Need help with quick/easy and healthy lunch ideas

anjiemr

Hi
I am on a 1200 calories plan and my protein goal is 45g. I seem to be going over this each day as well I have been under in calories by 250-300 a day.
Looking for quick healthy lunch ideas that would help in those areas I am lacking or going over.

:-)

Ready2Rock206

Going over Protein isn't a bad thing. I've read a lot of threads that say MFP tends to be low in this area. I like Salads in a Jar for lunch. Do an internet search and you'll get a million ideas for them.

JenMc14

I agree not to worry about going over on protein. 45 g is not that much. I routinely get double that. I've had 45 grams in one meal before.

I like salads with lunch meat or low carb bread with lunch meat. Beans mixed with cheese and/or meat and some salsa or ranch are good. I love apples and berries and Greek or low carb yogurt as sides. Celcery and snow peas in the pod are delicious as well. You can do salads, wraps, sandwiches, soup, mant different things.

bcattoes

Hi
I am on a 1200 calories plan and my protein goal is 45g. I seem to be going over this each day as well I have been under in calories by 250-300 a day.
Looking for quick healthy lunch ideas that would help in those areas I am lacking or going over.

:-)

So, you are over on protein and looking to add 250-300 calories of carbs and/or fat? Apple or veggie sticks dipped in hummus or peanut butter would do it. A small side of fried rice, stir fried veggies, a small sweet potato with a little butter, an avocado.

I have leftovers for lunch most days. Nothing easier than that.

Citrislazer

I agree. Going over on protein isn't bad as long as it's lean animal protein or plant protein. My doctor told me to lose fat eat less carbs (less sugar, more fiber), more healthy protein and good fats. I eat about 80-100g of protein a day. About half is plant protein. I don't worry about losing muscle mass from protein oxidation. I've always had above average muscle mass for a female regardless of how I eat or sit on my butt.

I also agree that left overs are easiest. I find meal planning and cooking in bulk one day a week helps me to ensure I have quick, easy, healthy lunches. For example, I'll cook up 6-8 seasoned, skinless chicken breasts for dinner for two people. Then we have 4-6 chicken breast left for lunches. Toss in some frozen veggies for each chicken breast and a snack bag of berries or a small whole apple. Super easy lunches for work. I also stock low sugar protein powder & meal bars at my office and home for quick & cheap snacks or if I have chocolate craving.

Homemade low sodium soup/stew is easy too when you buy frozen chopped veggies. I have a giant stock pot I make soup/stew in so I have lots of left overs. Those 4-5 quart pots in most cooking sets don't cut it. Soup can usually be frozen too for later use. I also have healthier soup in a can stock piled at home and the office, in case I don't even have 5 minutes to toss something together.

La Tortilla Factory makes high fiber wheat tortillas. I use them for sandwich wraps and low-carb personal pizzas.

Stuffed peppers are good reheated. I sub real rice with cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice is easy to make using a Salad Shooter.

Squashed Pasta is also good reheated. This is my new favorite healthy meal. It's spaghetti squash disguised as pasta. Microwave the squash after stabbing it several times to cook it. Don't bother with the oven method.