Many people are rushed getting to work and don’t have much time to plan and pack an elaborate lunch. A simple lunch can take less than ten minutes to prepare with minimal cleanup.
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Pack it the
night before, so you aren’t forced to skip it as your rushing out the door.
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If you live
with a spouse or partner, decide who has a schedule that can more easily
squeeze in the lunch prep.
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If you have
kids, pack your lunch along with theirs. Kids who bring their lunch to school
eat much healthier (and more affordably) than those who buy it in the
cafeteria.
-
Buy
convenient options, like bagged lettuce and pre-cut fruit. They are more expensive than do-it-yourself
items, but still cheaper than many healthy restaurant lunches.
“I DON’T HAVE
THE MONEY.”
Healthy
prepared food can be costly. A salad
costs more money than a hamburger at many restaurants. But good lunch doesn’t have to be expensive. Putting together some simple ingredients at
home can save you money, while also saving your health!
- Keep essential affordable
healthy foods (tuna, eggs, bananas, beans, plain yogurt) in the kitchen at all
times so you can make a satisfying, healthy lunch in a pinch.
- Bulk grains (brown rice, oats,
barley) and dried legumes (beans, lentils, split peas) are super cheap and
incredibly nutritious. Cook them in a
pot, pressure cooker or slow cooker with some frozen veggies and
seasoning. You can create endless
combinations for pennies per meal.
- Make a bit extra of your healthy
dinner (ideas coming soon) and pack it in a Tupperware for lunch the next
day. You’ll save on preparation time and
expense!
WE GO OUT
FOR LUNCH TOGETHER.”
-If you want to go out for lunch sometimes, try to choose a place with healthier options, like a sandwich joint instead of fast food.
-If you want to go out for lunch sometimes, try to choose a place with healthier options, like a sandwich joint instead of fast food.
- When you look at the menu, think
about the healthiest 3 choices and pick the one you would enjoy the most.
- Skip the fries and get a side
salad.
- Stay back sometimes and eat a
healthy lunch by yourself. Use the time to relax for a few minutes, read a
magazine, catch up on sports scores, etc.
“I’M BORED WITH MY LUNCH.”
While it makes things easy, eating the same lunch day after day can get old and boring.
While it makes things easy, eating the same lunch day after day can get old and boring.
-
Make a point
of trying out one new recipe at least once a week. It doesn’t have to be
difficult—just something that sounds delicious and gets you interested in
eating a healthy meal. (Check out the recipe resources below.)
-
Do a healthy
lunch swap with a friend.
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“WHERE SHOULD I START?”
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Add BBQ sauce
to some torn up chicken breast and put it on whole wheat bread with some
shredded carrots.
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Take some leftover
stir-fry and whole wheat tortillas for do-it-yourself fajitas.
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Add a handful
of walnuts and cranberries to some bagged lettuce for a satisfying salad with
protein and healthy fats.
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Bring cut
veggies and pita to dip in a container of hummus
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Wrap some
low-fat deli meat in romaine lettuce. Dip it in mustard for some zing.
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Many
groceries have a display case with sushi rolls that make a great healthy lunch
in a pinch.
-
Bring a can
of water packed tuna and eat it with some whole grain crackers and celery
sticks.
“IS THERE
AN APP FOR THAT?” You bet. Here are some healthy lunch apps for your smartphone:
I-PHONE
Good Food
Near You: http://www.goodfoodnearyou.com/mobile_download/iphone
ANDROID
Quick
Recipes: http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/lifestyle/quick-recipes-under-10-mins_bvghs.html
Salad of the
Day: http://androidapp.lisisoft.com/apps-android-phone/222499-com.salad.android.app.html
BLACKBERRY
Healthy
Recipes: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/135292/?lang=en
Good Food
Near You: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/1263/?lang=en
Junk Food
Zapper: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/94224/?lang=en
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