- Mason jar salads: Layer a mason jar with your favorite salad ingredients, starting with dressing at the bottom and ending with leafy greens on top to keep them fresh. When ready to eat, shake the jar to distribute the dressing and enjoy a ready-to-eat salad.
- Quinoa or grain bowls: Prepare a batch of cooked quinoa or whole grains like brown rice or farro. Top with a variety of vegetables (roasted or raw), lean proteins (grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas), and a homemade dressing or vinaigrette.
- Wraps or lettuce wraps: Fill whole wheat wraps or lettuce leaves with lean protein (such as turkey, chicken, or hummus), mixed vegetables, and a spread like avocado or mustard. Roll them up and pack them for a convenient and nutritious lunch.
- Homemade soups or stews: Prepare a big batch of homemade soup or stew over the weekend and portion it into individual containers for the workweek. Choose recipes that incorporate a variety of vegetables, lean proteins (such as lentils or beans), and whole grains.
- Buddha bowls: Assemble a bowl with a mix of cooked grains, roasted or steamed vegetables, protein (such as grilled salmon or tempeh), and a flavorful sauce or dressing. Customize your Buddha bowl with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Cold pasta salads: Prepare whole wheat or chickpea pasta and toss it with a variety of vegetables, protein (such as grilled shrimp or feta cheese), and a light dressing or vinaigrette. It can be enjoyed cold and is easily portable.
- Bento box-style lunches: Use a compartmentalized container or bento box to pack a variety of healthy foods. Include a mix of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins (such as hard-boiled eggs or sliced chicken breast), whole grain crackers, and a small portion of nuts or seeds.
- Stir-fries or stir-fry bowls: Prepare a stir-fry with a mix of colorful vegetables, lean protein (such as tofu, chicken, or shrimp), and a flavorful sauce. Pack it with a side of brown rice or cauliflower rice for a well-balanced lunch.
- Healthy sandwiches or wraps: Use whole grain bread or wraps and fill them with lean protein (such as turkey, chicken, or tofu), plenty of vegetables, and a spread like hummus or mashed avocado. Add flavor with herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Veggie and protein-packed omelets: Prepare a veggie-filled omelet with eggs or egg whites, and add ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and feta cheese. Cook it the night before and enjoy it cold or reheat it at work.
Remember to pack your lunches with ice packs or in insulated lunch bags to keep them fresh and safe. Prepping your ingredients ahead of time and using reusable containers can save you time and money while promoting healthy eating habits at work.