Work lunch

J5414
J5414 Posts: 24 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I work at a medical office and bring my own lunch. I am sick of salad everyday and I dont like microwave meals. I usually take left overs 2-3 days a week. Does anyone have some quick and easy delicious lunch ideas?

Replies

  • FireOpalCO
    FireOpalCO Posts: 641 Member
    Several "snack" style foods together make a great and varied lunch. Mix and match at your own convenience:

    carrot sticks & celery sticks and hummus, fresh cut up strawberries (or other seasonal fruit), slices of really good cheese and apple slices, greek yogurt, deli meat from the deli counter in a sandwich thin (also thin sliced steak cooked the night before, turkey, chicken salad), etc.
  • AdventureFreak
    AdventureFreak Posts: 236 Member
    fast through lunch...
  • weird_me2
    weird_me2 Posts: 716 Member
    I usually make something up in bulk for my lunches for the week - tacos, soups, chilis, enchiladas, sandwiches, salads (so many different ways to make them). Sometimes, even just some cheese, crackers, fresh fruits and veggies and nuts can make a good change from the ordinary for lunch.

    Make home made "microwave meals" using small containers for individual portions. Over time, as you make a few extra servings with different meals, you can get quite a collection and that way you don't have to have the same "leftovers" 5 days a week if that doesn't appeal to you. I've found that having a homemade frozen meal and adding a fresh ingredient or two (fresh chopped onions, cilantro, jalapenos, cheeses, etc.) can help make it taste even better.
  • sshintaku
    sshintaku Posts: 228 Member
    Today, I had a mini pita, some homemade humus (really, blended garbanzo beans, lemon and mayo), cucumber and an apple. Tomorrow I've packed cantaloupe, a boiled egg and a granola bar. If I don't have leftovers, I typically end up grabbing a few small things, like I mentioned, and calling it lunch. It works for me.
  • mygnsac
    mygnsac Posts: 13,413 Member
    One thing I enjoy is my "little bit of this, little bit of that" soup, which is rarely the same twice. If you don't use a microwave at all, then this won't work for you. The night before, in a reheatable bowl with lid, add and ounce or two of greens (chopped spinach, shredded brussel sprouts, kale, whatever you like) then top with a 1/2 cup of cooked beans or lentils, 2 tbs salsa, 1 tbs pepita seeds, 1 tbs raisins (I like a little sweet), 1 tbs parm cheese, 1-2 ounces chopped turkey, chicken, or whatever you like, and an ounce or two of chopped tomato. Add enough water to cover about halfway up the bowl. At work, microwave on high for about 5 minutes.
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,224 Member
    I made pork and white bean chilli last night, 4 meals at 250cal a piece, freezes well, easy and tasty. Great to make on a day off and load up the freezer.
  • cosmichvoyager
    cosmichvoyager Posts: 237 Member
    I love roasted yams. One of those, a bit of cooked chicken and some sauteed greens is a great lunch.
    Quinoa salads, other whole grains, tomato sauce and mushrooms on top.
    Seared tuna with cucumbers, chives and some soy sauce and sesame oil. Add a half an avocado just before eating it. My co-workers were like o_0 about that one.

    I usually eat dinner leftovers with a little something extra. I also always keep fresh lemons, sriracha, soy and olive oil at work. Also a ton of snacky stuff like lowfat cheese sticks, yogurt, apples, peanut butter, nuts, instant oatmeal.
    Sometimes I just eat the snacks.
  • HerkMeOff
    HerkMeOff Posts: 1,002 Member
    fast through lunch...

    Why?
  • wheird
    wheird Posts: 7,963 Member
    Do you have access to a fridge?
  • daffodilsoup
    daffodilsoup Posts: 1,972 Member
    I like to make a huge smoothie in the morning and leave it in the fridge until lunch. Keeps me full right through dinner!
  • TheVevina
    TheVevina Posts: 46 Member
    I love quick fried rice: cook carrots, onions, and greens, scramble an egg, and cook some diced chicken in one pan. Add rice and ketchup or soy sauce and season it to your liking. Then it's done!
  • coreylake67
    coreylake67 Posts: 4 Member
    I've come to rely on fried pork rinds to substitute for chips or crackers. Less fat. Tons more protein, and they give you that "satisfied" feeling to stave off cravings. Combine them with fresh cut strawberries (don't mix them together, but eat them alternating) and they actually taste like STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE! .5 oz pork rinds and 1/2 cup strawberries are the perfect ratio and only 130 calories...
  • Visiblekarma
    Visiblekarma Posts: 6 Member
    I love to make large pot of soups...my favorite has now changed from chicken noodle to cabbage and smoked turkey sausage soup with lots of diced veggies! It really stretches and I can personally eat 1-2 cups for a snack or a meal. I pack lots of fresh fruits apples help to keep me full. Tonight I made a gluten free version of turkey burger helper with mushrooms, peppers and onions. I can eat of of this for two days varying my snacks. I'm a bit of a grazer. My favorite sandwiches are chicken sandwiches. you can cook a few chicken breast for the week and use it for salads, sandwiches and to make chicken salad with as well.
  • jess1992uga
    jess1992uga Posts: 603 Member
    Wraps are quick to make. I personally don't like sandwich meat, but used Solid Albacore Tuna. Here are some ideas of what I do

    Press in between two corn tortillas on my George Foreman and pack in ziploc bag. Pair with peas or fat free pringles, or pretzels. Also a fruit and veg.

    Press on George Foreman on fat free tortilla with spinach.

    On one corn tortilla side of potato.

    I also know people who make lettuce wraps with leftover chicken mixed into plain greek yogurt to be like chicken salad. Pair with grapes and carrots.

    Also hummus platter (with pita, pretzels, veggies, whatever you like)

    Also, if you heat things up and then put them in food container they usually are still at least a little warm without microwaving and that could allow you to bring leftovers.

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