1. Leftovers. Whenever possible, make a little extra when you are cooking your healthy dinner. Then when it is time to put the leftovers into containers just measure out a single serving for your lunch the next day. No extra time required. :)
2. Wrap it up. Wraps are awesome. You can get a whole grain wrap for 60 to 80 calories. Then fill it up with whatever you choose. You can go all veggie and load it up with tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, green peppers, banana peppers and top it off with a little bit of shredded cheese. You can also throw in some chicken or tuna if you want a little more protein. The sky is the limit!
3. Salad. Salad is a wonderful staple to a healthy lifestyle. But don't limit yourself to iceberg lettuce and ranch dressing. There are so many salad options out there for those who think outside the box. First of all I suggest replacing your iceberg lettuce with spinach. Iceberg lettuce has the least amount of nutrients of all types of lettuce while spinach is a superfood with too many benefits to mention here. Trust me, the trade is well worth it. Next, try to add walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds but watch portion size because while nuts are very healthy, they also tend to be high in calories. You can even add fruit like apples, pears, or mandarine oranges. Try different cheeses such as feta or blue cheese crumbles. Both are full in flavor so you can add a lot of taste but not a lot of calories. A little bit of vinaigrette or even a raspberry vinaigrette dressing is amazing on this type of salad. And like the feta and blue cheese, a little goes a long way so you won't be adding a lot of unwanted calories.
4. Sandwiches. Tons of options here. I suggest whole grain bread if possible. :)
-veggie sandwich with a slice of cheese. Load up on tomatoes, spinach, cucumbers, etc. This is such an easy way to get in a serving or 2 of fresh vegetables.
-tuna salad (light on the mayo!) with tomatoes, spinach, and cucumbers
-mozzarella cheese with sliced tomatoes and basil
-sliced hard boiled egg sandwich with mustard and toasted whole grain bread
-nut butter and banana sandwich. Don't limit yourself to peanut butter. There are so many great nut butters out there. Try sunbutter (sunflower seeds), nutella (hazelnuts), or almond butter for starters. Just be careful to watch serving sizes as nut butters tend to be higher in calories.
5. Quesadillas. Try filling your quesadilla with black beans, salsa, onions, and a little bit of shredded cheddar cheese. Warm it in the microwave and top with fresh tomatoes and a little bit of low fat sour cream.
6. Nut butter and whole grain crackers. It doesn't get much easier than that. :)
7. Fruit and cheese plate. Low fat cheese cubes with fruit of your choice topped off with a side of whole grain bread.
8. Pitas. Again, lots of options here. One option is refried beans, salsa, tomatoes, spinach, onions, a little shredded cheese and a little low fat sour cream. Or you can fill your pita with hummus and your favorite veggies.
9. Shrimp. Just thaw and eat. Super easy, low in calories, and high in nutritional value.
10. Tuna. Tuna is sold in single serving 70 calorie packets. Just throw one in your lunchbox and go!
No lunch would be complete without sides. Here is list of healthy options to throw in your lunchbox for lunch or a snack.
-fruit-bananas, apples, oranges, peaches, pears, plumbs, cuties, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, etc.
-yogurt
-apples and nut butter
-cottage cheese
-1 serving of almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.
-no sugar added applesauce cup
-low fat cheese sticks
-whole grain fiber bar
-carrot sticks
-cucumbers and tomatoes with a little salad dressing
-tomato slices
These are just a few suggestions. Feel free to leave your favorite healthy lunch or snack choices in the comments section. Happy lunching :)
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