Looking for a lunchtime regular

GreyKnight120

Skipping lunch when I'm at work has been a problem at dinnertime where I'm most prone to over-eat, so I've been kind of looking for something that is fairly simple to make the night before (or on Sunday night that I can make for the entire week) that I can have for lunch on work days.

I'm leaning towards going to a Paleo (or mostly Paleo) diet as I continue to lose weight, so something that fits that criteria would be ideal, though not entirely necessary. I don't need a whole lot of variety and don't mind eating the same lunch day in and day out, but if there's a way to dress up a salad or wrap differently that may be a plus.

I also don't have a means of heating up food at work so it would need to be something cold (I don't have a fridge either but I normally have my lunch within 2-3 hours of arriving at work so it is often still cold from my insulated lunch bag).

I have been considering cooking extra chicken on the grill on Sunday nights and using this for salads and wraps, but I'm not sure what sort of other ingredients might work with that that are healthy, tasty, and in particular filling! I'm very open to suggestions and ideas.

melodicraven

The chicken idea is great. Just pair that with a big, leafy green salad and you're good to go. And there are lots of different ways to dress up your salads. I found this online and thought it was pretty neat.

GreyKnight120

Oooh, awesome!! I just got back from the grocery store and picked up broccoli and cilantro, but I'm going to vary things up probably from week to week. Mushrooms and onions are two of my favorites too! Thank you for this!!

memawwheeler

I like to use a lunch crockpot if I want something hot. Picked one up at Target for about $15. I just put in my leftovers or precooked foods like canned soups (have even put lean cuisine frozen dinners in it) and plug it in at my desk. It is always piping hot by lunch.

ModernRock

There are, of course, containers that will keep your food hot. Thermos makes a few, and expect to pay $20+ for a decent one with double insulated vacuum sealed walls. Moist food that fills the container will stay hot longer, such as soups, stews, casserole, and anything with a sauce. Preheat the container with hot water from the tap, close it, and let it warm up while heating the food in a microwave or small saucepan. Pour the water out as soon as the food is hot and then carefully fill up the container with the desired portion. This method will result in steaming hot food for hours.

Queenmunchy

ModernRock wrote: »

There are, of course, containers that will keep your food hot. Thermos makes a few, and expect to pay $20+ for a decent one with double insulated vacuum sealed walls. Moist food that fills the container will stay hot longer, such as soups, stews, casserole, and anything with a sauce. Preheat the container with hot water from the tap, close it, and let it warm up while heating the food in a microwave or small saucepan. Pour the water out as soon as the food is hot and then carefully fill up the container with the desired portion. This method will result in steaming hot food for hours.

This is what I do to send my daughter to school with hot food. She loves chili

LadyMcClure

I eat the same thing every day. Tastes good hot or cold.

4 or 5 oz of chicken
130 grams pinto beans
85 grams of broccoli

All seasoned with only salt, pepper, and garlic powder. YUM!

Nutrition:
Calories = 243
Fat = 3 g
Protein = 30 g
Carbs = 22 g
Fiber = 9 g
Sugar = 2 g

I don't get bored with food easily so I've been eating some variation of this (change pinto to black beans or broccoli to green beans) for months.

Late afternoon snack: 2 oz of homemade beef jerky or 0.75 oz of almonds.

DawnEmbers

If you check out the Bento thread, you might see some good suggestions too. Often times I don't heat up mine even though some of the containers are able to be microwaved with the lids off. It's a fun way to do portion controlled lunches.

GreyKnight120

UPDATE:

On Saturday we went grocery shopping and in addition to the usual foodstuff items, we bought 10 smallish Tupperware containers.

Sunday evening I grilled up some chicken and made a huge bowl of salad with kale, baby spinach, cilantro (love the flavor and put this on so much stuff), mushrooms, chopped onion, avocado, and added beet chips, lightly salted dried edamame, and cashews for crunch. As it turns out the beet chips got a bit soggy so I may replace those with additional nuts next week. Then I took this huge salad and divided it evenly into the 10 Tupperware containers and after the chicken cooled I added it to each one on the top. So effectively took care of 5 days of lunch for my wife and I in one shot - hers were sans avocado and cilantro however.

We also have these cute little salad dressing dispensers: http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/SNm8kSSuW_WhNawkhhKX_Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYwMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/03358c6cb2a4b01f5c0f6a706700a1e9.jpg

So I put a teaspoon of EVOO and a couple tablespoons of whatever vinegar I'm in the mood for (yesterday it was balsamic, today is red wine vinegar). Then I just mix in the dressing when I'm ready to eat so the salad isn't sitting in there getting soggy all week.

The whole thing for a day is under 300 calories and today I had the notion to bring a tortilla shell and make a sort of wrap out of part of it.

Next week I think I might leave off the beet chips and add tomato and cucumber. There's so many great ways to play around with this so that from week to week it's not the same exact thing.

I appreciate all of the other suggestions given as well. With the weather getting colder I may consider investing in a good thermos or two and making soups in the morning or even the night before in the slow cooker. Thank you!!

QUICK EDIT: I just took a look - the salad is 322 calories. Adding the wheat tortilla added another 130 calories to bring it up to 452. Still worth it in my book.

Emily3907

That salad guide is awesome! I struggle with coming up with salad ideas and usually don't eat salads because they are too boring, but that is great!

mfchilambi

Melodicraven...the salads chart is awesome....is it possible for you to send me that chart via email(mfchilambi@yahoo.com). I would want to print that...it will help me so much

melodicraven

mfchilambi wrote: »

Melodicraven...the salads chart is awesome....is it possible for you to send me that chart via email(mfchilambi@yahoo.com). I would want to print that...it will help me so much

Emailed it to you.

dawnmcneil10

I like to make up what I call a picnic lunch on occasion for a change of pace and it might work for you too. A hard boiled egg, grapes, cheese, veggies and dip (usually plain greek yogurt and spices), ham and/or turkey roll ups and almonds.

Frideee

You know I have a Bento box for my 9 year old but never thought of getting one for myself until now. Usually I send him with a sandwich, some grapes and a goodie. I could get the same box for me and pack some chicken, fruit and a mini goodie. I often find that if I bring my lunch it seems boring compared to what I could buy but I think if I do a bento box I can have a little of everything to make it more appetizing.

Thanks for the idea.

BarbieAS

I eat a salad for lunch at work almost every single day. I tend to eat the same thing for a week or so then switch. I do my non-creamy dressings 2-3 parts acid to 1 part oil.

Some of my favorites (any work with almost any protein - chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon for some better than others, etc - or no protein at all, and all with whatever greens and additional vegetables strike your fancy):

Green apple/goat cheese/balsamic (regular or white) vinegar and herbed olive oil. (You can add candied nuts and/or dried cherries and/or avocado to this, too, but I usually only pick one to keep calories down.) I sometimes add asparagus and/or cucumbers to this, too.

Same as above but swap the apple for roasted corn and use slivered almonds and honey mustard vinaigrette. Better with ALL the add-ins .

Roasted corn/black beans/avocado/diced bell pepper and onion (sauteed or raw)/shredded cheddar or jack/cilantro/salsa/ranch if the salsa isn't enough dressing for you

Gorgonzola/walnuts/diced red onion/apple chips/white balsamic vinegar and olive oil of your choice

Thinly sliced raw jalapenos and red onions/cucumbers/lots of cilantro/lime juice/ranch dressing

Blue cheese/tomatoes/scallions/cucumbers/bacon/small cooked pasta if you want/dressing of your choice (works with nearly anything)

Cheddar cheese/bacon/cucumbers/spicy ranch

Quinoa/kalamata olives/asparagus/goat or feta cheese/lemon vinaigrette

Napa cabbage/red bell pepper/scallions/toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and ramen noodles/Asian-style dressing of your choice

Fresh mozzarella/tomatoes/basil/salami if you want/any kind of vinaigrette

I should probably stop there...I could go on nearly forever, and plus I'm making myself hungry and it's still a couple of hours til lunch!

Frideee

BarbieAS wrote: »

I eat a salad for lunch at work almost every single day. I tend to eat the same thing for a week or so then switch. I do my non-creamy dressings 2-3 parts acid to 1 part oil.

Some of my favorites (any work with almost any protein - chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon for some better than others, etc - or no protein at all, and all with whatever greens and additional vegetables strike your fancy):

Green apple/goat cheese/balsamic (regular or white) vinegar and herbed olive oil. (You can add candied nuts and/or dried cherries and/or avocado to this, too, but I usually only pick one to keep calories down.) I sometimes add asparagus and/or cucumbers to this, too.

Same as above but swap the apple for roasted corn and use slivered almonds and honey mustard vinaigrette. Better with ALL the add-ins .

Roasted corn/black beans/avocado/diced bell pepper and onion (sauteed or raw)/shredded cheddar or jack/cilantro/salsa/ranch if the salsa isn't enough dressing for you

Gorgonzola/walnuts/diced red onion/apple chips/white balsamic vinegar and olive oil of your choice

Thinly sliced raw jalapenos and red onions/cucumbers/lots of cilantro/lime juice/ranch dressing

Blue cheese/tomatoes/scallions/cucumbers/bacon/small cooked pasta if you want/dressing of your choice (works with nearly anything)

Cheddar cheese/bacon/cucumbers/spicy ranch

Quinoa/kalamata olives/asparagus/goat or feta cheese/lemon vinaigrette

Napa cabbage/red bell pepper/scallions/toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and ramen noodles/Asian-style dressing of your choice

Fresh mozzarella/tomatoes/basil/salami if you want/any kind of vinaigrette

I should probably stop there...I could go on nearly forever, and plus I'm making myself hungry and it's still a couple of hours til lunch!

Wow, that all sounds so good.

MsJulesRenee

^^ ALL of those sound amazing! I never thought of using salsa as a dressing.

Op, I use cottage cheese as the dressing. Protein and it's good on salads with fruit (blueberries, raspberries and strawberries with chicken). Just make sure you add it right before you eat or it makes everything soggy. I also use tuna instead of chicken sometimes in my salads- those individual flavored packets.

You can make stuffed tomatoes, get a big one or a couple small ones, mix the tuna with a little mayo and anything else you like (I sometimes add dill weed or mustard, pickle juice/relish) and stuff the tomato with it. Easy and cold.

I throw a small bag of ice in my lunchbox and it stays cold all day.

ekat120

MsJulesRenee wrote: »

^^ ALL of those sound amazing! I never thought of using salsa as a dressing.

Op, I use cottage cheese as the dressing. Protein and it's good on salads with fruit (blueberries, raspberries and strawberries with chicken). Just make sure you add it right before you eat or it makes everything soggy. I also use tuna instead of chicken sometimes in my salads- those individual flavored packets.

You can make stuffed tomatoes, get a big one or a couple small ones, mix the tuna with a little mayo and anything else you like (I sometimes add dill weed or mustard, pickle juice/relish) and stuff the tomato with it. Easy and cold.

I throw a small bag of ice in my lunchbox and it stays cold all day.

You should mix the salsa with your cottage cheese. Yummmm

randomsue

I use salsa as salad dressing all the time. There's alot of choices out there, peach/mango, blackbean corn, etc and it adds flavor. Try mason jar salads. You can make it ahead of time and if nothing else, there's alot of great salad ideas out there. You reminded me how I need to get back to doing this. Thanks!

trisH_7183

You might prefer cherry tomatoes added to salad. They don't get soggy.Hard boiled egg adds flavor.
You can add berries to a salad,with a poppy seed dressing. Lots of ideas out there.

MsJulesRenee

ekat120 wrote: »

MsJulesRenee wrote: »

^^ ALL of those sound amazing! I never thought of using salsa as a dressing.

Op, I use cottage cheese as the dressing. Protein and it's good on salads with fruit (blueberries, raspberries and strawberries with chicken). Just make sure you add it right before you eat or it makes everything soggy. I also use tuna instead of chicken sometimes in my salads- those individual flavored packets.

You can make stuffed tomatoes, get a big one or a couple small ones, mix the tuna with a little mayo and anything else you like (I sometimes add dill weed or mustard, pickle juice/relish) and stuff the tomato with it. Easy and cold.

I throw a small bag of ice in my lunchbox and it stays cold all day.

You should mix the salsa with your cottage cheese. Yummmm

I make that to dip Doritos in So good

ariffianti

Thank for sharing the "salad guide "

mpat81

dawnmcneil10 wrote: »

I like to make up what I call a picnic lunch on occasion for a change of pace and it might work for you too. A hard boiled egg, grapes, cheese, veggies and dip (usually plain greek yogurt and spices), ham and/or turkey roll ups and almonds.

This is basically what I do too. Last week it was rolled turkey slices, green grapes, everything bagel chips, a wedge of laughing cow and unsweetened iced tea. I have an open diary and My lunches are usually cold and under 300 calories. Add me if you like!

BarbieAS

MsJulesRenee wrote: »

ekat120 wrote: »

MsJulesRenee wrote: »

^^ ALL of those sound amazing! I never thought of using salsa as a dressing.

Op, I use cottage cheese as the dressing. Protein and it's good on salads with fruit (blueberries, raspberries and strawberries with chicken). Just make sure you add it right before you eat or it makes everything soggy. I also use tuna instead of chicken sometimes in my salads- those individual flavored packets.

You can make stuffed tomatoes, get a big one or a couple small ones, mix the tuna with a little mayo and anything else you like (I sometimes add dill weed or mustard, pickle juice/relish) and stuff the tomato with it. Easy and cold.

I throw a small bag of ice in my lunchbox and it stays cold all day.

You should mix the salsa with your cottage cheese. Yummmm

I make that to dip Doritos in So good

I love it!! I seriously I thought I was the ONLY person who liked salsa mixed with cottage cheese and who liked to dip Doritos into cottage cheese. Amazing! Ha .

helenja86

I make a 'sandwich filling' eg: tuna with Greek yoghurt and spring onion, then bring baby Gem lettuce separately. I use the lettuce as a wrap/ scoop. I also do this with chilli: delicious!

gramacanada

I use broken up corn chips ot the like for more crunch. I pack them seperately and add them just before I eat. No sog.

ekat120

BarbieAS wrote: »

MsJulesRenee wrote: »

ekat120 wrote: »

MsJulesRenee wrote: »

^^ ALL of those sound amazing! I never thought of using salsa as a dressing.

Op, I use cottage cheese as the dressing. Protein and it's good on salads with fruit (blueberries, raspberries and strawberries with chicken). Just make sure you add it right before you eat or it makes everything soggy. I also use tuna instead of chicken sometimes in my salads- those individual flavored packets.

You can make stuffed tomatoes, get a big one or a couple small ones, mix the tuna with a little mayo and anything else you like (I sometimes add dill weed or mustard, pickle juice/relish) and stuff the tomato with it. Easy and cold.

I throw a small bag of ice in my lunchbox and it stays cold all day.

You should mix the salsa with your cottage cheese. Yummmm

I make that to dip Doritos in So good

I love it!! I seriously I thought I was the ONLY person who liked salsa mixed with cottage cheese and who liked to dip Doritos into cottage cheese. Amazing! Ha .

Well now I need to go get some Doritos...

123juliaj123

lots of helpful ideas here thanks everyone, Im going to buy bacon tommorow grill it and snip it up to add to salad..never thought of using it in salad til now

My usual lunch is hard boiled egg/cottage cheese and mixed up salad Im aware I eat too many eggs so bacon will make a tasty change.

salsa also a handy idea I will try out tommorow

vicky1947mfp

Bookmarked this. So many good ideas for lunch and I am retired and eat at home 98% of the time.

funjen1972

I have a remedy for soggy beet chips...or any other crispy item. I put them in either a snack size sandwich bag or a to-go dressing cup (also known as a jello shot cup!). These go right into the larger salad container.

I often will have 3 or 4 mini cups in each salad. I'll reuse the cups with dry ingredients so there isn't as much waste. They're great for a single serving of hummus, too!

GreyKnight120

There's a lot of really great suggestions here!! I've been sticking to salads for lunch and it's been working pretty well. I'll be weaving in some of the suggestions to change things up from week to week. After a few weeks I've been changing the salad up from week to week on the same canvas of kale and spinach - last week's had tomatoes and cucumber and hard boiled eggs, this week we had extra cucumber but no more tomatoes so I left that out and added some cilantro to flavor it.

I really like the idea of stuffing tuna into tomatoes as well. I'm probably going to give that a shot when I need to change things up! I've also been exploring other things to use instead of mayo with tuna, so a tomato stuffed with tuna and guacamole or hummus actually sounds delightful!

I've pretty much left the EVOO out entirely lately. It was to the point where it was so minimal and I prefer the bite of the vinegar anyway that it just wasn't worth the calories that it brought to the table.

Moreover we bought a blender this past week so I'm going to be experimenting a bit with making my own salsa, and with using this as a topper as well! I go back and forth with using the wrap or just eating it as a salad. Even though it's the same thing, the wrap sometimes changes it enough to feel 'different' from day to day instead of the same meal all week long.

Thanks again for all the wonderful lunchtime suggestions!