I think creating a healthy lunch is challenging for so many reasons. For me I want lunch to be healthy and easy and I often don’t want to take the time to either leave my desk to get something outside and I don’t want to go into the kitchen to make something (I like to cook and get creative and so I save that for dinner time, but not in the middle of the day). So, what’s my solution? PLANNING! Easy meals that allow you to shop (or simply order the groceries online from a food delivery service) and prep what you can either a few days before or the nite before.
Here are some easy healthy ideas that you can try for yourself:
Egg salad: have on hand hard boiled eggs, green salad mix, cucumbers and tomato and whole wheat bread. Mix together either using all egg white or ½ whole egg with egg white (using at least 1 whole egg gives creaminess). Add dijon mustard, a touch of low fat mayo and scallions or pickle relish to taste, with a sprinkle of pepper and pink himalayan sea salt. Serve on top of green salad mix with cuke slices and tomato or on whole wheat bread (I like my bread toasted).
Turkey burgers: serve without bun and on top of mixed greens (like spinach) and low fat cheddar or swiss cheese and tomato and avocado. Another spin is ditch the “american” burger style and opt for “asian” style using sweet chili sauce or teriyaki sauce and serve with carrot cabbage slaw.
Greek chicken lettuce cups: make broiled chicken (can either use boneless chicken thighs or breasts) and season with salt, pepper, garlic and baste with honey and lemon and lemon zest. Once cooled, chop into bite size pieces and mix into salad that has the following ingredients: tomatoes, roasted red pepper, cucumber, feta, dill, oregeno and chop and mix with dressing of red wine vinegar, olive oil and honey and lemon juice. Add salad and chicken to boston lettuce cups.
Soups: I am a big fan of any vegan soup! Whether you make it yourself or buy it from your local store. Easy and delish on these cold days!
Salad bowls: These are easy to prep for. When you have all the ingredients handy you just add them to a big bowl and viola! Try for a change grilling vegetables, making quinoa and dressing to top! Here’s a recipe for a roasted vegetable quinoa bowl.
For more easy ideas, contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com