Need lunch ideas for vegetarian that works from her car

AnnKolstad · May 2011

I am a vegetarian and recently started a job where I have a territory and work from my car. I do not have access to a microwave. I am struggling for lunch ideas...any help would be appreciated. I am contemplating eating small snacks every 2 hours and not focusing so much on the concept of lunch. Any thoughts? Thanks!

kioga86 · May 2011

Wraps are a great thing to throw in a cooler and eat on the go.
I personally love doing spinach and artichoke hummus with fresh spinach on a whole wheat wrap. Could jazz it up with some alfalfa sprouts or something too.

Firewhirrrl · May 2011

I travel daily, but not for work.
I pack a full ice chest each day.

I also always have a super great trail mix ( home mixed)
Also I always have dried fruit.

Ok so that's it for snacks.

To bring for lunch itself:

Tortillas with hummus and veggies.
Coleslaw
Eggs
Water ( and a protien drink packet from health food store)
Egg salad/ tofu salad sandwiches
Apples/ fresh fruit

A salad
Pasta salads
Potatoes

..... And on and on.:)

MB_Positif · May 2011

If you eat yogurt, I suggest a 6 to 8 ounce serving of plain nonfat greek yogurt with fresh berries and about 1/6 cup of muesli with a drizzle of honey if you like. You could keep it all cool in an insulated bag and mix it up on the go!

Firewhirrrl · May 2011

Also: epicurious.com has a lot of vegetarian foods that are good cold.
Just get a large cooler ( yes, I even use a full sized) and reusable refreezable ice packs. You will need large ones, they will last for over a day. Don't get small ice cubes sizes, they only last for an hour or two.

Lastly, soups can go into thermouses ( get a good one)
And a car adapter can make your cigarette lighter turn into a regular plug outlet. Microwave is bad idea, but smaller appliances such as a small plug in for making hot water could also reheat cold soup. I also have a plug in expresso machine...

.

It can be so easily done. Actually, there are car microwaves. Try searching online.:)

GeorgiaSlover · May 2011

I eat cold veggie soup from a can. haha I think it's yummy but you may not.... :P

pinkchick2006 · May 2011

Check out cleaneating. com! She has whole menus that are put in a cooler!! I dont think they are vegitarian but you could sub out some of the meat for other forms of protein and still get the same weight loss!

DonaGail · May 2011

I work out of a truck all day in a rural area and have learned to love cold chili, soup, etc.. Our vehicles dont have lighter
outlets so I either have to ask a customer if I can use their micro or eat it cold.
I pack a bunch of veggies and cut up fruit in zip lock bags and also bring an un-assembled sandwich. In the summer I freeze half a big plastic bottle and fill the rest with water or tea, this keeps everything chilled most of the day and I have cool liquids handy.
It kind of sucks but its do-able.
My problem is finding bathrooms!!
Good luck!
Dona

Firewhirrrl · May 2011

Dona:
Sorry, but I find your Plight wonderful and funny.

Great idea with freezing your water.
And I also live rural, so it's a wonderful thing with people being nice as they are..

Sorry bout the lack of a lighter.

lilmissy2 · May 2011

Hmm, what about:

Couscous, chickpeas, raw veg and lemon juice
Hommus with wholegrain crackers e.g. ryvita
Tofu salad
Baked beans and a bread roll
Boiled egg and tomato baguette
Rice and bean salad
Bagel with peanut butter

Just a few thoughts

milaxx · May 2011

It depends on how much you want to carry around with you. You could get a personal cooler and pack that. Also check out bento making sites. Don't worry about the cuteness factor, they are really good at suggestions for food on the go. Think also about what things could be frozen that will be thawed by lunch. A few I recall are: grapes & yogurts. Also wraps are always on the go food. You can put any type of food you like: roasted peppers, lettuces/greens, mushrooms, quinoa salad, tomatoes, etc.... any type of sandwich making. Also keep ziplocks of almonds and juice box size coconut water which also freezes well and will thaw throughout the day.