What's your favorite thing to "brown-bag" for lunch?

xlolitabandita

I'm totally bored of my usual things I take to work, so give me some ideas by telling me what you pack in your lunch box. =]

Today I'm thinking of using all of my left over fruits in a fruit salad and packing some peanutbutter and greek yogurt for dipping, and maybe some nuts and cheese.

MsNewBooty83

those sall 85g tins of flavored tunas with 2 ryvita crackers (i eat that every single day of my life, lol), a whole small avacado and an apple

jocelynna

I just take leftovers from dinner the night before. Just make sure you make enough so that you have some to take (assuming you have access to a microwave).

xlolitabandita

Sounds yummmay, but I'm a vegetarian so i can't eat tuna anymore. I'm def running out of meat free ideas that I can pack. Dinners at home are easy, I just don't have a good way to heat up food at work. maybe some egg salad could work though! Thanks. =]

xlolitabandita

I just take leftovers from dinner the night before. Just make sure you make enough so that you have some to take (assuming you have access to a microwave).

Nope, no microwave. =[

RemingtonFae

I am a sucker for spicy food..

Slice up some red onion, peppers (I use jalapeno or habanero, but bell or poblano are good), get some black beans and corn, chunk up an avocado or three.. mix it all together with lime juice (and oil if you want). You can put tomatoes or tofu in it, season it however you want.. heat it up or put it over rice or on a tortilla..

also (http://ohsheglows.com/2011/10/24/black-bean-and-butternut-squash-burritos/) these are good for brown bagging, and have lots of protein which is hard when you go veg.

916lude

Some homemade hummus, a pita, and a bunch of veggies to pack in.

Yogurt, peanut butter, honey and apple slices

Cucumber and tomato slices with soy sauce and garlic..

mmessinger0718

Raw brocolli, sliced cucumbers, sweet bell peppers with a spicy italian dressing YUM YUM.

OR spinach with a serving of fritos and salsa on top.

jgic2009

I am LOVING this salad for lunches this week:

http://cookieandkate.com/2011/vegetarian-soba-noodles-recipe/

janiceover

chunk light tuna (water packed) with tbsp of olive oil & tbsp of balsamic vinegarette....add a bit of pepper...and voila...a delicious, healthy lunch to go!

AlyRoseNYC

I usually take leftovers or a salami and cheese sandwich on Wonder bread.

Wendy7605

I took this idea from another website and have it quite often. 3 oz of sliced turkey or chicken, one ounce of low fat cheese (I buy Swiss), one piece of fruit, handful of almonds (approx. 12), and a water. If I'm having a hungry day, I'll slice tomato and cukes and eat plain or with a little low fat dressing.. All healthy and holds me until dinner.

metzica

This week I've been eating sandwiches on bagel thins with special K cracker chips sour cream and onion (27 chips for 110 cal)

mjsunshine16

leftovers, pb&j, hummus, carrots, pita chips, soup, mini bagel with skinny cow cheese, fruit, multiple containers of veggies I can heat up

xlolitabandita

Thanks guys! i have a few good ideas now. =]

skirtlongjacket

Olive Oil Roasted Tomatoes and Fennel with White Beans. Roasted tomatoes are way up there on the favorite things list. The beans give it enough bulk to be substantial. It's decent cold. Vegan and delicious, link to the recipe below:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Olive-Oil-Roasted-Tomatoes-and-Fennel-with-White-Beans-360271

RAWBMEOW

I bring trader joes pre made salads, you just need to be careful because some of them are super high in calories. I also like to steam cauliflower the night before and eat that too!

ekloretto

My most "go to" is Peanut butter on a rice cake. Eat it with whatever fruit/veg I have (typically berries, carrots, or right now lots of cherries) and a string cheese.

bringit30

I make a salad for lunch that includes spinich, green onions, feta cheese, blueberries and caesar dressing.

TKHappy

My diary is open and I am notorious for brown bagging it!! I'm a vegetarian and I hardly ever bring something that requires a microwave!! For me its a lot of fruit and veggies, hummus, cheese, leftovers that I don't mind eating cold...today I ate Black Bean Meatballs cold...soooo yummy!

thebuz

This is a favorite of mine and it's so flavorful and easy to make ahead of time and package up for the week. The only thing I would mention is that I find it's more like 4 servings than 8 if you are having this for lunch. I sometimes add water chestnuts and/or corn if I want to beef it up.


Herbed Rice and Spicy Black Bean Salad

By: Kelly Belli

"Delicious fresh herbs and a blend of peppers make this a fresh, light, and healthy dish that can be a side or a main course. My family loves this on warm summer nights."

Prep Time:
45 Min

Ready In:
55 Min

Original Recipe Yield 8 servings

Ingredients
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups cold, cooked white rice
1 (14 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 (4 ounce) can chopped black olives
3 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions
1. Make a seasoning by mixing together the basil, thyme, parsley, cilantro, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl.
2. Gently mix together the rice, black beans, celery, olives, and green onions in a large bowl. Season the rice mixture with 1 teaspoon of the seasoning.
3. Make a dressing by whisking the vinegar and olive oil with the seasoning; allow to rest for 10 minutes. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture; stir to combine.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 185 | Total Fat: 8.8g | Cholesterol: 0mgPowered by ESHA Nutrient Database

Brengild

I dont know how to link but google " salad in a jar" . Caprese salad is my new fav!

BeetleChe13

Greek yogurt w/fresh fruit and sunflower seeds
Celery and peanut butter (or celery with cream cheese and raisins, like today)
Salads
String cheese
"Trail mix" of sunflower and pumpkin seeds, cashews, almonds, and raisins
Tuna and wasa bread

tamarab19

On the weekends, I cook a big pot of lentil soup and have the leftovers for lunch during the week. It works really well, because the flavors have an opportunity to marry and it provides all of the fiber and protein that you need. In addition, I also pack a container and greek yogurt and fresh fruits. I sprinkle a little truvia to sweeten the fruit, put this snack keeps me full for a couple of hours. Finally, I always have Amy's Organic cheddar cheese burritos stocked at work. They are very filling and complement a mostly vegetarian diet.

tamarab19

I also keep tuna fish and wheat thins flat bread around. Very good!

mbajrami

I work 2p-10p so I pack snacks and dinner. My most common dinner:

2 Mission Carb Balance Whole Wheat Tortillas
2 Tbsp Pace Mild Picante Sauce
1/2 of an Avocado
4 oz Chicken Breast, sliced and seasoned with cracked black pepper and Tony Chachere's, cooked in a skillet sprayed with Pam.
Medium Cucumber, sliced

I make 2 chicken tacos with picante and avocado and eat the cucumber slices on the side. 594 Calories.

Cliffslosinit

Chicken breas...What? Oh she's a vegetarian? Tofurkey

jmilian825

pb & j along with dried fruit

PittShkr

I forget her name!

mbajrami

Yeah I realized after the fact that I totally wasted my time and effort when I had to read the entire thread to find out there were food restrictions.

ANB22

bump*