Rather than grabbing fast food during your lunch break you should consider packing your own lunch to take with you to work. It doesn’t have to actually be packed in a brown bag, but you get the idea – it’s just like when your lunch was packed for school. Spend a few minutes the night before or in the morning to make yourself a healthy as well as tasty “brown bag” lunch that you can look forward to eating and not feel guilty about later. Not only is it healthier, but it’s a more affordable option than eating out as well.
Check out our 5 tasty lunch ideas!
Tuna Pita Sandwich
Light tuna packed in water instead of oil is filled with protein. Spruce up your tuna with a bit of horseradish and mustard as well as fresh diced tomatoes. Use a whole wheat pita pocket and add in your favorite nutritious leafy green like spinach or kale for a filling and nutritious lunch that your co-workers will envy.
Chicken Wrap
Leftover chicken can be used to create a variety of tasty chicken wraps. A little oyster sauce will give big flavor and you can wrap your shredded or diced chicken in a lettuce leaf. For more flavor add peas and corn to your wrap.
Taco Salad
For a simple and flavorful packed lunch try a taco salad. You can toss it in a tupperware then it’s ready to go. Choose a nutritious lettuce like butterhead then add in a bit of avocado, diced tomatoes, mango, lime juice, red onion and a few tortilla chips.
Eggplant Pizza
Pizza lovers know the temptation of a greasy slice of pizza from their favorite pizzeria. Instead of giving in pack your own healthy eggplant pizza. You can make your pizza on a whole wheat pita pocket and add more ingredients than just marinara, mozzarella and eggplant. Don’t be afraid to use onions, bell pepper and fresh sliced tomato. Bake your pizza in the oven for 10 minutes and reheat it for lunch.
Shrimp and Edamame Stir Fry
If you’re inclined to gorge yourself on takeout, pack your own stir fry instead. Peeled, frozen shrimp are quick to thaw and cook up with broccoli and edamame. Use low-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil to fry up your mixture then blend it with brown rice.
Accompany all of these options with fresh fruit sides like an apple or a banana and don’t forget to drink your water!