Upgrade Your Workday Lunch with These Tips
Lunch is easily my favorite meal of the day. It's versatile and fun to prepare, and keeps you focused and energized for the afternoon. When you work in an office, making lunch before the workday can be an inconvenience. To go out for lunch is effortless, so why bother preparing it? After I share my workday lunch tips with you, it will be easy to pass up dining out and opt for some homemade goodness instead!
1. Get yourself a bento box
Bento boxes originate from Japan and are essentially a single-portion packed meal. They are great for homemade lunches because you can store your entire lunch in one container, making it easier to transport to work. I recently purchased a bento box from Russbe and I am very happy with it! It's reusable, microwavable, and environmentally friendly! When you have a utensil you love, you're more inclined to use it. So, purchase a container that gets you excited.
2. Prepare your lunch the night before
Making your lunch the night before saves you time and stress in the A.M.
3. Keep spices stored at your desk
Start storing some of your favorite spices in your desk drawer. Certain office lunchrooms have the basics for you, but keeping spice blends like adobo, everything bagel seasoning, pasta sprinkle and/or fancy garlic salt at your desk will allow you to add a punch of flavor to any dish.
4. Add beans and grains to your meal
Canned beans are ready-to-eat and full of nutrients. You can easily combine them with grains to create a complete protein. I love using chickpeas and black beans in salads because they are filling and so tasty!
5. Transform your leftovers
Taking leftovers to work is easy, but consider transforming the dish to make your lunch more exciting. Did you enjoy baked salmon the other night? Add leftover pieces to a spinach and quinoa salad, and dress with a lemon basil vinaigrette. Keep it simple, but use your creativity!
6. Determine your Lunch equation
Figure out what foods give you fuel. Obviously a nutritionist could give you an answer, but I say: figure out what works for you and what keeps you energized. My equation is: greens, grains, protein (combined) + veggies + fruit, and sometimes Justin's peanut butter cups if I need something sweet!
Preparing a workday lunch may seem unimportant or inconvenient. However, preparing a lunch is less costly and significantly healthier than restaurant meals. Additionally, when you make the effort to prepare a lunch, it's gratifying. You are looking out for your future self and giving your body what it needs. Consider using these tips to make a delicious, healthy, and creative lunch for your workday!
