Have you ever rushed out the door when you suddenly remembered forgetting to bring lunch… again!
See if you can relate to this scenario:
- 8:45 You’re running late so you head out the door and snack on a granola bar.
- 10:00 You grab another coffee to hold off the hunger until lunch.
- 3:00 You stuff yourself at the closest fast-food restaurant because you didn’t have time to prep lunch. You can locate and grab a few extra coffees, drinks, and candy bars to tide you over.
- 8:00 You devour an entire pizza – a deserving reward after a long day at work.
If that possibility even remotely occurred to you, you are not alone. In modern society, convenience is crucial. [1] The good news is that there are some healthy lunch ideas that you can follow:
Table of Contents
Best Healthy Lunch Ideas For Work
Let’s dive into the 37 quick and healthy lunch ideas, so you can find what fits you!
Sandwich and Wraps
1. Hummus Collard Wraps
On the top of our list of healthy lunch ideas are collard wraps! And with good cause. You will feel like the healthiest person alive because they are so flavorful and fresh. Second, making and packing them is quite simple. Third, they have a great flavor!
I promise that a collard wrap is the best way to start your journey to better health!
2. Chicken and Avocado Burritos
A tasty burrito is loved by many. You receive all the benefits of this delectable meal without the drawbacks of feeling sluggish and bloated all day. Simple to pack? Yep. Delicious? Of course! Filling? Definitely! It appears that we have a winner on our hands!
3. Cucumber-Lox Toast
Here’s another quick fix made with only five ingredients! This recipe gives you about 12 grams of protein, plus the health benefits found in yogurt like natural probiotics.
If you choose whole grain bread, the whole meal with remain very low in fat and boost your energy for the second half of your day.
If you only want to bring one or two slices, it would pair well with a side of fresh berries, sliced apples, or banana chips.
Check out the recipe here.
4. Spinach Artichoke Turkey Panini
If you’re a fan of spinach artichoke dip, you’ll love this easy panini. It includes Greek yogurt, which will offer an extra dose of protein and combine well with the flavors of the turkey and spinach.
Everything combines to create a filling sandwich that’s the perfect alternative to the traditional ham sandwich that you often find strewn on your coworkers’ desks.
5. Vegan Curry-Spiced Sweet Potato Burgers
I salute you if you intend to eat a plant-based diet more frequently. You may feel fantastic and increase your nutrient intake by increasing your intake of plant-based foods.
Of course, you don’t have to limit your diet to salads. You may find all kinds of incredible dishes to try if you use a little creativity. You may continue your quest by making lunch enjoyable and delicious with these sweet potato burgers!
Salads and Bowls
6. Poke Bowl
Have you ever tried making up a poke bowl? This will soon become your new fave! Think of a bowl of sushi. This amazing dish is ideal for a quick lunch idea to pack for work.
7. Salad in a Jar
Although salad in a jar is nothing new, it is one of the quick healthy lunch ideas we should all return to when we find ourselves in a health rut. Both preparing and packing these salads couldn’t be simpler.
Create different variations of veggie-packed dinners for every day of the week by gathering a selection of vegetables and toppings and stacking them in a jar.
8. Basil Capri Salad
You should add this salad to your list of dishes to try. While the basil gives you a fresh sensation, the fiber will keep you satisfied. It’s a flavorful, healthy, and enjoyable lunch!
9. Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Bowl
My desire for a nutritious supper is sparked only by the phrase “Mediterranean!” Due to the high fiber content and vitamin density of this quinoa bowl, you will feel full after eating it. With just 30 minutes of meal preparation, you can have a week’s worth of lunches.
10. Egg Roll In a Bowl
These egg rolls in a bowl are delicious if you like egg rolls. This lunch will fill you up and have an ethnic flair, making it ideal for eating on the go!
11. Wheat Berry & Citrus Salad
This lunch recipe can go just about anywhere with you. It doesn’t require much to make and can be cooked in larger batches to get the most from your leftovers.
A dairy-free version can be made without the feta cheese or by swapping for a vegan alternative.
12. Broccoli and Chickpea Rice Bowl
Protein, fiber, and healthy fats are found in this quick and healthy Broccoli and Chickpea Rice Bowl, and you can even make this ahead and enjoy it all week long!
13. Mediterranean Buddha Bowl
My taste receptors are tingling at the thought of this zesty culinary combination. A filling mixture of roasted veggies is combined with the tangy flavor of hummus in this Buddha bowl.
14. Chicken Sushi Bowl
A chicken sushi bowl can be the right choice for you if you don’t like raw fish.
This lunch is created from chicken yet still has a strong flavor, unlike Poke Bowls. You might save making a second trip to the grocery shop and still enjoy the same delicious flavor. This meal may also be made Keto and Paleo-friendly by replacing the rice with cauliflower rice.
Mexican-Inspired Cuisines
15. Black Bean Quinoa Burritos
This dish is perfect for a quick meal that can be put in the refrigerator. It is one of the quick healthy lunch ideas. These are a fantastic choice for vegetarians who need a quick meal.
These burritos are not only simple to prepare but also very simple to keep. Before leaving for the day, simply place them in the freezer and collect them.
16. Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers
While making dinner preparation simple, these chicken enchilada stuffed peppers provide a good supply of nutrients and protein. The best part is that the dinner can easily be reheated and is easy to pack. Put this delicious dinner on your list of meals to prepare.
17. Vegetarian Fajitas
Here are another easy healthy lunch ideas for those making the switch to a plant-based diet. Fajitas are simple to prepare, simple to transport, and tasty to consume. Simply bring your lunch, reheat it in the microwave, and savor the meal!
Asian-Inspired Cuisines
18. Low-Carb Pad Thai
Do you eat noodles? If not, you should, without a doubt! A unique variety of yams that have been soaked in water is the main ingredient in these excellent noodles. A delicious, calorie-free noodle is the final result.
I’ve always loved pad thai, and these noodles let me enjoy an old favorite while maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. Give it a go without a doubt, and include it in the list of easy healthy lunch ideas for work!
19. Vietnamese Spring Rolls
These dishes are probably on the menu if you’ve ever eaten at a Vietnamese restaurant.
Spring rolls have a light, fresh flavor but still manage to carry a satisfyingly tasty punch. You won’t hesitate to taste this “healthy living thing” when served with this peanut sauce and fresh buns. More refined than ever, you’ll feel!
20. Chicken Hummus Sushirrito
A sushirrito is a combination of a burrito and sushi, in case you’re wondering what the heck that is. Naturally, this one has a slight twist.
It is packed with sprouts, chicken, hummus, and vegetables to make meal preparation really simple. If you are tired of salads, this is a fun new variation that can be made in a matter of minutes.
Noodles and Pasta
21. Garlic Butter Shrimp Zucchini Noodles
For those of you scouting for healthy lunch ideas, consider this recipe. Adding ordinary vegetables to your favorite pasta meal using veggie noodles is a ton of fun and tasty. Before you even take a taste, you could start drooling over this garlic butter shrimp pasta.
23. Zucchini Lasagna
I understand; zucchini was first made into pasta, and now lasagna? What’s the point of it all? Although it may sound absurd, you should try this cuisine.
My spouse loved it even more than the first one I made for him when I attempted creating one a while back. It turns out that you can make fantastic Italian dishes without using high starch noodles! These alternatives will work perfectly fine.
23. Sesame-Ginger Noodles
This is another easy healthy lunch idea with multiple choices to mix and match ingredients to your liking. You could use veggie noodles for an extra nutritional boost and top with various seeds, almonds, and avocado.
Add lightly grilled chicken, tofu, or steak on top for satisfying protein, and you’re good to go!
24. Mason Jar Ramen
Forget boring, sodium-packed, store-bought ramen and try one of these easy lunch ideas. This homemade ramen is stored in mason jars, making it amazingly easy to just pull it out of the fridge before heading off to work.
It also includes kimchi, and Korean fermented vegetables, which are full of probiotics that will help your digestion. This is one of the best quick and healthy lunch ideas for a busy lifestyle.
Easy Dinners
25. Skillet Pizza
What’s this? Pizza isn’t entirely off the menu, though! Since the basis of this pizza is made of tortillas, you may reduce your carb intake while still satisfying your hunger. Additionally, it is quite easy to create. Prepared meals or a cheat meal?
26. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies Bowl
Meals made on a sheet pan are my absolute favorites! You only need to throw it in the oven, and you’re done. You’re going to love these bowls for meal preparation. Without spending much time in the kitchen, it will feel like a gourmet supper.
27. BBQ Mahi Mahi With Mango, Pineapple and Basmati Rice
Fish is an excellent source of lean protein, pineapple is packed with Vitamin C, and the Basmati and wild rice seen in this recipe are wonderful sources of amino acids and antioxidants– plus fiber too.
You can make this dish ahead of time or have it ready in under 10 minutes if you already have the rice. Or, make it in just 20 minutes, all from scratch!
28. Chili (Homemade or Store-Bought) & Crackers
Chili is relatively easy to make, even if you’re not an expert cook. It can be made in large batches, which you can freeze and de-thaw later. Or you can go the canned route and bring some crackers for dipping.
29. Steamed Turmeric Salmon With Peppered Veggies
Fish and vegetables are a great combo regarding protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This recipe for steamed turmeric salmon with peppered veggies is quick to prepare, low in sodium, heart-healthy, and a very filling option that won’t weigh you down!
30. Slow-Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Stew
Curry is a profound spice with a multitude of health benefits. With this stew, you give your digestive system a bit of a break from heavy meats and meals.
It’s a great option if you try to stick to a cleanse or reset before Fall arrives. This recipe makes it easy for you to prep and lets the crockpot do the rest!
31. Turkey and Mashed Potato Casserole
This nontraditional casserole is great for when the weather starts to cool down.
Potatoes catch a bad carb reputation. However, if you’re really busting your tail during the week, extra carbs will support your efforts, not kill them.
For variety, mix in seasonal veggies before you bake it. Then, you can enjoy leftovers or bring them to share with your coworkers!
Snacks
32. Thanksgiving Waffles
This dish will be sure to satisfy a few up-and-coming cravings, especially during the fall season and holidays.
Turkey naturally boosts your body’s happy chemical- serotonin. Cranberries are a powerfully cleansing fruit packed with vitamin C. I’d recommend making your waffle mix with gluten-free flour, like coconut or almond flour. All around, this may be one of the best recipe ideas ever.
33. Bento Boxes
If you are looking for healthy lunch ideas, then bento boxes can be a good choice. You can pack these boxes with Mediterranean and American varieties like crackers, cheese, veggies, and fruits. They make for the perfect light lunch or snack!
34. Tofu Lettuce Wraps
This is one of the easy lunch ideas that barely requires any cooking and serves your body with lightweight nutrients to keep you running through the rest of your day.
You can also swap the tofu for grilled chicken or add lightly diced and grilled veggies to mix up your leftovers for the following day.
35. Avocado Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Although this dish is often associated with breakfast, it is also one of the easy healthy lunch ideas for work. Those who enjoy sweets will love this lunch! Added benefit? It’s quite simple to put together. You may prepare a healthy lunch for tomorrow in just 5 minutes the night before.
36. Keto Proscuitto Egg Cups
Are you on the keto diet? Then you should try these egg cups! Your desires will be controlled by the substantial protein content and filling fats. With this recipe, you’ll lose sight of how healthy you are eating.
37. Chia Pudding
This meal has a rap for being a breakfast food, but it is also one of the easy healthy lunch ideas for work. This meal is perfect for those with a sweet tooth! Another pro? It’s unbelievably easy to throw together. All it takes is 5 minutes the day before, and you’re set for a healthy lunch tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Find one day to meal prep. It makes life so much easier if you can have all of your food ready in one day. Occasionally, when I’m feeling more spontaneous, I’ll meal prep just the ingredients to make easy meals the day of!
Don’t forget to take care of your body in the hustle and bustle of life. Most people skip their lunch or eat unhealthy foods to save time but eventually, such habits take a toll on their bodies. You can avoid harming your body with unhealthy food by trying out any healthy lunch ideas mentioned in this write-up to stay energetic throughout the day!
More Healthy Recipes
- 14 Healthy Easy Recipes for People on the Go
- 20 Healthy Eating Recipes Even the Pickiest People Will Love
- 25 Easy Fast Healthy Dinner Recipes to Try (And Go Paleo) This Week
Featured photo credit: Louis Hansel via unsplash.com
Reference
| [1] | ^ | Forbes.com: The Age of Convenience: It’s More Than We Can Afford |
