Foods for Lunch

ChangingAmanda

The thing is I don't cook. I can't cook it pretty much ends in disaster every time and I eat my breakfast at work because I start work at eight thirty and have to walk there and it's just easier to eat once I get there. So eggs wouldn't really work out well for me, even though they are good Also what is wrong with packaged oatmeal?

You can do beans in the crock pot and eggs in the microwave. There is nothing wrong with pre-packaged oatmeal, but you said you're on a budget. You can get it fairly cheap, I know I've seen a box of Better Oats for like $1 for 5 or 6 packets, but you can get a GIANT tub for $2-3, and that will last you at least 2 weeks, so it's more budget conscious.

Agree with the beans in the crock pot. You can add lean raw meat or smoked sausage/kilbasa/hillshire farm prepared meats while it's cooking to add additional flavor and protein.

You can hard boil eggs - put eggs in pot w/cold water to cover the eggs plus an inch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, set on med-high * bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover with lid, let sit 15 minutes, rinse with cold water, refrigerate, keeps about a week.

From what you describe, you're not getting enough protein which satisfies longer than carbs.

5ftnFun

Great ideas above, just want to add. You say you don't cook. Well, I can sympathize. I like to eat, but hate to cook. Hell, I got a "D" in Home Economics in school when we were in the kitchen. Hated it. But I highly recommend you get yourself a basic cookbook and learn a little. You don't have to be some kind of chef either. Roast chicken, steak, homemade soups, etc are not that hard. Trust me, I know!


If I get hungry in the afternoon, I'll eat like a 1/2 chicken sandwich with hot tea-much easier if I had cooked up that chicken beforehand.

Just a suggestion.

TeaBea

The thing is I don't cook. I can't cook it pretty much ends in disaster every time and I eat my breakfast at work because I start work at eight thirty and have to walk there and it's just easier to eat once I get there. So eggs wouldn't really work out well for me, even though they are good Also what is wrong with packaged oatmeal?

Do you have a microwave at work? Crack 2 eggs into a coffee cup, mix them together with a fork. Mircowave 1-2 minutes depending upon your machine ....... start by cooking 1 minute ..... fluff with fork and cook longer if needed..

Oatmeal ..... add a spoonful of peanut butter. The fat content (healthy fat) will keep you full longer. Look for a "weight control" oatmeal .... this has more fiber & added protein (even a store brand will cost more than plain oatmeal).

Frozen veggies are fairly inexpensive..... if you have a mircrowave at work these can be cooked easily.

_SusieQ_

Peanut butter
Nuts
Packets or small cans of tuna
Protein bars (more filling than plain granola bars)
Greek yogurt (again, protein)
Cheese and crackers
Add soup with your sandwich at lunch
Guacamole and baked chips
Hummus with pita chips or veggies

MrsPong

The thing is I don't cook. I can't cook it pretty much ends in disaster every time and I eat my breakfast at work because I start work at eight thirty and have to walk there and it's just easier to eat once I get there. So eggs wouldn't really work out well for me, even though they are good Also what is wrong with packaged oatmeal?

Packaged oatmeal is more expensive. You can buy a big tub of plain oatmeal and add in spices. Saves you money so you can snack on something later on.

rnicole24

For breakfast I eat an 80 calorie tortilla with peanut butter (about 1 tsp) spread on it and a banana inside...like a wrap. It is 380 calories and the protein in the peanut butter really helps with getting hungry. I can also make it in 2 minutes and eat while driving to work. I am a teacher, so I cannot snack between meals.

skinnyforhi

Do you have a microwave? Potatoes are super cheap. You can buy the small ones and microwave a potato as a snack. Top with a tabelspoon of greek yogurt or something similar. And when I buy the sweet potatoes, I eat them plain, actually. I know potatoes get a bad rap because of the low-carb fad, but potatos are actually a nutritious snack, especially if you eat the skin. And you can get very creative with the toppings.

You might also check out the frozen fruit options at your grocery store or buy the clementines or navel oranges when they are available in the bag. Sometimes it's only 6 dollars for fruit that will last you a week or more.

TinaBean007

The thing is I don't cook. I can't cook it pretty much ends in disaster every time and I eat my breakfast at work because I start work at eight thirty and have to walk there and it's just easier to eat once I get there. So eggs wouldn't really work out well for me, even though they are good Also what is wrong with packaged oatmeal?

Not a quick fix, but learn to cook. I learn new stuff from Youtube. If you don't, you'll be posting the same thing in 10 years.

Camille0502

You can also microwave Old Fashioned Oat Meal. I do it every day. It probably costs about 6 cents per meal. Just put 1/2 cup oatmeal and one cup water in a bowl (big bowl) and microwave for about 2 - 3 minutes (stop it before it boils over). I have been known to use oatmeal as a low-cal, filling snack, too.

As P.S. - don't give up on yourself with regard to cooking. Try tackling one item per week. Being able to cook will take you a long way!

Ali_TSO

Also what is wrong with packaged oatmeal?

Cheaper to make your own....and less sugar. I think that's all she meant

boatsie77

People who are financially strapped MUST learn how to cook (or live with someone who does) if they want to eat a healthy and filling diet--even if "cooking" means to learn a few crock pot recipes, know how to operate a microwave, know how to use a measuring cup and spoons, know how to Google recipes and watch YouTube videos, and know how to roast a chicken and vegetables. You CAN cook, and must cook, in your situation--time to stop 'trying' and start 'doing' for the sake of your health.

WarriorReady

For a filling cheap lunch I sometimes do tinned tuna mixed with 1/2 cup canned reduced sodium garbonzo beans, 1/3 a red pepper and 1/2 a cuke. You can always have more. I usually add some cottage cheese or feta for a littlemore flavor and a little pepper or greek seasoning. The can of beans can last at least 2 if not 3 meals.

Cottage cheese can be affordable and mixed with veggies or even applesauce. Good luck!

And peanut butter really is a great filler as many have mentioned...