healthy lunch ideas besides salads

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Replies

  • PugBug20
    PugBug20 Posts: 55
    I know you said that you're tired of eating salad, but salad doesn't have to be boring. Instead of your typical garden salad, what about another kind of salad? Bean salads, chicken salads, tuna salads, quinoa salads, etc. are healthy, easy and fast to prepare, and can be eaten on the go. There are hundreds of recipes out there. Here are some of my personal favorites:

    -Avocado and Greek yogurt chicken salad: http://www.organizeyourselfskinny.com/2014/06/18/avocado-and-greek-yogurt-chicken-salad-no-mayonnaise/
    -Black bean quinoa salad: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/recipe-finder/cooking-with-quinoa/black-bean-quinoa-salad-with-basil-lemon-dressing-recipes
    -Fiesta bean salad: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2013/04/fiesta-bean-salad.html
    -Mediterranean chickpea salad: http://www.prevention.com/food/cook/20-low-calorie-salads-wont-leave-you-hungry?s=3
    -Tortellini salad: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/tortellini-pepperoncini-salad-10000001036181/
    -White bean tuna salad: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/white-bean-tuna-salad-recipe.html

    Other ideas:
    -2 tbsp of nut butter and fresh fruit slices (e.g., apples, bananas, strawberries, etc.) on whole-wheat bread

    -One serving of whole-wheat crackers (about 120 calories for most brands) with 1 oz of low-fat or fat-free cheese (calories depend on the kind of cheese you use) and 2 oz sliced turkey breast (60 - 80 calories for most brands). Just cut the meat and the cheese into bite-sized pieces and stack them on the crackers. It's like a healthy Lunchable for adults. You can also use turkey pepperoni instead of turkey breast, if you would like.

    Also, one of the most delicious wrap recipes:
    Spread 2 tbsp of hummus (60 - 80 calories for most brands) on a low-calorie tortilla (I like La Tortilla Factory's Extra Virgin Olive Oil SoftWraps, 100 calories per tortilla). Top with a handful of fresh basil (less than 1 calorie), 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (30 calories), 1/4 cup fat-free feta cheese (30 - 40 calories for most brands), and 4 or 5 sliced black olives (20 - 25 calories). That totals to about 250 - 275 calories depending on the brands you use. You can also add grilled chicken and/or other vegetables (e.g., onions, tomatoes, etc.).

    Best of luck!
  • rmp968
    rmp968 Posts: 5
    I was getting ready to ask the same question when I saw this post. There are so many good suggestions. Now i just have to make my list and do a little shopping. I do so much better if I plan ahead and have all my meals planned out for the week. Less tempting for me to grab something out of the snack machine at work.
  • kefryar
    kefryar Posts: 77 Member
    Look at ohsheglows.com
    She has a lot of amazing ideas for all meals, and it's all clean.
  • kittybitz79
    kittybitz79 Posts: 213
    Some items I do:

    Carrot top pesto with whole wheat noodles.
    Smoked brat with veggies.
    Stir fry (grilled chicken, red peppers and a can of chow mein veggies)
    Turkey jerky with carrot sticks
  • ivygirl1937
    ivygirl1937 Posts: 899 Member
    I try to eat really inexpensively, so I take a lot of soup. Depending on what kind you get, it's your protein and veggies and everything all in one and super fast to heat up and eat. :)
  • dakotababy
    dakotababy Posts: 2,407 Member
    I just had tuna salad with lettuce on a burrito wrap (or you could use pita...or bread). Along with sliced banana, strawberries with vanilla greek yogurt on top.

    It was amazing.
  • kasmamakas
    kasmamakas Posts: 1
    What a great idea. I have a tupperware microwave steamer sitting in my cabinet and I never know what to do with it. I am definitely going to try this. Thanks for the idea!
  • Amestris
    Amestris Posts: 152 Member
    I usually meal prep on Sundays. I plan my lunches around the concept of a protein, starch and green vegetable. So this weeks menu was spiced rubbed chicken thighs with mint parsley pesto, roasted sweet potatoes, and spinach. I hope that helps. :smile:
  • husseycd
    husseycd Posts: 814 Member
    How tiny is tiny? And can you keep/use a George Foreman at work? I'm not very good at prepping food ahead of time, so I cook at work. Chicken thighs and veggies (or fruit which I did today) make a great, low calorie lunch. Every once in a while I mix it up and have fish or sausages or something.
  • tracylbrown839
    tracylbrown839 Posts: 84 Member
    Tuna salad sandwich - tuna, grapes, apples, celery, mayo, in a pita. And soup. Tomato, spring veggie, mushroom.
    Egg salad - in pita or wrap (There are countless good soup and sandwich combinations)

    Left overs from dinner.

    Chicken and mango, red onion, - on a bed of greens (arugula and spinach is great) but since you don't want salad, you could serve with a side of rice with a few cashews. Fresh veggies and dip on the side. (Buy a prepared roasted chicken)

    Eggs/omelet if you are at home - with mushrooms, red and green peppers, cheese
  • amgreenwell
    amgreenwell Posts: 1,267 Member
    If you have time to cook on Sundays, cook a chicken and make lots of stuff out of it; chicken salad, chicken burritos, chicken soup, or just eat the legs cold (yummy) be sure to use the stock. Crock pot "anything" is easy and usually pretty healthy depending on the cut of meat you use. Throw in as many veggies and spices as you want and you'll be amazed how long that lasts for lunches.
    I also like to cook whole boxes of quinoa and cous cous. you can flavor them any way you like and they will last you one serving per day all week. be sure to pack a can of nuts or some fruit too.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    Most days I bring leftovers from last night's dinner.
  • lqichick
    lqichick Posts: 162 Member
    Bumping to try them later.

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