We all know how busy days can be. Whether you’re heading out to work, school, or running errands, it can be hard to find the time to whip up a healthy meal, let alone a wholesome one. But the truth is, with a little bit of planning and creativity, you can have scrumptious and nutritious food ready in no time. Keep reading to find easy and healthy lunch recipes that will save you time and make sure you still eat right on a busy day.
1. Start Your Day Off Right with Wholesome Lunch Ideas
When it comes to making your day a success, it starts with a wholesome lunch. But how do you make sure it’s a nutritious meal with the right carbohydrates and proteins? We’ve got the perfect recipes for your midday pick-me-up:
- Taco Salad – A healthy way to get your Mexican food fix. You can switch up the ingredients to make it vegan-friendly if desired. Try using beans and vegetables in a taco shell with some diced tomatoes and avocado on top.
- Veggie Lo Mein – Savory and delicious. Cook up your favorite vegetables in some soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic and enjoy with some boiled noodles on the side.
Shifting gears to something sweet, there are a few options here as well. Ditch the sugary snacks and cakes, and make these delicious options instead:
- Whole Wheat Yogurt Pancakes – Satisfy your craving for something sweet without overdoing it. Use whole wheat flour, yogurt, and banana for a delicious jolt of energy.
- Oatmeal with Fruits and Nuts – Nothing beats a good oatmeal blend. Choose ingredients that will fill you up, like oats, fruits, nuts, and coconut milk.
- Vegan Omelet – Not into eggs? You won’t miss them with this vegan omelet filled with your favorite vegetables.
Making lunch can be simple and tasty with the right ingredients. Include grains, vegetables, and protein, and you’ll be more than sated until dinner time.
2. Quick and Healthy Recipes to Make Your Lunchtime Easier
Making lunch during the week can be a tedious task, especially if you are always short on time. Luckily, there are some easy and nutritious recipes you can make in no time. Here are some tasty and healthy recipes to help you get your lunch time sorted with ease.
Spinach Tortilla Wraps – Delicious and nutritious wraps are a quick meal you can eat on-the-go. Fill up a spinach tortilla with your favorite fillings such as bell peppers, cheese, hummus, olives, cucumber, and/or turkey slices. Top it off with some shredded lettuce and a hint of Italian dressing and you have a wrap packed with flavorful goodness.
Cheese and Veggies Pita Pockets – Craving something a little heartier than a wrap? Pita pockets are just as easy to make and require minimal prep. Start by cutting some whole grain pita into halves. Spread on some ricotta cheese or cream cheese for added moisture, then pile in some crunchy veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. You can also add in some white beans and seasonings for an even yummier lunch.
Salad in a Jar – Salads are a great way to add some freshness to your lunchtime. To make it even easier, put them in a jar! Start with some leafy greens, then add a few tablespoons of your favorite dressing. Layer the salad with chopped up fruits and vegetables along with some grains such as quinoa or faro. Finish it off with a few tablespoons of nuts and seeds of your choice for some added crunch and protein.
Chickpea and Avocado Wraps– This flavorful wrap is both vegan and gluten-free. Start by mashing up chickpeas and avocados, adding some lemon juice, cilantro, and chili powder for extra flavor. Spread the mixture onto a warm tortilla, top with fresh arugula, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Drizzle a little olive oil and lime juice and you have a mouthwatering wrap you can enjoy in minutes!
3. Discover Delicious and Nutritious Lunches for Busy Days
When it comes to feeding yourself or your family during the work or school week, time is of the essence. Instead of resorting to takeout meals or pre-packaged snacks, make nutritious and delicious lunches that don’t take long to put together:
- Put together a bento box. Fill up a bento box with different snacks and finger foods like rice, vegetables, fruits, and proteins — have fun with various ingredients for a balanced meal.
- Make a homemade wrap. Take a whole wheat tortilla wrap and fill it with salad greens, provolone, roasted red peppers, and turkey breast. Add a touch of mayo and lemon juice for a flavorful combination.
- Allow leftovers to come alive. Think of a new twist to old leftovers from dinner. Have some garlic herb roasted vegetables? Try adding it to a quinoa and black bean bowl.
- Go for the grain bowl. Create a simple grain bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, a small handful of nuts, and a chicken breast. Drizzle your favorite Greek yogurt-based dressing on top.
These options will give you the energy and nutrients you need to power through the day, without having to sacrifice health or taste. Don’t forget to include a thermos of your favorite hot beverage on the side — a warm cup of tea or a mug of hot coffee works wonders for an afternoon pick-me-up.
For an even easier routine, explore the exciting lunch options at your local grocery store or farmers’ market. With an assortment of salads, sandwiches, and snacks, you can find meals that are both nutritious and delicious.
With these creative lunch options, you can ditch the fast food and pre-packaged snacks and make your own delicious and convenient lunches in minutes.
4. Get Fired Up with Those Simple and Healthy Lunch Ideas!
It’s time to take your lunch break to an exciting new level! Stop settling for the same, boring, pre-made dishes, and try out these simple yet healthy recipes you can enjoy in the comfort of your home instead. Not only will you be able to switch up your lunch game, but you’ll also be giving your body a nutritional boost.
- Chickpea Couscous – This vegan, gluten-free dish is the perfect way to get your daily dose of veggies and fiber in a fun and flavorful way. You can customize the couscous with a variety of different vegetables, making it a nutrition-packed dish that’s sure to make your taste buds dance.
- Grilled Salmon Sandwich – Skip the greasy takeout and opt for this exquisite and filling sandwich. The ingredient list is simple: some whole-grain bread, cucumber, and grilled salmon. Not only is this lunch option delicious, but an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy brain development.
- Veggie Burrito Bowl – For a fun twist on a burrito, try this veggie bowl. Start with some quinoa, and pile on anything from roasted sweet potatoes and black beans to corn, onions, and avocados. You can also drizzle on a homemade citrus-garlic vinaigrette for a burst of flavor.
These lunch ideas are simple to cook, economical to make, and beneficial to your health. Have fun getting creative in the kitchen with these recipes, and impress your taste buds with the flavors of the veggie couscous, grilled salmon sandwich, and veggie burrito bowl. Bon appetit!
No matter which recipe you choose, you can be sure that you’ll be savoring a nutritious meal in no time. So get fired up and switch up your lunch routine with these easy and healthy midday meals.
We know how hectic life can be, but with these easy and nutritious recipes you can easily prepare wholesome meals for your lunchtime. Make sure to enjoy your meal to its fullest and savor the flavors that will give you the energy to move forward with your day. Happy cooking!
