How to keep lunch interesting and filling

skinnyby31

Hi all,
I'm just wondering does anyone have the same problem that I'm having- trying to think of interesting lunches daily and one that will keep me full as I'm working until 8pm 2/3 days a week. Usually I have a salad- spinach, pine nuts, tomatoes etc with a little cheese but I'm starving by about 5. The job I do a lot of times I won't get a break before I finish so snacking later isn't really an option. What do you do for lunches that's also quick and easy.

Bretto

What time are you eating lunch?

suruda

It doesn't look like you are getting enough protein to stay full for that long. Can you add some meat to your salad? I have the most boring lunches ever as I work out of my car. I will typically have 3 oz of chicken breast and a sliced apple. If I'm home, I'll turn that into a salad, still with the chicken or some other lean protein.

enterdanger

I try to pack lunch, but generally end up grabbing a healthy choice steamer and an apple while I'm running out the door. If you are hungry after lunch try to add some more protein to your lunch and maybe some fiber. That is a lot of carbs you are eating which you probably use up before your next meal.

Maybe add some greek yogurt and an apple in addition to your salad? If you have a access to a microwave and fridge you can always crack some eggs in a tupperware and throw in some spinach, cheese, and any leftover meat for a microwave omelet. I will say, you will not be the most popular person in your break room since microwave eggs stink.

skinnyby31

Usually I get a lunch break sometime between 2 and 3. Breakfast is usually porridge at about 8.30 am. I do have access to a fridge and a microwave. I'll try adding some chicken to my salad. I find that because I'm so hungry when I finish work that I ruin my healthy eating as I raid the presses when I get home!

Chellellelle

Definitely add some protein & fiber to your salad; tuna, chicken, beans, nuts, seeds, avocado, sweet potato. Have a cheese stick and an apple or banana with your salad, too.

Other options to keep it interested are to make your salad into a wrap, that way you won't get bored with a salad everyday. Make up some veggies, carbs and meat and bring that in a tupperware container.

Sweets1954

Another way to add protein to your salad is with boiled eggs. I tend to troll the internet looking for recipes of things I can take for lunches. I do have a microwave and refrigerator at work so that helps as well.

auroranflash

Add chicken, and possibly some diced apples, berries, or nuts, also. And crumbled feta or blue cheese. It tastes amazing.

ForeverSunshine09

I go between sandwiches and an apple or chicken breast and corn or some other veggies. I tried salad for 3 weeks when I first started and I realized I was so hungrY within an hr that it just was not worth it. The next few days I am eating leftover grill food that my hubby made so I get a variety of protein.

Queenmunchy

Make a soup, stew, or chili and freeze it in portions.

I also make homemade freezer burritos, portioned veggie/meatball nuggets in sauce, or even stuffed peppers to freeze.

Grab and go in the morning and it's filling and quick!

PeachyPlum

I make casseroles, etc... on the weekend and bring leftovers during the week.

This week it was Fiesta Enchilada Quinoa Bake and Mexican Sweet Potato and Chicken Casserole, both from Skinnytaste.com

I was SO excited for my lunch all morning.

acpgee

I find the combination of fibre and protein to be filling. Simple carbs (like bread) just don't do it for me because they cause my blood glucose to spike up then down as a result of an insulin spike, and when I have low blood sugar 3 hours later I am ravenous. My packed lunch is typically 200g of frozen veg, and 100g of protein (left over steak or chicken, boiled eggs, thai fish cakes, smoked salmon). Sometimes a little sauce to make things interesting (pesto, salsa verde, guacamole, chilli paste, dijon mustard, salsa)

skinnyby31

Thanks so much everyone for your ideas. Have just boiled some eggs and have bought some chicken so hopefully that will keep me full for a bit longer.

nickatine

Lunch does not have to be lunch foods, today I had a cup of greek yogurt, half cup Kashi go lean, banana, tablespoon peanut butter verry filling.

skinnyby31

Chellellelle wrote: »

Definitely add some protein & fiber to your salad; tuna, chicken, beans, nuts, seeds, avocado, sweet potato. Have a cheese stick and an apple or banana with your salad, too.

Other options to keep it interested are to make your salad into a wrap, that way you won't get bored with a salad everyday. Make up some veggies, carbs and meat and bring that in a tupperware container.

Will have to bring in wraps sometimes- that sounds good,

skinnyby31

Queenmunchy wrote: »

Make a soup, stew, or chili and freeze it in portions.

I also make homemade freezer burritos, portioned veggie/meatball nuggets in sauce, or even stuffed peppers to freeze.

Grab and go in the morning and it's filling and quick!

Never thought of freezing burritos- do you freeze the chicken/veg etc all in the wrap?

skinnyby31

PeachyPlum wrote: »

I make casseroles, etc... on the weekend and bring leftovers during the week.

This week it was Fiesta Enchilada Quinoa Bake and Mexican Sweet Potato and Chicken Casserole, both from Skinnytaste.com

I was SO excited for my lunch all morning.

They sound so tasty.

Queenmunchy

skinnyby31 wrote: »

Queenmunchy wrote: »

Make a soup, stew, or chili and freeze it in portions.

I also make homemade freezer burritos, portioned veggie/meatball nuggets in sauce, or even stuffed peppers to freeze.

Grab and go in the morning and it's filling and quick!

Never thought of freezing burritos- do you freeze the chicken/veg etc all in the wrap?

I sure do. I've made burritos that have pretty much any flavor combination from any cuisine. It's the perfect way to repurpose leftovers. Below are my more common burritos.

Breakfast burrito:
Sauté onion, pepper, mushroom, spinach. Chop 8 slices of bacon or sausage of choice and crisp/cook. Cook 8 scrambled eggs, and mix all cooled ingredients together. Lay out 8 large high fiber/low carb burritos (like La Tortilla Factory smart and delicious line or Ole Wellness High Fiber) – for gluten free, Aldi sells a 90 calorie GF tortilla. Divide mixture amongst 8 burritos, top each with 1oz cheese of choice, and roll into burritos, folding in the sides. Lay seam side down on cookie sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to labeled freezer bag. To serve, microwave wrapped in damp paper towel for 2-3 minutes until thawed or microwave until thawed and crisp in a pan or under the broiler. Options: add in cooked potatoes, vegetables to taste, sun dried tomatoes, jalapenos, hot sauce, or any other preferred fillings. Can substitute 2 egg whites for each whole egg.

Non-breakfast burrito:
Mix 2 cups of cooked rice, sautéed vegetables of choice, one can rinsed black beans, salsa (optional jalapeno, hot sauce, sofrito, corn, etc). Lay out 8 large high fiber/low carb burritos, divide, top each with 1oz cheese, roll, and freeze on cookie sheet. To serve, microwave wrapped in paper towel for 2-3 minutes until thawed or microwave until thawed and crisp in a pan or under a broiler. Options: replace some or all of the rice and beans with shredded cooked chicken/beef/pork or cooked ground meat.

Jani22

When I worked I'd take two eggs, beaten and seasoned with a little grated half fat cheddar in a jar and make an omelette in a microwaveable omelette maker and have it with salad. Or microwave half a butternut squash in its skin and have it with a little low fat cheese or canned tuna fish.

skinnyby31

Thanks everyone! And thanks queenmunchy for the recipes- will def try making them

mpat81

My fave thing this week is a whole wheat mini bagel with low fat cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, a tiny bit of red onion and some grapes alongside. It is so yummy. Not too many calories and very satisfying!