Lunch Options for Work

oouurr__aayylleeyycan

Hi,

I was wondering what people took to work for lunch when dieting - I've been having soups and low fat snacks but finding that I'm nowhere near my calorie levels by doing so. I want to continue eating healthy but at the same have something more substantial that isn't too inconvenient for work.

We don't have a cooker or oven in the office either - just hot water and a microwave so needs to be something I can make quickly at home the night before and refrigerate or can microwave.

I'm trying to avoid starchy carbs too. Any ideas would be great!!

Thanks

akadrea

A lot of times I'll take leftovers from a low cal dinner. I usually make enough for leftovers and I'll weigh them out and stick them in the freezer for a quick grab and go meal. I just have to heat it up in the microwave. I'll also bring yogurt, fruit, cottage cheese. I have a little cooler bag that I picked up at Target that I keep my stuff cold in.

(curry chicken in crockpot with curry quinoa, balsamic chicken in crockpot with noodles and spaghetti squashi, taco salad, salad with grilled chicken)

Pocket_Pixi

Veggies, cheese, fruit, yogurt, left overs from the night before or one of the pre-made frozen meals I have in the freezer, oatmeal, Hard boild eggs are good too. I basically bring anything that really isn't nailed down. All I have is a microwave but its more than enough.

tiffastar

I make turkey sandwhiches the night before and also using my Target Cooler bag, bring them into work all week. I don't mind eating the same thing each day. Watch for healthy bread of course and low sodium turkey slices. Add tomato and mustard. If you have a microwave, Amy's Light and Lean are excellent meals.

Tracey_Smith

Today I had 150gs Fage 0% fat free yoghurt, 1 tbs peanut butter (crunchy), 1 scoop chocolate protein shake mixed together then topped with 10 chopped almonds. low calorie, low carb, very filling and totally delicious.

Kmm5062

This Sunday i made turkey chili in the slow cooker and brought it in for lunch. I store leftovers in lunch size portions so i can grab it on my way out the door. I'm also a big fan of string cheese and oranges for a snack.

ScarletFyre

BUMP - i need suggestions in this area too!

auroranflash

I'm kinda proud of myself - made baked chicken drumsticks last night in the oven, then had romaine lettuce and took the leaves, set them out like little boats, and filled them with chopped tomato, onion, bell pepper, mushroom, and sliced cucumber and a little Cacique queso fresco. Like little salad boats that don't really need dressing because the queso fresco is tangy and creamy.

Brought extra of all the veggies and 2 romaine leaves and 2 drumsticks to work for lunch today. Low-carb and can't be more than 350 calories, and tons of fiber and protein. If you can ever make extra for dinner, it's the best way to guarantee lunch. I don't really have time otherwise, and end up opting for either a can of Progresso/Healthy Choice soup, or Chick-Fil-A's Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad (220 cals and AMAZING). Otherwise it's Subway, or I'll get a Wendy's Chili with lots of protein/fiber.

I'm thinking if I cut some carbs out, I will start feeling better and seeing improvements. I'm a bread fiend, so planning is definitely key...

oneIT

I make chicken and veggies or some red meat. I also do Tuna or turkey sandwiches. I also do PB&J when I have nothing else.

I prepare food a few days in advance and stick in fridge!

anacsitham5

I found soups to be too high in sodium, not that I never have some but usually only once a month. Frozen entrees are the same thing. Such a small portion and so much fat and calories in them. I can eat more and enjoy it more if I pack my own lunch. I like to have wraps. You can put anything in them. Flat outs are the best. I also like to have a HUGE salad with diced chicken or fat free turkey franks (sliced). I don't normally like salads so I put everything in them...banana peppers for a kick, fat free cheese, tomatoes, celery, green peppers. I just change it up. I also have fat free turkey franks with banana peppers and fat free cheese with hot chilli sauce. Snack time is usually special K chips or orville redenbachers 94% fat free kettle popcorn. It's worked for me, I'm down 51 pounds and from a size 14 to a 2. Play around a bit. You will find something you love. When I'm in a bind and don't have time to make my lunch and supper (work back to back jobs) I will do an oven roasted chicken breast with lettuce, tomato, green peppers and banana peppers with a little hot sauce. No cheese, no other dressing.

meggersd

pita and hummus, pita and tazatki or veggies and hummus and tzatsiki tuna and salad

joeylu

I love morning star black bean soy burgers on deli flats. I also stock up on green giants veggies in sauce. Also try morning stars corn dogs they are great too. You can also bring left over dinner to work too

nikki778

Leftovers is the best.
quick easy salads with tuna/salmon/chicken
Turkey sandwiches
fruits, yogurts
nuts & cheese

I personally snack all day on fruits yogurts b/c at work it gets so busy & Im usually too stressed to sit & enjoy a mini meal like a human, so I love PB on bread with banana to help carb hunger & give me a boost.
Quick & easy.

littlecrystal

My favourite lunch options:
Tin of tuna, 50g of pasta, whole cucumber – all mixed into salad
Or
120g smoked salmon, 150g boiled new potatoes, dills on top – all mixed into salad
Or
2 slices of wholemeal bread, 1 tbs of peanut butter, one banana – all made into sandwich
Or
As sad as it sounds, leftover from kids dinner, something like 50g of brown rice+a bit of stewed beef+veggie
I am trying to keep my lunch within 400kcal.

AmberJslimsAWAY

I usually take what I made for dinner for lunch the next day. If I don't have enough then I make a salad with an egg or two for protein.

Laurayinz

I make lunchmeat sandwiches most of the time, usually on a multi-grain sandwich thin roll. Today it's roast beef & provolone, some lettuce and mustard. That and a piece of fruit, maybe some veggie straws as a snack, and I'm good. I have a fridge but don't use it. I just use an insulated lunch bag at my desk. If you need it to be really cold you could get one of those little block things that go in the freezer.

vim_n_vigor

On Sunday, I will grill up some meat (chicken breasts, fish, ground chicken or ground turkey) with some veggies, barley, rice. I portion that into the proper size for the calories I need, and then freeze them. I take them into the office and microwave them when ready. I don't need a refrigerator since they take so long to thaw. I also know exactly what is going into my food.

TwinMumCork

I make soups and bring them and heat in the oven or bulgar wheat salad is one of my favs, roast some veg in the oven and a chicken breast and make up the bulgar wheat with a tsp of veg bouillion powder. mix all together when veg cooked.

I always have a stock of tinned tuna or mackeral in my drawer t work and some ryvita just in case I am stuck or don't like what I brought in.

We only have a microwave and kettle too.

eeebee

1/2 Brown rice and 1/2 steamed green beans or any steamed veg = good base for any stews, casseroles, curries or similar which you can make at home (low fat, low calorie versions) and simply re-heat at work.

Not too carby and also very filling.

stylistchik

I hate reheating stuff in the microwave so I typically bring fruit or clif bars for snacks and a cold salad for lunch. I always add rice or quinoa and beans and extra veggies to bulk up the salad and make it filling. I make a big batch of rice/beans on thw weekend and chop up veggies that need it so each day I can throw together a lunch in about 2 minutes.

desirae500

I take left overs or frozen lunches (like lean cuisine). I also love turkey wraps. Just pack some turkey, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes. When ready wrap it all in a small tortilla. Depending on your calorie count you can add a little cheese or avocado. I use vinegar, no-fat dressings or lemon juice. There are also little salad containers you can buy that keep salad and dressing apart until ready.

Fruit and nuts are my snacks.

Subway wraps or salads can be picked up in the morning. Otherwise, I prepare my lunch at night and set the lunch bag in the frig. In the morning I just put an ice pack in and go!

Good luck!

cramernh

Hi,

I was wondering what people took to work for lunch when dieting - I've been having soups and low fat snacks but finding that I'm nowhere near my calorie levels by doing so. I want to continue eating healthy but at the same have something more substantial that isn't too inconvenient for work.

We don't have a cooker or oven in the office either - just hot water and a microwave so needs to be something I can make quickly at home the night before and refrigerate or can microwave.

I'm trying to avoid starchy carbs too. Any ideas would be great!!

Thanks

First things first... youre not supposed to be dieting... lol

Meal planning ahead is a big thing for us. Last night I cooked up some gorgeous split chicken breasts.. I plan on pulling the meat and two of those breasts are going to be for shredded chicken quesadillas, so Ill pack my low carb pita pocket, a hefty portion of chicken, 1oz of shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions and peppers - just heat it up in the microwave. Ill also bring a soup that is vegetable-based, and I always pack extra proteins and veggies on the side for a salad.

The other chicken meat will be used for a parmesan dish, sautee up some courgettes, onions and mushrooms with garlic and wine - perfect meal for lunch the next day.

You just have to put forth the effort and get creative....

Nalgh94

Usually it's salad or low sodium soup with rye crackers, lately I've been addicted to Quinoa salad. Occasionally I'll get lazy and just bring in one of the Lean Cuisine frozen dinners (always below 300cal). For snacks it's usually greek yogurt, almonds, berries and/or Quacker's mini crisps which are a very good substitute for a bag of chips. I usually count 12-15 mini rice cakes and put them in a bag.

Godsheart01

When I bring soup, I usually bring a half of a turkey and cheese sandwich with a slice of tomato and a leaf of romain. Use mustard instead of mayo or use a soy base sandwich spread if you don't like mustard. For a snack I will bring a few nuts, a piece of fruit or a protein bar. Also you can have 5-6 whole grain crackers with peanut butter for a snack. The protein will keep you feeling full longer and doesn't pack on the pounds, but gives you the good calories you need.

Hope this helps.

Pat

GorillaNJ

For a while I was having Tuna and Humus sandwiches on whole grain bread and a Greek yogurt. Lots of protein and quite filling too.

Lately thought I make a small salad and put it in a large ziploc sandwich bag, with cut up turkey and swiss rolls. I keep a bowl and a couple of salad dressings in the office. Still my Greek yogurt too... I love that stuff.

jlc1243

Today I had 150gs Fage 0% fat free yoghurt, 1 tbs peanut butter (crunchy), 1 scoop chocolate protein shake mixed together then topped with 10 chopped almonds. low calorie, low carb, very filling and totally delicious.

Great idea! Have to try this!

HauteP1nk

For my main I sometimes have soup (with some type of protein in it), a turkey chili, a mixed salad with grilled chicken, or a hard boiled egg, with vegetables, yogurt and fruit.

I also love to make some Tomato/Cucumber salad as well but ensure that I have a protein on the side.

I cut up all my veggies on Sunday and prepackage them so I can just get up, grab a bag of veggies and go....also helps when I am cooking dinner at night too as I don't need to worry about cutting the veggies up...I can just grab them and throw them into whatever I have decided to cook.

Vegetables that I snack on are carrots, celery, red/green/orange/yellow peppers, cucumber, tomato, etc.

knowwhentoshutup

I like recipe magazines like Healthy Cooking/Taste of Home (or their website), www.SkinnyTaste.com, and http://kitchen-parade-veggieventure.blogspot.com/

Some of my go-to lunches are planned left-overs from dinners, the one point lunch (old points from Veggie Venture) which includes all the veggies you want, with a serving of cottage cheese and a can of green beans, and whole wheat pita pockets stuffed with a little protein (like tuna, chicken, turkey, egg) etc.

I usually make a soup for lunches at home, and many are really easy and have WAY less sodium than canned soups in the store. On days that we have soup (this week the soup is an Italian Veggie Soup with only 56 calories per serving) and I am afraid it isn't enough - I plan for small snacks every 2 hours or so, like fruit with yogurt, veggies with peanut butter, hard boiled eggs, etc. to boost my nutritional values and keep me full.

Today is the Mexican Shrimp Cobb Salad from Skinny Taste.com, left overs re-portioned for lunch after last nights dinner.

ymvestal

I grill chicken tenderloins with rosemary and garlic on my George Foreman grill on Sundays. I make enough to weigh out 5 - 4 ozs servings. Then I cut up celery or cucumbers and an apple or peel an orange or grapefruit. I also sneak in a weight watcher cheese stick, sometimes colby/jack sometimes string, sometimes cheddar. This makes for a filling lunch and healthy. And I never use the microwave, i just eat my chicken cold.

kellyh2

I like either leftovers from my low cal dinners or I eat weightwatchers microwave meals as they are easy to track calories while eating something yummy/healthy.

tamheath

Making soups at home to have here and there through the week is a help, too. I love soup when it's cold, but canned soups are so high in sodium. Google weight watchers soup, fat burner soup or taco soup. Lots of good ideas out there for soups to just reheat in microwave.