With more people working from home these days due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, healthy lunches that you can prepare in your own kitchen are tops of many recipe searches. You are not alone if you are trying to start off the new year by making the most of your time working at home by preparing healthy lunches. The biggest challenge for many people is simply finding the inspiration needed to create these meals at home.
Moroccan Lentil Quinoa Soup: This nutritious and filling soup comes together in about 30 minutes.
The vegan soup combines red lentils with quinoa and a variety of spices to create a flavor explosion. For a little bit more heat, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder. You can also add raisins to the finished product to add some sweetness and a new texture. It is another recipe that will hold well in the fridge for a few days, allowing you to make it in bulk and nosh on it throughout the week.
Make-ahead Mason Jar Salads: Mason jar salads are all the rage these days and for good reason. The best part about these custom salads is that you can prepare them all on a Sunday and have a week’s worth of healthy meals to enjoy whenever hunger strikes. The trick in keeping these salads fresh is the order of the layering. You need to begin with the heaviest ingredients and the dressing on the bottom of the jar and move on up to the top with the lightest toppings. Be sure to put your greens at the very top so that they do not become soggy. These salads will easily last the entire week in the fridge if sealed tightly. Once you get the hang of making these salads, you will be hooked on their convenience and fresh taste.
Curried Zucchini Soup: There is nothing better than a warm and comforting bowl of soup on a cold winter day. This creamy curried zucchini soup fits the bill. Curry powder, ginger, and jalapeno mix beautifully for an interesting combination of flavors. 1 /2 cups of this soup only has about 150 calories, making it a good low-cal option for when you are looking to shed a few pounds. You can whip up this soup in about 30 minutes. It also freezes well, allowing you to make a big batch and freeze in individual portions for those days that you need a fast option. Serve this soup with a light garden salad or a slice of sourdough bread.
Tuna Nicoise Salad: For something that feels extravagant but is not difficult to prepare, consider adding the classic tuna Nicoise salad to your weekday lunch rotation. the traditional French salad contains tuna, cucumbers, roasted potatoes, green beans, hard-boiled eggs, and a zesty dressing. The lightness of the salad will fill you up without weighing you down and making you tired. Nobody will judge you for wanting to enjoy this salad with a glass of chardonnay.
Veggie Omelet: Eggs are not just for breakfast. An omelet is a quick and easy lunch idea that you can prepare in just minutes. There are no rules when making your lunch omelet. For the biggest nutritional punch, fill it with fresh veggies. Good choices include tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and peppers. Top it with a little cheese and some avocado slices or salsa. You may also choose to add an additional protein such as turkey sausage or ham cubes. Pair your omelet with a side of fresh fruit and you will have a filling and nutritious meal to power you through the rest of your workday.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfait: Like eggs, a fruit and yogurt parfait is another traditional breakfast entree that also works well as a light lunch option. For the healthiest version, be sure to choose a low-sugar or unsweetened yogurt. Layer your yogurt with fresh fruit such as berries or peaches. Granola will add an extra layer of crunch and texture. You can also consider adding nuts, shaved coconut, or honey. Get creative with your yogurt parfait and you will eliminate the boredom.
Asian Lettuce Wraps: There is nothing trendier than the Asian lettuce wrap. These wraps are bursting with flavor and loaded with heart-healthy antioxidants and protein. You cannot go wrong with these wraps. Butter lettuce leaves work best for holding in all of the fillings. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. The wraps are also fun for kids to eat, making this a family favorite for quick lunches at home.
Buddha Bowls: A Buddha bowl is a customizable bowl that you can make to suit your exact tastes and preferences. There is no wrong way to make your bowl. Simply layer it with grains, protein, and veggies. The general rule is to ensure that half of the bowl is full of vegetables. This will fill you up without added calories and fat. This is a good Buddha bowl recipe to get you started, however, feel free to change this up any way that appeals to you.
Black Bean Burgers: Craving a burger but don’t want the fat and calories? Instead, consider reaching for a vegetarian black bean burger. You will not even miss the meat when you sink your teeth into this flavorful black bean burger. If you do not have the time or motivation to make your black bean burger from scratch, there are various pre-made options that you can find in nearly any grocery store freezer.
These 10 healthy lunch ideas are the perfect starting point for helping you to get out of that meal rut.
