ITS LUNCH TIME!!!

PDR85

Lets face it, it is hard to be in the office around everyone bringing in takeout food for lunch. If you don't meal plan, you're gonna fail. But there's just something about eating copious amounts of chicken breast that really makes eating such a chore...

What is your go-to prepped meal to keep you sane throughout the work day?

quiksylver296

I cycle through different things.

I'm currently on a chicken wrap kick. I smoke chicken breasts on the smoker on Sunday. Each day slice one up, put in a tortilla with some romaine and a laughing cow pepper jack wedge. Yum.

janejellyroll

I usually eat leftovers from a previous night's dinner. I pack them up individually right after I make dinner so they're ready to grab in the AM. And since it is food I was excited about eating for dinner, I'm happy to have it for lunch. 100% chicken breast free, which is a plus (for me, people who enjoy chicken breast could easily make this plan work too).

PDR85

quiksylver296 wrote: »

I cycle through different things.

I'm currently on a chicken wrap kick. I smoke chicken breasts on the smoker on Sunday. Each day slice one up, put in a tortilla with some romaine and a laughing cow pepper jack wedge. Yum.

That sounds pretty dang good!

I normally do chicken thighs and make a huge batch of chicken and rice on Sundays. Lots of veggies in it, and usually can't get enough. This week I decided to try chicken breast and its so much more daunting... lol

PDR85

janejellyroll wrote: »

I usually eat leftovers from a previous night's dinner. I pack them up individually right after I make dinner so they're ready to grab in the AM. And since it is food I was excited about eating for dinner, I'm happy to have it for lunch. 100% chicken breast free, which is a plus (for me, people who enjoy chicken breast could easily make this plan work too).

I've found if I don't prep on Sunday, I will either not have food for leftovers or it ends up being something I wont eat... But I love the method and am glad it works for you! Would certainly change things up and keep tem more interesting!

Need2Exerc1se

Leftover jambalaya from dinner last night. Leftovers from dinner is the extent of my meal prepping.

PDR85

Need2Exerc1se wrote: »

Leftover jambalaya from dinner last night. Leftovers from dinner is the extent of my meal prepping.

OMG, I had forgotten about Jambalaya!! I ate it all the time growing up but haven't had it in years. I will have to make some soon!

jacqueline0821

I don't have the struggle of being around take out at lunch time. However, I always use to make a batch of something that would last me a few days when I was working. Now I have grape tomatoes sliced in half, avocado, mozzarella pearls with black pepper sprinkled on. In addition, I have some sliced cucumber with hummus, salami, and string cheese. I will probably get tired of it soon but I have been enjoying it.

laur357

I do different things each week. Taco salad, burrito bowls, hearty soups with lots of vegetables, protein pasta with chicken and roasted vegetables, chili, 'snack boxes' with hard boiled eggs, cheese, crackers, apple slices or berries, and a few nuts. I often freeze a portion or two so I can mix and match what builds up in my freezer for variety (labeled with the date and calories).

My boyfriend does the chicken/veggie/rice prep - we found that adding a little sauce and a variety of spice blends goes a long way towards making it more exciting. BBQ, teriyaki, curry simmer sauce, cajun seasoning, Old Bay.

Mikkimeow

Currently on coconut chicken with rice and veg kick! (daughter's Popsicle not included)

cwolfman13

Lots of different things...I'm not really on the whole chicken breast diet thing.

sardelsa

I'm not big on meal prep. Sometimes I make chicken or meatballs in bulk and freeze it for a rainy day, otherwise I just have leftovers or wing it.

strongwouldbenice

I usually just put together some crunchy raw veg, chickpeas or beans, flavoured tofu/tempeh/soy meats and maybe some hommus or something. If I have to cook too much I just avoid it so I much prefer things I can just throw together.

sbooth1367

I just began meal prepping about a month ago, and though a little time consuming, it pays off during the week. I keep my meals pretty simple: Skinless chicken thighs, Sweet potato, and broccoli, and throw in some Atlantic Cod, brown rice, and greens a couple times a week. Breakfast is usually 3 whole eggs, 3 whites, oatmeal, and a half English muffin.

whocares2018

I always prep at least two cups of brown rice for the work week sometimes more(only eating one cup per lunch).And I have been using Tyson grilled chicken strips with the rice. I do not microwave the chicken I heat them up in a pan keep them in the fridge. I don’t cook much but I have been trying a little here and there. I also like the tuna punches too! I eat those 2-3 per week!

KarenSmith2018

Normally cook off enough rice for 3 days and couscous for a couple the mix that with different veggies, roasted or steamed and a protein sauce. I add a dry rub to chicken to make it a bit more exciting or i tuna, salmon or cod to make sure i am getting in some omega 3 and 6 a couple of times a week. I sometimes make a batch of soup for the week or will bring wraps and chicken and veggies. I meal prep because i like to know what i am eating for the week and it helps with the food shopping.

Styggian

Mikkimeow wrote: »

Currently on coconut chicken with rice and veg kick! (daughter's Popsicle not included)

Wow your so organised, I need to sort my stuff out and become more professional like you, thanks for the insight

amgreenwell

I do a lot of crockpot/instant pot stuff. Today is beef chili and a dollop of sour cream. I mostly eat left overs from the night before. If I don't have leftovers I make sure I have plenty of salad mix and some protein to go with it.

Squish815

I have leftovers from dinner - means I don't have to make something 'extra' for lunch or eat the same thing all week.

JennJ323

I do the same thing Mon-Fri for lunch -- but each week is different. Here's a few ideas that I've done:

salad with pulled chicken
BLT wraps
pork tenderloin and roasted carrots
taco salad
baked chicken w/ different roasted veggies
chicken or egg salad with fruit & string cheese
stuffed peppers
meatballs and salad
ham or turkey sandwiches with fruit or carrots & string cheese

PDR85

Appreciate all the comments and suggestions, guys! Nice to hear what everyone else does.

Azercord

While chicken is a usual staple of my lunch is some form or fashion a must have is also a peanut butter and banana sandwich. I think I've had one every day for a year or two and still not tired of it.

LadyElectron

I usually don’t have leftovers to bring on days I work but I find that a lean cuisine plus a piece of fruit and or a yogurt is a very filling lunch and usually not too bad in the nutrition/calorie department and it is easy peasy. It’s a little processed sure but they are better than they were 10 years ago

YalithKBK

Mikkimeow wrote: »

Currently on coconut chicken with rice and veg kick! (daughter's Popsicle not included)

#Goals

seltzermint555

I actually go home for lunch every day because I work ~2 miles away and my husband works from home & cooks for us. Once a week I go out to lunch with my dad, since he's retired.

Occasionally though I do have a reason to eat lunch at my desk, and I usually bring egg salad or 1-2 boiled eggs and a ton of celery sticks, maybe some carrots and/or raisins. When we have work events there is usually a ton of leftover chicken or brisket and I'll bring a huge container of lettuce and some dressing and make a mean salad.

crystalewhite

Most of the time it is some sort of grilled or roasted chicken that has been cubed for easy eating, a sauce to keep it flavorful, some berries, a vegetable and some sort of crunchy salty carb.
Today it was grilled chicken breast with my homemade wing sauce (tomato paste and a whole bunch of hot sauce), blackberries, blueberries, radishes and a small bag of Sun Chips Original.

Cbean08

I get at least an hour lunch break, and we are encouraged to get out of work to get some fresh air and take some time for ourselves. So, I go out for lunch and it's nice to take the time to decompress and refresh for the rest of the day. I go to Whole Foods for the hot bar or another fast casual near by. Even then, my diet isn't exactly varied - usually chicken or fish, broccoli or brussel sprouts and maybe a bit of a baked potato. Or, I'll get some soup with a couple hard boiled eggs.

mlrtri

I cook chicken breast in the instapot over weekend and season with Greek seasoning. Then I shred some each day and put some Greek yogurt dressing on it. Makes a yummy chicken salad. I eat it on sliced cucumbers. I vary the sides each week. I almost always have blueberries since I read it helps prevent dementia Veggies and yogurt. Or celery and cheese spread (just a small amount but helps my cheese cravings).

PDR85

Cbean08 wrote: »

I get at least an hour lunch break, and we are encouraged to get out of work to get some fresh air and take some time for ourselves. So, I go out for lunch and it's nice to take the time to decompress and refresh for the rest of the day. I go to Whole Foods for the hot bar or another fast casual near by. Even then, my diet isn't exactly varied - usually chicken or fish, broccoli or brussel sprouts and maybe a bit of a baked potato. Or, I'll get some soup with a couple hard boiled eggs.

That is absolutely awesome... I get so much flack because I go to the gym every day for 30 minutes. Am usually right at an hour with eating a quick lunch afterwards, and my boss makes little snippy remarks ALL THE TIME... Glad to hear they encourage you to get out and enjoy life a bit!