No clue on what to make for lunch?
Ten easy meal ideas you can take to the office!!
( and no, you don't need to be a master chef! lol!!)
'https://www.freepik.es/fotos/comida'>Foto de Comida creado por freepik
Believe by now that you're wondering how this is all supposed to work because usually when it says "easy recipe", they ask for 30 min prep and ingredients you can only find in certain places. We will keep it simple. There are several ways to do this. Our preferred method is to keep the experience simple and prep for the day ahead. It's a simple premise, really: For example, Dani (part of our team) on the days she brings her own food to the office, she preps the ingredients the night before. That way, finishing everything morning before work is way easier.
Long story short, we all have busy schedules, so here are our top 10 great lunch ideas you can bring to the office:
1. Salad
Whether you opt for a healthy whole grain option like quinoa or barley or a sugar-rich choice like granola with yogurt, the time spent putting together your lunch will not drain the energy you need to get through the day lol. Salads are a great food to take to the office for many reasons. For starters, you can throw together a quick meal. You don't have to spend much time figuring out what to make, and you don't have to spend a lot of money, either. Also, salads are easily transportable, meaning you can eat an outdoor picnic in the middle of the day if you need a little lunch break in the middle of the workday. Beli, part of our team as well, likes to do a salad dressing with mustard, yogurt, and stevia, then mix it with some raisins and feta cheese at the top of the regular salad with tomato cucumber, etc.
Honey-Mustard Potato Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home
2. Sandwich
For an everyday lunch, making a sandwich for yourself can be a very satisfying, low-maintenance, and nutritious meal that can easily be made and taken to work. All you need is bread, some vegetables, cheese, maybe a dressing, and a meat of your choice (be it chicken, beef, turkey, or tofu). A lot of people get bummed out when they're buying lunch at the coffee shop because all they want to get is a turkey sandwich, when the "light" turkey sandwich is actually quite filling and caloric. So, it's very refreshing when you get a sandwich that's a little more homemade and healthier.
Sandwich
3. Smoothie
Ah, a pre-made smoothie that fills you up with more fiber than you can chew. Laura (part of our team as well!) go-to smoothie is a Greek yogurt-based one, or she also switches it up with a banana and spinach smoothie or yogurt and honey-based one. The secret to making a smoothie taste really good is to start with whole foods. Aim to use fresh produce, such as fresh fruit and greens. Fresh fruit also contains the antioxidant anthocyanins, which may have anti-cancer and anti-viral properties. Making a smoothie will also increase your fiber intake, especially for those who do not eat meat.
Smoothie
4. Three Bean Pasta Salad
For the most versatile lunch idea, you'll ever need, you're going to want to make this Three Bean Pasta Salad. Though you can prepare it all at once, you'll likely want to prepare it in portions ahead of time. Because it's made with a bean base, you'll want to serve this dish warm. To make it a more filling meal, you can make the addition of some julienned carrots, green beans, or squash optional. You can even add some chopped green onion to the top for an extra dose of green. You can prepare the dish in advance, then reheat it the day of the lunch.
Green Bean Salad with Toasted Almonds & Feta
5. Chicken Lettuce Wrap With Quinoa
For an interesting twist on a wrap, you can make this chicken lettuce wrap with a quinoa recipe. While it may take a bit more time to prepare, it's well worth it. We also found this version with Thai chicken in case you like those flavors!
Thai Chicken Quinoa & Vegetable Lettuce Wraps
6. Fruit & Yogurt Parfait
This can be a great lunch if you are craving sweets and put some extra protein such as Greek Yogurt. Options are endless. However, we like this combination: Banana, strawberries, and yogurt. This can also be a great afternoon snack!. If you are into snacks (like we all are at Ishine365!), you can check this blog article we did featuring 15 cool and low-effort snacks.
Yogurt and berries
7. Brie Cheese Sandwich
Your coworkers will love the crunch, but in all honesty, who wouldn't like the richness of a good, gooey cheese sandwich? This sandwich version is not the best one if you are lactose intolerant!, however, there are many lactose free options such as Daiya Cheese
8. Tacos
We will never get tired of recommending this! Actually! You can find one of our favorite Tace recipes here
Tacos
9. Turkey bacon wrap
If you need to bring lunch to the office but don't want to deal with prepping anything, this is your go-to option with a basic basic lettuce leaf, tomato, avocado, and a few slices of turkey bacon ( a healthier option to your regular bacon!). This is an easy meal to make ahead of time.
10. Lunch Bowls
If you have leftovers from last night dinner, this is the easiest way to go. Fill a large bowl with chopped veggies like carrot, celery, and onion. Add in a protein, like a hard-boiled egg, or chicken from last meal or even salmon. Use a salsa-based dressing and maybe some extra chips and guacamole! And done! you are ready to go.
These lunch ideas will be helping yourself out and your wallet. Eating outside might seem tempting however way more costly. Finances can become tricky when you start adding up those extra Starbucks cappuccinos and lunches outside correct?!. No worries,we also got you on that, here is a blog post we actually did some months ago on how to find side hustles that will help your finances!
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With love, the Ishine team.