Packing your own lunch can save you money and cut down on daily calories. Although it can be tempting to eat fast food instead or have other sweet snacks, there are many options for easy and healthy lunches that you can take with you to work. Here are some tips that packing a healthy lunch can be less difficult.
- Plan ahead! Have a meal prep day, if your schedule permits. Prepare some large batches of salad, soup, or another healthy recipe on the weekends so it can be packed into your Tupperware containers for the week. Store the containers in the fridge, and in the mornings, you can grab them on the way out the door.
- Make extra dinner and pack up the leftovers. If you make a large healthy dinner, put some away in a container and refrigerate it for the next day.
- Pack your lunch early. Making your lunch the night before can save time in the mornings.
- Keep water on hand. You can pack a reusable water bottle that you like. Drink water throughout the day and at lunchtime so that you can stay hydrated. Try to avoid sugary drinks, like juices or soda.
- Don’t force yourself to eat foods that you don’t like. If you pack foods that you won’t normally eat, you’re more than likely to toss it out and go eat at a restaurant instead.
- Consider investing in Tupperware containers and a lunch bag to put your food in.
- Skip the processed snacks. When adding snacks to your lunch, consider fresh fruit, raw veggies, or nuts instead of packing potato chips and candy.
Here are some healthy lunch ideas.
- Switch noodles for veggies. You can make zucchini noodles, which has fewer carbohydrates, instead of eating whole grain pasta.
- Protein is very versatile. You can do grilled chicken breasts, turkey, or hard-boiled eggs.
- Instead of having a sandwich, eat a lettuce wrap. You can still incorporate your choice of protein, such as ground turkey meat or grilled chicken.
- Fruits and vegetables: Baby carrots, avocados, celery, or grape tomatoes
- Chili or chicken tortilla soup
- Snacks: Besides fruits and veggies, try raw nuts or seeds.
- Turkey meatballs with green vegetables – zucchini, spinach, or kale
- Chicken or steak fajita bowls with bell peppers and low-fat cheese
Finding time to cook during the week can be tough, but you can start by making small steps to beat bad habits. Bringing your lunch to work is a great way to start or maintain healthy eating habits. Making smarter choices can save you time and calories!
Written by Dami Falade
