Workplace LCHF Lunches
aeb09
Posts: 424 Member
Hi everyone! My first post in the group but I've been using MFP for almost a month. Loving keto, but I'm looking for some new ideas for lunch. I work in an office and would prefer things I don't have to heat in the microwave. Currently I've been bringing the following:
Tuna + mayo, cucumber slices + ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese stick
Salad with super greens, chicken/tuna, cucumber and ranch
Turkey/cheese roll-ups, cucumber slices
Heavy on the cucumbers, I know, but I really like them. I am eating 1400 calories a day and so lunch would preferably be below 400 calories. I've also been netting under 15g carbs daily and would like the continue on that trend.
Any suggestions are really appreciated. Also interested in making new friends here on MFP.
Tuna + mayo, cucumber slices + ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese stick
Salad with super greens, chicken/tuna, cucumber and ranch
Turkey/cheese roll-ups, cucumber slices
Heavy on the cucumbers, I know, but I really like them. I am eating 1400 calories a day and so lunch would preferably be below 400 calories. I've also been netting under 15g carbs daily and would like the continue on that trend.
Any suggestions are really appreciated. Also interested in making new friends here on MFP.
0
Replies
-
I do a variety of hot and cold. You said you'd rather not microwave, but an egg scramble or crustless quiche with sausage, bacon, zuchini or other low carb veggies and cheese is my go-to.
I also enjoy making salads with a variety of meats, cheeses, boiled egg and olives.
For a change from tuna salad, try chopping up some rotisserie chicken and mixing it with mayo and some of the yellow curry powder and celery. Yum!
Lately I've been doing "unwiches" just using a lettuce wrap with turkey, bacon, avacado and mayo. Or an "antipasto" style lunch of deviled eggs, salami, olives, string cheese and cucumbers soaked in vinegar.
I'm interested to see what other cold options people have for lunch too. It's easy to get tired of the same old.0 -
My go to lunch is a sandwich that I make with my "protein bread" that I make. Similar to oopsie rolls but easier to make and a lot tastier, and they keep well in the fridge & are toastable.
Blend 1 egg/1 ounce of cream cheese & 1 tbsp of either almond flour or flaxmeal ( I prefer flaxmeal) and get yourself a muffin top pan, they are great for this, and throw them in the oven at 375 degrees for about 14 minutes. this makes 2. I usually do it times 3 & make 6 at a time. before I put them in the oven I throw some shredded cheese on top. they are delish!
Today I'm having them with mayo,turkey & havarti. yum!!
They also make nice little pizzas0 -
Thank you both for the suggestions! It can be monotonous to bring the same things, so a variety would be good. I might make some egg muffins this weekend as an option for lunch and different meats in my salads would spice things up a bit. I also definitely need to get some big-leaf lettuce so I can make "wraps" with them rather than just bring roll-ups.
kristafb I made a kind of similar biscuit to your protein bread last weekend that turned out really good. I used one for a pepperoni sandwich the day I made it and then sliced another in half and put it under scrambled eggs for a heart Sunday morning brunch. It's like a low carb mock Red Lobster cheesy biscuit:
3/4c Red Mills almond meal/flour
3/4c shredded cheddar cheese
2 organic large brown eggs
1/2tsp baking powder
Salt (optional)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Lay parchment paper on a baking sheet and spoon 4 even mounds of the mixture out. Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Make sure you let them sit at least 5 minutes before trying to slice them for a sandwich!
Serves 4. Nutrition per serving: 258 calories, 3g net carbs, 22g fat, 13g protein, 1g sugar.0 -
On Sunday I prepare a meal for my GF and I to parse out for lunches for the week. I try to mix it up:
Pizza Quiche
Southwestern Spicy Soup
Shredded Pork
Shredded Chicken
Spicy Italian Sausage soup
Jalapeno Popper Quiche
Stuffed Sweet Peppers
Brats and Greens
Chicken/Tuna Salad
Inside out Cordon Bleu
Low Carb Monte Cristo
Alfredo Quiche
Chicken/beef Vegetable soup/stew
If you would like any of the recipes, let me know. Usually I end up doubling our recipes bc I am feeding both of us for the week, but most of them make 4-5 servings. Edited to say: I microwave most of these and at the servings I eat they add up to more than 400 typically, but not by much, so you could parse them into smaller servings and they would be less. Also, I add all my recipes into MFP after calculating them through a nutrition/recipe calculator on about.com so they are available to search on this site for food tracking purposes. 0 -
Also, and this is just a question I promise. Why are you watching calories AND Carbs. (I do it too, I eat no more than 1600/day) I've just found most people who do LCHF don't.0
-
Going to have to try those protein bread recipes for sure! Thanks ladies!0
-
Deviled eggs
Shirataki noodle salad - you can add a peanut sauce to make it even more interesting
Adult "lunchable" - I pack strips of LC tortilla or flax crackers and toppings like cheddar, mayonnaise, turkey, mayonnaise, tomato sauce, pepperoni, and peanut butter. Lots of flavor combinations, and it's super delicious.
Chicken salad - on bed of greens, in a LC wrap, tucked in celery sticks0 -
I also watch calories and carbs (as well as fat and protein).Also, and this is just a question I promise. Why are you watching calories AND Carbs. (I do it too, I eat no more than 1600/day) I've just found most people who do LCHF don't.
I have a weight loss goal as well as health goals. Overeating (albeit on better foods) is something I want to avoid.
To lose weight, I'm eating at a deficit as well as limiting carbs. 0 -
Do these taste "eggy"? I am looking for a really good bread substitute that doesnt take a lot of ingredients, but does NOT taste like egg.My go to lunch is a sandwich that I make with my "protein bread" that I make. Similar to oopsie rolls but easier to make and a lot tastier, and they keep well in the fridge & are toastable.
Blend 1 egg/1 ounce of cream cheese & 1 tbsp of either almond flour or flaxmeal ( I prefer flaxmeal) and get yourself a muffin top pan, they are great for this, and throw them in the oven at 375 degrees for about 14 minutes. this makes 2. I usually do it times 3 & make 6 at a time. before I put them in the oven I throw some shredded cheese on top. they are delish!
Today I'm having them with mayo,turkey & havarti. yum!!
They also make nice little pizzas
Thanks!0 -
Loving keto, but I'm looking for some new ideas for lunch. I work in an office and would prefer things I don't have to heat in the microwave.
Broccoli Salad
3 cups broccoli florets
10 slices crisped, crumbled bacon
1/4 sunflower seeds
1/2 cup Vidalia or other sweet/mild onion
(recipe calls for 1/2 cup raisins, but that jacks the carb count up)
Combine above ingredients. Toss in dressing of:
1 cup mayo
2 TBSP splenda (or SF sweetener of choice)
3 TBSP apple cider vinegar
Makes about 6 servings. Nutrition facts (w/o raisins): Cal 388, Carbs 9, Fat 35, Protein 11, Fiber 6
BLT Wraps or salad
Slather a large romaine leaf w/ mayo and add strips of bacon and slices of tomato. Or, chop romaine and add diced tomato and crumbled bacon. Toss w/ mayo.
Pork rinds and homemade guacamole
Smoked salmon spread on cucumber slices
Greek style quiche (good cold)
Chopped spinach, feta cheese, onion, mushroom, diced ham, mozzarella & parmesan cheese.
Taco salad
Asian Chicken Salad (SO yummy, keeps about 3-4 days, and gets better the longer it "marinates")
20 oz cooked boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2-3 breasts) Leave skin on for higher fat count, but I don't care for the texture when doing that
3/4 cup chopped green onion
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 TBSP sesame seeds
Combine above then toss w/ dressing of:
3 TBSP mayo
3 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Makes 4 servings. Nutrition facts per serving: Cal 399, Carb 11, Fat 13, Protein 55, Fiber 20 -
Lol, I'm super boring for lunch during the week compared to everyone. Hunk of grilled chicken with some ranch dressing. :bigsmile:0
-
My go to lunch is a sandwich that I make with my "protein bread" that I make. Similar to oopsie rolls but easier to make and a lot tastier, and they keep well in the fridge & are toastable.
Blend 1 egg/1 ounce of cream cheese & 1 tbsp of either almond flour or flaxmeal ( I prefer flaxmeal) and get yourself a muffin top pan, they are great for this, and throw them in the oven at 375 degrees for about 14 minutes. this makes 2. I usually do it times 3 & make 6 at a time. before I put them in the oven I throw some shredded cheese on top. they are delish!
Today I'm having them with mayo,turkey & havarti. yum!!
They also make nice little pizzas
I don't find them overly eggy, much less so than oppsie rolls are, but my friend found them a bit eggy.
Another one I tried for the first time last night is this:
2 tbsp coconut flour
1 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp water
1 egg
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/8 tsp baking soda
Mix together, pour into a microwavable dish in the shape you want (i used a square tupperware container)
Microwave for 1 minute. Its quite cakey, not eggy at all. I made it into a pizza & baked it, it really baked well & was really good!!
Do these taste "eggy"? I am looking for a really good bread substitute that doesnt take a lot of ingredients, but does NOT taste like egg.
Thanks!0 -
I don't find them overly eggy, much less so than oppsie rolls are, but my friend found them a bit eggy.
Another one I tried for the first time last night is this:
2 tbsp coconut flour
1 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp water
1 egg
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/8 tsp baking soda
Mix together, pour into a microwavable dish in the shape you want (i used a square tupperware container)
Microwave for 1 minute. Its quite cakey, not eggy at all. I made it into a pizza & baked it, it really baked well & was really good!!
Thanks! I'll give this one a try. I have a TON of coconut flour. 0 -
I do lots of things:
* keto lettuce-wraps (chicken salad, ham/mayo/cheese, whatever);
* snack lunch of gluten-free pepperoni, cheeses, ham, etc.;
* chicken caesar salad (you only heat the chicken);
But mostly I do have meals prepared in advance and heat them up...0 -
Wow--I made these this morning from your recipe using almond flour.
I added a little bacon and onion......they are so tasty!
One tip, I was too inpatient to let the cream cheese soften--I don't suggest this.
Thanks!0 -
For pure convenience, the Atkins frozen meals are excellent (and very tasty).0
-
Commenting so I can find these lovely bread substitute recipes!
0 -
Also, and this is just a question I promise. Why are you watching calories AND Carbs. (I do it too, I eat no more than 1600/day) I've just found most people who do LCHF don't.
I have pretty severe PCOS and, unfortunately, unless there is a significant calorie restriction the weight won't move. It's really hard to lose weight even with a significant restriction. I'm not hungry usually but I do wish I had 200-300 more calories a day so I could up the fat and have a more substantial lunch. Thank you for the great suggestions, I will definitely either try to find recipes similar or message you!0 -
Loving keto, but I'm looking for some new ideas for lunch. I work in an office and would prefer things I don't have to heat in the microwave.
Broccoli Salad
3 cups broccoli florets
10 slices crisped, crumbled bacon
1/4 sunflower seeds
1/2 cup Vidalia or other sweet/mild onion
(recipe calls for 1/2 cup raisins, but that jacks the carb count up)
Combine above ingredients. Toss in dressing of:
1 cup mayo
2 TBSP splenda (or SF sweetener of choice)
3 TBSP apple cider vinegar
Makes about 6 servings. Nutrition facts (w/o raisins): Cal 388, Carbs 9, Fat 35, Protein 11, Fiber 6
BLT Wraps or salad
Slather a large romaine leaf w/ mayo and add strips of bacon and slices of tomato. Or, chop romaine and add diced tomato and crumbled bacon. Toss w/ mayo.
Pork rinds and homemade guacamole
Smoked salmon spread on cucumber slices
Greek style quiche (good cold)
Chopped spinach, feta cheese, onion, mushroom, diced ham, mozzarella & parmesan cheese.
Taco salad
Asian Chicken Salad (SO yummy, keeps about 3-4 days, and gets better the longer it "marinates")
20 oz cooked boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2-3 breasts) Leave skin on for higher fat count, but I don't care for the texture when doing that
3/4 cup chopped green onion
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 TBSP sesame seeds
Combine above then toss w/ dressing of:
3 TBSP mayo
3 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Makes 4 servings. Nutrition facts per serving: Cal 399, Carb 11, Fat 13, Protein 55, Fiber 2
Thank you so much! These sound really great and I will definitely save them! 0 -
And thank you to everyone else as well - these are some great ideas and will get my imagination going, too. I really do appreciate it. 0
-
They are all very easy and super delicious. I have files of the recipes, so you are welcome to ask away. my email is d.capulus@gmail.com
I also eat at a restricted calorie level. I shoot for 70% Fat, 10% Carbs and try to fill the rest w/protein and fiber. I eat a max of 1600 calories but shoot for 1500. I exercise (40 minutes elliptical Tues, Thurs, and Sat; squat and plank challenge this month, looooong walks with kiddos a few times a week) and I don't eat my calories back, typically. so many LCHF people have gone off on me bc of calorie restriction, but it works for me, so I still do it. It's very nice to see that there are others as well.0 -
Where can you find the Shirataki noodles? I can't seem to find who sells them.0
-
Where can you find the Shirataki noodles? I can't seem to find who sells them.
They're often in the produce section or with the vegetarian options, as they're typically made of tofu. I normally get mine on Amazon, however. House brand sells in packs of 6.0 -
Great! Thank you. I found them on Amazon, can't wait to try them!0
-
thanks for the great ideas! definitely needed this post! Kelly0
-
May I have your chicken/beef vegetable soup recipe? I love soup! It's hard to find low carb soup. Honestly, all of your recipes sound wonderful, but I don't want to bother you with requesting all of them. Maybe when you have time, you could post a few.... if you have time.. They sound great. Thank you again.0
-
Great lunch ideas everyone!!0
-
bump for later0
-
I'm also commenting to say that I count calories and carbs, too, because if I eat how many ever cals I want, despite cutting carbs, I don't lose weight.
Also, I like that coconut flour bread recipe, and don't have the flour right now, so need to mark this thread to find it again.
Great ideas, everyone!0 -
I recently made a low carb meatloaf for dinner and Hubby and I took the left overs for lunch the next day.
500g minced beef
1 cup of Pork rind crackers ( crushed, this takes place of bread crumbs)
1/3 diced capsicum
1 small diced onion
1 grated carrot
1 clove of garlic
1 egg to bind
1/3 cup or tomato / BBQ sauce
salt / pepper to taste
Mix it all together in a bowl. Shape into a loaf pan lined with baking paper with a wet piece of baking paper on top. Bake for 50 +/- at 375 C. Remove paper on top if you want it to crunch up in the last 15 mins of cooking.
cant remember the carb count off the top of my head tho.0
