If you’re trying to eat a healthy and balanced diet, then you know how important it is to have a nutritious lunch at work. However, it can be tough to come up with healthy lunch ideas that are also portable and easy to eat on-the-go. If you’re stuck in a rut of eating the same boring sandwich every day, it’s time to mix things up with these 10 healthy lunch ideas for work:
1. Mason Jar Salads
Mason jar salads are portable, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. The key is to layer your ingredients in the right order, starting with your dressing at the bottom, followed by your sturdier vegetables, grains or proteins, and then your salad greens on top. When you’re ready to eat, just shake the jar to distribute the dressing and enjoy!
2. Bento Box-Style Lunches
Bento boxes have become incredibly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. They’re perfect for packing a variety of healthy snacks and meals in one compact container. You could try packing things like sushi rolls, vegetable and hummus cups, and fresh fruit in your bento box for a tasty and nutritious lunch.
3. Wrap it up
Instead of a traditional sandwich, opt for a wrap. You can use lettuce leaves, corn tortillas, or whole wheat tortillas as a base and fill them with protein (such as grilled chicken or tofu), fresh veggies, and a light dressing or hummus for added flavor.
4. Soup’s On!
Soup is a perfect healthy lunch option. You can make a big batch at the start of the week and divide it into smaller portions to bring to work each day. Warm up your soup in the microwave or on the stove for a comforting, nourishing meal.
5. Quinoa Bowl
Quinoa is high in protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a filling and healthy lunch. You can make a simple quinoa bowl by adding veggies, beans or lentils, and a light dressing, or you can mix and match ingredients to create a variety of flavor combinations.
6. Pita Pocket
Fill a whole grain pita with greens, hummus, grilled veggies, chicken or tofu for a lunch that’s both tasty and satisfying.
7. Veggie Omelette
If you have access to a kitchen at work, try making a veggie omelette for lunch. Add in some spinach, mushrooms, and tomato for a healthy dose of veggies, and pair it with a slice of whole-grain toast for extra fiber.
8. Snack Platter
Sometimes a bunch of little snacks can feel like a more satisfying meal than one large dish. Pack things like hard-boiled eggs, sliced veggies with hummus or guacamole, Greek yogurt and berries, and a handful of nuts for a balanced and tasty lunch.
9. Soba Noodle Salad
Soba noodles are a great alternative to traditional pasta, as they’re made from buckwheat and are higher in fiber and protein. Toss cooked soba noodles with fresh veggies, like carrots and cucumber, and a light sesame oil dressing.
10. Leftovers
Don’t overlook the power of leftovers! Try cooking extra food at dinner and packing up the leftovers for lunch the next day. You’ll save time and money, while still getting a nutritious and homemade meal.
With these healthy lunch ideas for work, you’ll never have to settle for a boring sandwich again. Mix and match these ideas to create a variety of flavor combinations that will keep you energized and satisfied all day long.
