Are you stuck in the same old routine of eating the same old boring lunches at work? Or maybe you’re finding yourself eating a few too many takeaways too often and need some kitchen inspiration? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! That’s why we’ve put together 6 healthy work lunches to try to help get you back on track.
1. Burrito bowls
Our first of 6 healthy work lunches are great for work because of their versatility. You can adjust how much rice you add depending on your activities for the day, and you can fill them with different variations of colourful nutrient-packed micronutrients to keep you feeling energised throughout the work day. If you need to opt for a takeaway because of how a certain day is going, choosing a burrito bowl is one of the healthier options. You can opt for extra salad, beans and veggies to really tally up some extra health points.
2. Poke bowls
Bowls are on trend for a reason! They’re delicious and one of the best ways to pack plenty of nutrients into a single meal. If you’re worried about the smell of fish from your poke bowl at the office, you can easily swap it out for chicken or firm tofu. Much like with your burrito bowl, adjust your rice and noodles to your activity levels for the day here. You will also have the freedom to enjoy all the Asian flavours you love. We’re thinking teriyaki, or maybe sesame-ginger!
3. Warm teriyaki, tofu & soba noodle salad
Salads are simple to put together and are easy to meal prep in bigger batches to take to work. Cook your soba noodles according to the packet instructions. Stir-fry some chopped broccolini and de-shelled edamame beans. Toss together with the noodles, teriyaki-marinated tofu and some sesame seeds. Easy and nutritious!
4 Mediterranean tuna bowl
More bowls! What makes this one even more special is that it doesn’t require any cooking. All you need to do is mix together a tin of tuna, a microwave brown rice cup, and your choice of salad options. We like the combination of cherry tomatoes, baby cucumbers, rocket, olives and a balsamic dressing. For a bigger flavour boost, you could also add feta or sun-dried tomatoes. If you’re anxious about the smell of tuna in the office, these bowls are just as good with chickpeas or some chicken breast instead.
5. Classic chicken sandwich
Sandwiches are so underrated when it comes to healthy work lunches! When you combine wholegrain bread, a quality source of protein and salad options that won’t make your bread soggy, you’ve got a winning meal that is balanced, nutritious and filling. Alongside your chicken, grated carrots, cucumber and lettuce are all good options for structural integrity, and you can even bring everything to work separately and assemble at lunchtime.
6. Make healthy work lunches from leftovers
Using up leftovers and preventing waste is, of course, a favourite of ours when it comes to healthy work lunches. It will save you time on meal prepping on the weekends because all you have to do is make a little bit extra for dinner, and pack a portion into a container for the next day. Foods that warm up the best in a microwave include shepherd’s pie, pastas, roasted veggies and curry!
While we’ve only listed six healthy work lunches here, there are loads more healthy meals that are easy to take to work. Make sure you stick to the basics as much as you can (can we get another shout-out for sandwiches?) to keep it easy, or try creative new recipes to inspire you and make your lunch hour more exciting and enjoyable. Want more healthy recipes? Follow us on Pinterest to save them easily.
