Healthful, easy lunch recipes?

[juliagrant_]

I want to start eating better, but I'm out of ideas when it comes to lunch recipes. I want some variety, some healthful foods, and something that doesn't taste like mush. Thanks, everyone!

[MaryN60]

What do you like? Are you looking for a cooked lunch or something you throw in a bag and take to work? I am a firm believer that you should start with things you like, and find ways to make them healthier. I do not have a weight problem, but have a long history of playing a sport with weight divisions, so I may have some ideas for you if I know what kind of food you like...

[HelenaFitbit · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Fitbit Family @juliagrant_! How about investing on a crockpot? Here are two threads providing tips and recipes on how to get yummy healthy meals from them. 

Another option is this thread or this one, filled with lunch ideas from other members and even desert recipes here. 

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions 

[Miactgrl]

Hi MaryN60

I have the boring lunch problem too. I see myself having chicken and veggies all the time becuase it's the easiest put together for me. I cook my chicken at the night before and thrown in some frozen veggies in the morning to take with me. What ideas do you have to spice up my lunch? 

[juliagrant_]

Thank you so much! This is so helpful!

[HelenaFitbit]

@Miactgrl How about some sauces? There are plenty of pre-packaged sauces and dressings that you can take to work and avoid the lunch boredom 

Have you seen Bento boxes? They are tightly packed lunch boxes filled with various ingredients and spices; they can usually fill you up for the whole day. Here's our thread on Bento Boxes 

Hope this helps! Happy stepping 

[Miactgrl]

Thank you very helpful. I'm seeing alot of great ideas on pintest and
google.

--
Best Regards,
Erika

[Mark_GA]

Let's start with replacing the meat portion of your lunch.  I know chicken is quick and easy, and spiced right doesn't have to be boring. I am into "cooking for leftovers".  Here are three favorite things that I cook over the weekend so as to  have leftovers for workday lunches:

1.  BBQ Chicken - you know how to get the chicken done.  Shred it and add Barbeque sauce. I mix a sweet one with a vinegar based one to cut calories (like 1 tbsp of any sweet Rays sauce) with a cup of vinegar based sauce (50-50 vinegar/water; red pepper flakes, coarse ground black pepper; mix in a pot, bring to a boil, let cool and store in fridge up to 6 months).  I don't make a sandwich, just put in a plate with slaw, your favorite beans, maybe some roast corn or other vegetables - a small sweet potato is always good.

2.  Pork Tenderloin - buy a nice tenderloin about 1 - 1.5 pounds.  Remove from the package.  There are two cylinders of meat.  Using a sharp knife, cut away the silver skin (Google it).  Double the thin end over on itself and tie with kitchen twine.  Make a rub you like - there are millions on the internet - stay away from too much brown sugar in the mix.  Rub the pork generously and let sit 2 - 4+ hours in the refrigerator.  Prep your grill to high heat, oil the cooking grates, and place the pork on the grill,  Cook for 20-25 minutes turning/rolling consistently to brown all sides. Take meat off the heat, place on a carving board, cover with aluminum foil and let rest for 10+ minutes.  Slice thinly on a bit of a bias.  Make a pan sauce/thin gravy and serve. Asparagus and squash are great sides, as is broccoli.

3. Steak.  I like sirloin and flank steaks for leftovers.  They reheat the best I think.  Blot the steak dry with paper towels.  Salt and pepper both sides, Grill.  Rest.  Slice.  Leftover ideas include steak salad, fajitas.  Or if in a breakfast mood, steak and eggs).

Hope that helps and inspires.  Let me know what you make. Good luck and good eating!