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    Ideas for cheap make a head lunches?

    Posts: 141 Member
    edited November 2024 in Recipes
    I am back at this thing again and lately I've been drawing a blank on lunches for work.

    I work where we have a fridge and microwave so that isn't an issue but I just can't seem to think of anything cost effective and healthy? I don't want to eat a sandwich every day, I need some variety and would like to make something for the BF too.

    Ideas/recipes/links etc all welcome.

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    Replies

    • Posts: 7,739 Member
      Soup/chili

      Tuna/salmon with some steamable veggies or fruit

      Leftovers from dinner the night (or even two nights) before

      Hardboiled eggs and veggies/fruit
    • Posts: 141 Member
      The leftover thing is a tough one as we dont have them normally (currently I am living with 6 other people so when we cook dinner it is very very rare for their to be any leftovers) I like the idea of making some chicken in a crockpot. Any recommendations on how to make veggies more interesting for the boyfriend? He isn't a fan.
    • Posts: 37 Member
      I eat soup for lunch everyday. It's low on the calories, satisfying and there is a huge variety easily available.
    • Posts: 1,326 Member
      I like to cook a batch of dried beans at the beginning of the week. Then, for lunch I enjoy 1 cup of beans and I mix in 1/2 T each of flavored oil and vinegar. Cheap, easy and delicious!
    • Posts: 41,865 Member
      When we cook dinner, we usually cook double so that we have lunches for the next day...if not, sandwich or salad or something.
    • Posts: 2,396 Member
      Soup/Chili/Stew. I make a big batch on Sundays and freeze it in individual portions.
    • Posts: 2,018 Member
      - Tuna with 1 T. mayo, half avocado and a sprinkle of salt and pepper
      - Perdue Chicken ShortCuts chopped with 1 T. mayo, celery and a sprinkle of salt and pepper
      - 1 c. cottage cheese with a tomato, half an avocado sprinkled with salt and pepper
      - Rice cake with 1 T. peanut butter, sunflower and pumpkin seeds and one sliced apple
      - 1/2 C. oats, 1 T. peanut butter, 1 T. cinnamon, 1 scoop protein powder and a banana or apple
    • Posts: 151 Member
      edited December 2016
      Cook some protein (roast chicken) and then a grain (brown rice) if you eat those and roast a crap ton of veg...My favorites are Broc. Cauliflower, Brussels and carrots. Layer a serving of grain, protein and 2 serving of veg and pour some veri veri teriyaki on top.

      I keep everything g seperate and then combine in a container in the morning.
    • Posts: 107 Member
      I just made turkey tacos for lunches and turkey sliders
    • Posts: 3,380 Member
      CafeRacer808 wrote: »
      Soup/Chili/Stew. I make a big batch on Sundays and freeze it in individual portions.

      Same. I make curries and stir fries too, meatballs, meatloaf muffins, stuffed peppers, etc.

      Cook, divide, freeze and pull out what you want in the morning before work.
    • Posts: 4 Member
      Slice of ham spread with whipped cream cheese and roll around asparagus spears. Can find marinated ones in jar at Costco.
    • Posts: 1,199 Member
      Stir fry of chicken, veggies, and rice
      Grilled chicken salad
      Soup
      Stew
      Tacos with carbs balance tortillas and lean ground turkey or shredded chicken
      Grilled chicken and sweet potatoes
      Diced tomatoes and green chilies, swai fillets, rice, and creole seasoning
    • Posts: 674 Member
      crazyravr wrote: »
      Store bought bbq chicken - $10
      Store bought tub of mixed greens - $5
      Store bought microwaved minute rice (2) - $4

      Shred the chicken and divide into 5 meals. Combine with salad and rice portioned into 5 meals. Does not get better and cheaper.

      I love this idea! So simple, cheap, and why didn't I think of this! Thanks for the idea.
    • Posts: 11,750 Member
      ElizIvory wrote: »
      The leftover thing is a tough one as we dont have them normally (currently I am living with 6 other people so when we cook dinner it is very very rare for their to be any leftovers) I like the idea of making some chicken in a crockpot. Any recommendations on how to make veggies more interesting for the boyfriend? He isn't a fan.

      -roasting vegies always makes them taste great! (even Brussel sprouts)
      -i'll often add lots of vegies to things like Bolognese or chili to bump up the vegie amount, and they kind of get hidden amongst the sauce. (we also make meatballs/burger patties, but add grated vegies. you can bake these in bulk and freeze them to use during the week)
      -cheese grated on top - a little parmesan goes a long way :)
      -use different spices.
      -add a little oil/butter
    • Posts: 1 Member
      Salad!
    • Posts: 33 Member
      Chicken or Tuna Salad with multigrain crackers with a fruit or veggie.
      Oatmeal with walnuts and dried cinnamon apples, & maybe a banana.
      Turkey pinwheels and hummus with carrots or pretzel chips.
      Hard-boiled eggs with fruit and veggies.
      I really need to get back to packing lunch myself :( .. I used to decide on 2 of these combos and make it at the beginning of the week- I'd be able to prep enough for the work week as well as a weekend lunch or two..
    This discussion has been closed.

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