packing a lunch

dblanke01
dblanke01 Posts: 35 Member
edited November 8 in Food and Nutrition
I need ideas for lunches to pack that don't need to be warmed in the microwave and can be eaten in less than 15 minutes (so, not a big salad that takes forever to chew). I've been doing a lot of hummus and veggies, and half sandwiches. Getting bored, looking for high volume lower calorie ideas! Again, can't microwave these lunches.

Replies

  • Lonestar5775
    Lonestar5775 Posts: 740 Member
    Hard boiled egg(s), almonds, apples. I find the high fiber in almonds and apples helps me feel full for longer.
  • runJIBrun
    runJIBrun Posts: 18 Member
    greek yogurt, string cheese, fruit
  • dubird
    dubird Posts: 1,849 Member
    Tomato and mozzarella salad? Get the cherry tomatoes and the little balls of mozzarella, combine and drizzle with either olive oil or balsamic vinegar. I find it tasty, and as a bonus, the Kroger nearby actually pre-packages some of these, so no prep! XD
  • snoringcat
    snoringcat Posts: 131 Member
    Avocado
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    left overs.

    nothing wrong with cold chicken breast or cold steaks.

    also PB and J.

    or soups.
  • moglovesshoez
    moglovesshoez Posts: 83 Member
    Canned tuna / Salmon mixed with mashed avocado - yum
    Cold meat and veggie sticks. Potato salad with bacon.
  • galpower14
    galpower14 Posts: 5
    Why only 15 minutes for lunch? Even doctors and the President of the US have more time for lunch. :o

    Ideas:

    Bring cut vegetables that you can eat easily, like carrots and cucumbers.

    Make a salad on Sunday for the entire week. I made a quinoa salad that has minimal chewing: using my food processor I pulsed parsley, mint, italian parsley, fresh spinach, green onions, a bit of garlic, lemon juice, salt, evoo, black pepper. I made the quinoa and then mixed everything together.

    String Cheese or Brie (mini tubs)

  • LeslieB042812
    LeslieB042812 Posts: 1,799 Member
    Tuna packets are perfect! I like the albacore, it's more expensive but tastes less fishy than that chunk light/white. A single serving packet is only 80 calories but has 16 grams of protein and you don't need a can opener to open it. The packets say no need to drain, but I like to squeeze all of the water out so it's not soggy. You can bring a whole grain tortilla (80-120 calories, depending on the brand plus more protein and fiber) and some lettuce/other veggies to make a wrap (so it will be easy and fast to eat). If you like dressing, bolthouse farms (in the produce section) has a great blue cheese that's made with greek yogurt, so it's only 35 calories for 2 tblspns and has 2 grams of protein .

    I also find greek yogurt to be very filling, due to it's high protein content, typically about 12 grams of protein for 120 calories (depending on the brand and if it's flavored or not). Another great, filling lunch is 2% cottage cheese mixed with fruit. You could pair either of the two above with a whole grain granola bar (Kashi has some great options) to round out the meal.
  • F1tnessCh1ck
    F1tnessCh1ck Posts: 39 Member
    If I need something quick, I usually grab wraps. Throw in some chicken, hummus, lettuce, tomatoes and eat up (maybe 300 calories or so?). You can also do tuna with greek yogurt s/p, celery, onion with lettuce and tomatoes in a wrap. Add whatever else.

    If you like rice cakes, have those. I do with almond/peanut butter (natural of course) and bananas. I also like boiled eggs - lots of protein in there!
  • sljohnson1207
    sljohnson1207 Posts: 818 Member
    edited November 2014
    How about some cold soup recipes?
    http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/06/03/magazine/cold-soups.html?_r=0
  • libbydoodle11
    libbydoodle11 Posts: 1,351 Member
    Roasted veggies with your protein of choice and sriracha.

    Any and all left overs

    Sandwiches

    Spaghetti or other pasta dish
  • LabAgility
    LabAgility Posts: 120 Member
    edited November 2014
    My daily go to is Greek yogurt mixed with blue berries and Kashi Go Lean Crunch. Packs the Fiber/Protein punch so it sticks with me a long time, can be packed ahead for easy grabbing in the morning and is quite tasty. Win, win, win.

    ETA: I pack them separate and just mix when it is time to eat. (Seems self evident but I cannot imagine somebody mixing it all together the night before! That would kill the crunchy goodness).
  • pawoodhull
    pawoodhull Posts: 1,759 Member
    I make small wraps with just about any kind of chopped meat, a little cheese (sometimes I use a cheese spread, and maybe some lettuce. Condiments are optional and if I use the cheese spread, I don't add a condiment. My favorite lunch is: 2 cup bowl with lid (because that's all I can eat) and layer: chopped lettuce mix, 4 ounces of chopped meat, 2 ounces of shredded or crumbled cheese and a couple tablespoons of pine nuts. Add the salad dressing I carry in it's own little container and lunch! I use Blothouse Farms salad dressing because they are made with yogurt so fewer calories, less fat and more protein. One more I recently discovered, macaroni salad (homemade or a store/deli one you like), 4 ounces of shredded chicken, 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese, mix well. Again I use my little 2 cup bowls. Yum!! I don't do this one too often though because it's higher calories and fat than the salad I routinely eat. But it's a great treat.
  • lohkin
    lohkin Posts: 43 Member
    I've been buying those 'picnic' lunch boxes, occasionally. I can't remember the exact name of them, but they are pretty well balanced and are easy to store in my desk drawer.
  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    If you don't feel like having a cold lunch everyday, consider investing in a Thermos--if you warm up the food beforehand (soup, chili, whatever...) and preheat the Thermos (usually using boiling water), it will still be decently warm at lunchtime. It's a nice option if you feel like you're stuck in a rut with your usual lunches.
  • RockinTerri
    RockinTerri Posts: 499 Member
    Soups poured into a thermos, wraps, veggies and dip/ranch/hummus, small fruit salad, greek yogurt and granola...
  • betrishy
    betrishy Posts: 52 Member
    Protein shake or bar, greek yogurt, banana, apple, baby carrots with peanut butter, almonds
  • dblanke01
    dblanke01 Posts: 35 Member
    Thanks for the suggestions. I get 15 minutes because I'm a teacher. I laughed out loud at that comment! I should have mentioned I'm picky about my meat sources, and I don't eat tuna because of the mercury. Yogurt has never been very satiating for me, actually. BUT, protein bars, quinoa/grain salads, fruit/veg with hummus, pb, and buying a thermos are all things I will do more of!
  • HeatherLeAnn622
    HeatherLeAnn622 Posts: 45 Member
    Bump. Great ideas, everyone.
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