ideal meal

I really don't have a single minded "ideal meal". There are so many variables such as time of day, mood, level of hunger, time, and level of activity. I realize what you're getting at here so maybe I can generalize with some scenarios that overall reflect the idea of eating a balanced, healthy, fresh meal or snack:

1) Late in day, been exercising and I have time. I'm thinking grilled chicken, fresh green beans or asparagus, pasta salad, caesar salad, and a white wine.

2) Saturday morning - it's probably eggs, bacon, wheat toast, coffee, maybe orange juice with my daughters. Nobody else is up so it's quiet and we splurge on the bacon (not the best thing on a regular basis for health).

3) Lunch time it's going out to Chipotle, Subway, or the local Thai restaurant.

4) Snack - something fresh at work like an apple or bananna if I planned ahead. Otherwise, it's a granola bar.

Here's what is NOT:
High sugar or fat content.
Starchy food such as mac and cheese.
Simple carbohydrates.
Bland.
Meals that omit fruits or vegatables completely. It sounds like I'm a veggie fanatic, but I'm not. Just trying to keep things balanced.