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Simple Inspired Natural Living


Healthy Lunchbox Ideas to Power You On-the-Go

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Healthy lunchbox ideas  for work that go beyond basic sandwiches.


Healthy Lunchbox Ideas

The fast-food joints, the mediocre cafeteria, the big bowl of office snacks. Do you have trouble eating a healthy lunch while you are at work or on-the-go?

It’s pretty easy to overdo it at lunch, especially when you are eating away from home. You’re in a hurry and the temptation to grab a bite out or rely on snacks is high, and we all know how unhealthy that can be.

Even when you do pack a lunch, the standard ham & cheese on white bread and a bag of chips, may be the easiest way to go, but it’s certainly not the healthiest.

Healthy Lunchbox Ideas

Whether you have always been a brown bagger or you are just getting started with home-packed lunches, here are some tips for making delicious, filling lunches that are healthier both for you and the planet:

(Note: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase through a link I may receive a small commission – at no extra charge to you. Thank you for supporting Mindful Momma if you do!)

Switch out (or skip) the bread:

  • If white bread is your habit, it’s time to make the switch to whole wheat or at least multi-grain.
  • Try sandwich thins or whole wheat tortillas as a less calorie-laden alternative to regular bread.
  • Skip the bread completely and use healthy crackers or rice cakes as a base.
  • Instead of ham & cheese, try a healthy BLT made with nitrate-free turkey bacon.
  • Instead of the standard peanut butter & jelly, try almond butter with sliced bananas and honey.

Healthy Lunchbox Ideas

Add plenty of fruits & veggies:

  • If you are a salad fan, mix up a big bowl of salad at the beginning of the week (undressed, of course) and pack a serving each day. There’s nothing wrong with buying those organic salad mixes either if the convenience gets you to eat healthier!
  • Pack cut-up veggies in every lunch. When you fill up on veggies, you’ll be less tempted by the candy jar!
  • Keep a small basket of fresh fruit at your desk to quell your hunger between meals.

Give leftovers a chance:

  • My husband is famous for his yummy leftovers at work. That’s because I make extra food at dinner so that I have plenty left for lunches!
  • Soups, stews, spaghetti and stir-fries all make great lunch material.
  • If all you have is leftover rice, add some frozen veggies and a dash of soy sauce and call it a meal.

Healthy Lunchbox Ideas

Mix it up:

  • Instead of a sandwich or main dish, bring a lunch made up of a mix of healthy foods.
  • Healthy protein sources include hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, nuts, avocado, cheese and nitrate-free meat sticks or jerky.
  • Pack whole grain crackers or pretzels instead of chips.
  • Pick up a bag of trail mix and divide into snack-sized portions. Or make your own trail mix with a variety of dried fruits, nuts and seeds.
  • Grapes, clementines and baby carrots are easy to grab if you don’t have time to prep.
  • Keep some healthy snacks at your desk or in your purse for snack emergencies!

Try something different:

  • An unusual lunch time treat is a baked sweet potato. Topped with raisins, unsweetened coconut and a dollop of almond butter, it is both nutritious and delicious!
  • Baked potato topped with cooked veggies and cheese.
  • Hummus or other bean dips with veggies (try my kid-friendly orange hummus!)
  • Homemade burritos or quesadillas with beans, veggies and cheese.

Bring a healthy sweet:

  • To avoid an afternoon trip to the vending machine, bring a little something sweet from home.
  • Home made cookies like my favorite, peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip.
  • A little bit of organic dark chocolate (it’s good for you, right?)
  • I’ve got tons of healthy dessert & treat ideas over on Pinterest!

Pack in reusables, not disposables:

  • Instead of a throw-away, brown paper bag, use a reusable lunch bag every day.
  • Pack individual items in reusable containers and snack bags.
  • Skip the temptation to hit buy a soda and bring water in a reusable bottle.
  • Invest in a stainless steel thermos for soups and other leftovers.

Do you bring your lunch to work? What are your ideas for a healthier bagged lunch?

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(Full disclosure: there are affiliate links in this post. Any purchase you make helps keep this blog in business. Thank you!)

{image credit: EssjayNZ via flickr}

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Filed Under: Clean Eating, Education, Green Living, Health, Healthy Food, Healthy Kids, Kid Friendly Food, Lunch & School Gear Tagged With: green, green living, health, healthy recipes, lunch, reusable, reusable bags, reusable bottles, reusable containers, snack

About Mindful Momma

Micaela Preston is natural living educator and safe and sustainable product activist. She has spoken at conferences and events, has lobbied for safer chemical laws, and has consulted with many brands and businesses. Her book, Practically Green: Your Guide to Eco Friendly Decision Making was published in 2009.

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Comments

  1. Green Bean says

    January 9, 2012 at 9:55 pm

    Great list. Thank you for the inspiration.

    Reply
  2. Micaela says

    January 10, 2012 at 8:10 am

    You're welcome Michelle (Green Bean)! I agree – I love getting inspiration for new food ideas!

    Reply
  3. Mary @ Green Global Travel says

    January 10, 2012 at 9:28 am

    New lunch ideas always seems to leave me stumped. We work from home so we have more options than a brown bag, but we still need something quick. I think we’ll be trying the hummus veggie wrap idea very shortly- like in the next 30 minutes 🙂

    Reply
  4. Micaela says

    January 10, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Glad to hear I gave you a new lunch idea Mary! I work from home too – but that doesn't necessarily make it easier. We still need to take the time to prepare our healthy food!

    Reply
  5. Yosefa @nonrecipe says

    January 11, 2012 at 5:44 am

    I like the skip the break idea. No reason lunch has to be a sandwich. I salad with lots of stuff on top can be great. When I can’t pack the dressing separate, sometimes I put it at the bottom of the container and mix right before I’m ready to eat. Then only the bottom is a little soggy. Also – parsley salad is higher in nutrients and doesn’t wilt! Your readers might also like this idea for a great alternative to cup-o-noodles: http://nonrecipe.blogspot.com/2011/08/make-pre-mixed-bulgar-salad.html

    Reply
  6. Micaela says

    January 11, 2012 at 8:08 am

    Thanks for the bulgar salad idea Yosefa! I'm a big fan of bulgar myself – especially mixed with tomatoes, onions, black olives and feta!

     

    Reply
  7. Frances says

    July 15, 2018 at 11:02 pm

    Almonds and whole wheat bread (and other whole grains are high in phytic acid, which is an anti-nutrient. It blocks our body’s ability to absorb nutrients. If consuming these foods it is recommended to soak and sprout them first, and with bread, sourdough is best. Learn more at https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/vegetarianism-and-plant-foods/living-with-phytic-acid/

    Reply
    • Micaela says

      July 16, 2018 at 9:26 am

      Very interesting! I took a look at that link and it sounds like this issue with phytic acid affects only some people, depending on your gut health. Good to be aware of, but not something that everyone has to worry about! I’m with on the sourdough bread though – my husband makes it homemade!

      Reply

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Micaela Preston I'm here to help you make lifestyle and product choices that are better for your health & the planet!
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