Five Simple Ways to Prepare Healthy Lunches for Work

For many in the office or corporate world, the idea of having a healthy and tasty lunch is not exactly easy. Fast food restaurants are quick and easy, but their nutritional content leaves a bit to be desired. And the convenience mart down the street from your office has a lot of tasty snacks, but you know that the cost and health benefits leave a bit to be desired. So what is a person to do? Well, with a little preparation, and a bit of creativity, just about anyone can make healthy lunches for their workday. Here are a few tips and tricks that just about anyone can do.

What is a Healthy Balanced Lunch?

Of course, before we get into how to make a healthy lunch for your workday, it is important to briefly discuss what makes up a healthy lunch. Health and nutritional experts agree for the most part that the first step to making a good lunch is to make sure you use good ingredients that are balanced. Your lunch should include some lean or low-fat protein, a source of carbohydrates for energy, and a few fruits or vegetables, or nuts and beans for fiber and vitamin content. The combination of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates will allow your body to remain energized, and your mind to remain active throughout the rest of your work day.

Make it a Sandwich!

Believe it or not, the old standby of your school lunch box is a wonderful way to have a quick, balanced meal that you can hold in your hands. The use of a variety of whole grain breads, pitas or wraps, you can take care of the carbohydrates needed. A few slices of lean meats, or things such as sliced eggs or tuna fish can be a wonderful and tasty way to get the protein you need, and topping it with in season vegetables can be a great way to bring tasty variation to the sandwich.

Re-Use and Recycle Your Meals

While last night's dinner might not be appealing as the next day's lunch, transforming your meals from home to quick and easy workday lunches can be a great way to instill some healthy vigor into your life. One possibility is to simply take a smaller portion of your favorite dinner entrée to work with you. That choice is easy, fast, and you know exactly what went into the meal, so you know how healthy it is. The other choice, of course is to take a few moments and switch things around. For example, your dinner of herb chicken and vegetables can easily turn into a refreshing chicken and pasta salad with the addition of a few pasta shells and ranch dressing. Or that London Broil and potatoes that you enjoyed on Monday can be turned into a wonderful sandwich with some slicing, and the addition of some bread, cheese, and red leaf lettuce. Really, the possibilities are endless.

Keep it Simple and Refreshing

As any office worker knows, sometimes you simple don't have the time to step away from work and have a good sit down meal. Whether it's a tight deadline, or a meeting that has run longer than expected, there are many times when an elaborate lunch simple isn't possible. It is time like these that having a healthy and filling option is extremely important. That's right, the vending machine or ordering out doesn't have to be your only choice during these hurried meal times.

A wonderful and easy choice for times like this is the combination of whole wheat pita, vegetables and hummus. This combination not only has the textural combination of crunch and smoothness, but it is also a nutritional and energy powerhouse. The chickpeas contained within the hummus are an excellent source of fiber that is digested slowly so blood sugar levels can remain manageable. Plus, with the addition of the whole wheat pita, a complete protein would be formed. Add some crisp vegetables such as carrots or radishes, and you can have a quick lunch that can be enjoyed just about anywhere.

A Little Indulgence Goes a Long Way

One of the most prevailing myths concerning a healthy lunch is that it has to be boring or unappealing to be healthy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Plus, by allowing yourself a bit of decadence, you're less likely to splurge out of control when you get home. A wonderful and nutritious way to have your sweets and eat it too is a gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Surprised? You shouldn't be. And plus, it is so easy. Simple puree together some crunchy peanut butter, some rich dark chocolate, a few dried cherries or cranberries, and some canola oil to make it smooth. The dark chocolate will help satisfy a chocolate fix, and provide some powerful antioxidants, the peanut butter will provide a crunch and a protein source, and the dried fruit will add a bit of unexpected flavor and fiber. Simply spread it over your favorite bread or cracker, and you'll have a nutritious lunch that tastes like you're cheating on your diet.

Try Really Dressing Up Your Salad

Like sandwiches, having a salad for lunch can be a wonderful way to bring some variety to your healthy workday lunch. Simply put, there are so many different possibilities available to a salad, from fruit and nuts, to different lunch meat, leaf vegetables or even exotic cheeses. One of my favorite combinations is arugula, spinach, walnuts, red seedless grapes and feta cheese. Not only do you get the protein, vitamins and fiber that you need from a combination like this, but the combination of peppery and sweet tastes will keep your taste buds happy.

These are a few of the countless ideas that you can use to make sure that your workday lunch is a healthy and enjoyable one. The trick is to use your imagination, and allow your lunch to become an adventure. Between the different tastes and textures available, and the relative ease of making a healthy lunch, chances are you won't be bored for long during your midday meal.