocket leaves and season with some freshly ground black pepper.

Fresh and Light Cucumber Sandwiches

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Mix chives into the Philly

Spread the bread with Philly and arrange cucumber slices on top. Season with a little freshly ground black pepper.

Top both sandwiches with a remaining slice of bread. Remove the crusts if desired. Cut into triangles and serve.

Roasted Vegetable and Philly Wraps

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Place vegetable pieces in a roasting tin. Drizzle with oil and bake at 200 ˚C, gas mark 6 for 25-30 mins or until the vegetables begin to brown.

Meanwhile spread the Philly over the wraps.

Spoon the hot roasted vegetables over the wraps and top with salad leaves. Season to taste and roll and fold the filled tortillas. Slice each wrap into 4 pieces. Serve whilst the vegetables are still warm.

Salmon and Philly Bagel

Toast the bagel half and immediately spread with Philly.

Arrange the smoked salmon on top of the Philly.

If liked serve garnished with sprigs of dill and some freshly ground black pepper.