When you are getting ready to go to work, or are about to head out for a day of classes, do you pack yourself lunch to eat later? Do you ever get stuck on new ideas for brown bag lunches? When you start to search through your food, do you ever get frustrated because you cannot find anything that you think will satisfy you later? Here are some easy, cheap ideas for brown bag lunches that you can take with you to work or class, or if you’re just going out for the day!
Turkey Wrap
Wraps are great and fill you up. Take a whole-wheat wrap (try to find one that is low fat and low in calories) and put in slices of turkey, mustard, lettuce, tomato and avocado. You’ll be getting lean protein and fiber, leaving you full for hours.
Cottage Cheese/Greek Yogurt and Berries
Do you usually not feel too hungry around lunchtime? It’s always important to eat something every 3-4 hours to keep you going and to keep your blood sugar up. Put either some cottage cheese or Greek yogurt in a tupperware and put a handful of strawberries, raspberries or blueberries on top. You can also add in some chia seeds for extra nutrients and energy, as well as honey for sweetness. You’ll get protein, antioxidants and calcium all in one meal!
Egg White Salad Sandwich
Eggs are loaded with protein. Boil 3 eggs, chop up the egg whites, and mix it up with a bit of mayo! For a healthier option, substitute hummus instead of mayo. You can also throw in some avocado, onion and tomato to add extra zest to the sandwich. Put it all on 2 pieces of whole wheat bread. Together, this sandwich is loaded with protein, fiber and antioxidants, and will give you energy to keep going.
Improved PB&J
PB&J is a classic brown bag lunch, but let’s add a kick to it. With whole-wheat bread, try almond butter instead of peanut butter for an exciting new twist. Put some sliced banana in there also (a great source of potassium). You can even add raspberries and strawberries, creating your own healthy jelly. You can also try drizzling some honey or sprinkling some cinnamon on the sandwich before bagging it up.
Veggie Burger
Personally, I like Dr. Praeger veggie burgers the most. Put the veggie burger in the toaster, then put it in between two pieces of whole wheat toast or pita bread, add either some hummus or mustard, and you can also put in some avocado.
Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a great superfood and can be mixed with so many things. Cook a cup of quinoa the night before so you don’t feel rushed in the morning. Put about 1/2 – 2/3 cup of quinoa, about 1/2 cub of black beans, about 1/4 cup of cooked corn, some feta, chopped tomato and a little bit of pepper all in a bowl. The beans and the corn can be canned to make your life easier! Put some balsamic vinegar and olive oil on top and mix it all together and you’re on your way.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Don’t want to bring a sandwich to work? No worries! Take some lettuce and prepared sliced grilled chicken, add Parmesan cheese and top it all off with Caesar dressing. If you don’t think this will fill you up, take a couple of fiber crackers along with you.
When you’re rushing to get out of the house for the day, trying to plan future meals can be a hassle. With some of these brown bag lunch options, you won’t have to stress too much! All of these options are inexpensive, easy to make, and travel well. Now, go on with your day and a tasty meal!