I need healthy lunch ideas

Most people make fresh versions of exactly what you'd buy in the frozen section of the store on Sundays and then just portion it out for the rest of the week.

Soups, Chili ect, you can also make your own sandwiches and salads.

There was a really awesome sounding recipe for making your own burritos to freeze so you can microwave them later floating around the recipes forum.

I like to make an extra portion of what I eat for dinner and save it for lunch the next day, but I get weird about leftovers, I don't like to eat anything older than 1day unless it's been frozen.

Yeah it takes more time and dedication. However, while I do know that the frozen food stuff isn't super "healthy" it's also not going to prevent you from losing weight, the sodium might cause you to retain a little extra water. If you don't want to put it in your body, that's perfectly fine.

Usually take the left over protein from the night before and slice it for salads. I do need to do a better job of bringing my lunches though. As it is, usually only 1-2 per week. But since I work in retail I really need to get away!

I use Ken's Northern Italian with Basil and Romano (and limit to 2 tbsp).

Hello lovely,
If you're in a rush to get to work or do not have time to prepare a proper lunch, I would suggest the plain old sandwich. Use whole wheat bread, add smoked turkey instead of ham or chicken and go extra on the spinach, cucumbers and any other vegetables you might like to add. For extra flavor you can add some mustard or light mayo too and of course a piece of sliced cheese! One sandwich will not keep you full for too long so aside from eating just a sandwich, pack yourself some fruits like blueberries. Theyre delicious and great for you. Never forget to bring water. Water is one of the main necessities for losing weight. You need atleast 8 cups a day. I recommend ice cold water because it helps burn more calories. Bring mini snacks you can munch on throughout the day to keep your metabolism running properly too. Apples, a banana, anything "naturally grown" will help you lose weight and you'll feel great after eating them too!!

For me usually a turkey sandwich, banana and coffee, which is around 270 calories.

Turkey (deli thin shaved) -
Sargento 40 Calorie Colby Jack Ultra Thin Sliced cheese
2 slices of 40 calorie 12 grain bread
=130 calories

Banana =120 calories

Coffee with skim milk and two splenda packets (need that afternoon pick-me-up, although I'm trying to reduce caffeine and splenda from my diet) = 17 calories.

I do a salad at least 3x/wk. You can buy baby spinach, mixed greens, whatever kind of salad and alternate types so that you don't get bored. Basically, one bag usually lasts me 3 days. I make different variations:

Pickled Salad Veg:
chop carrots, cucumber, celery, peppers and place in resealable container with 2 tbs vinegar and herbs of your choice. Add 1 cup of the mixture to salad greens. Top with 2oz. lean protein, 1/4-1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 small avocado. Because of the vinegar and other toppings, it does not need dressing:)

Fruity Salad:
Chop a peach and a cup of strawberries (or other berries) and place on spinach leaves. Top with cottage cheese. This is good with a dressing made from 1 tsp honey, 1 tbs acv, and a bit of fresh black pepper. (Reduced fat raspberry walnut vinaigrette is also good).

I also like to add black olives or hummus to my salad when it needs extra flavor or calories. A can of tuna mixed with a hard boiled egg and hummus is also really good on salad.

Did I mention that I like salad? Anyways, I hardly ever use traditional salad dressing unless I have run out of my other standbys or need the extra calories.

Other things I take for lunch:
greek yogurt with cranberry energy crunch trailmix
an apple, an orange, cottage cheese, and some peanut or almond butter
avocado sandwich with black olives and provolone on whole-grain bread--also good with tomato and sprouts
leftover dinner
greek or other flavored yogurt with a banana, a few almonds or cashews
soup--with crackers or 1/2 turkey sandwich if really light
frozen dinner
Sometimes I need an extra fruit or nuts to go along with my salad if I've worked out hard. (orange, watermelon, pineapple, apple, cantaloupe or honeydew, blueberries, or a mixture.)

Lunch is my hardest meal also. Ive been doing protein shakes with peanut butter and fruits, but Im home so its easier for me. I LOVE salads, tried all the low cal , organic, sugar free etc... dressings out there and there all gross. I use regular ranch, measure it out ( so I dont go crazy) and it works. As long as it works in your calories, ranch its fine! Make sure to add protein there .

try a healthy salsa on your salad