One thing I have been much better about doing is eating lunch at home. I think because I work from home, I start to go a little stir crazy and use lunch as an excuse to get out. Eating lunch out starts to get expensive– and unhealthy at times. One thing that helps me is to cook more than enough dinner and to eat the leftovers the next for lunch or to make extra lunch and eat the leftovers for dinner. I feel like I have more control over how much money I’m spending that way and the quality of ingredients that I’m eating. Louisa is sharing some delicious recipes today that would be perfect for lunches (and dinners, too!).
5 Recipes to Pack for Lunch this Week
Guest post by Louisa from Living Lou
I’ve learned quite a few things since graduating college almost two years ago, and not only practical job-specific things but also some important lessons that I think any young professional, no matter what your industry, can relate to. Between myself and my friends, we’ve all navigated both similar and vastly different situations, because somehow, most of my friends work in completely different areas, which keeps things interesting!
The more practical things for me are starting my day with a mug of hot lemon water (I like to have my coffee later in the morning) and packing a healthy lunch. When you’re working, it’s so important to have a good lunch to keep your brain going and to keep you fueled throughout the day. It can definitely be hard to step away from your desk to grab lunch, so if you pack your lunch, you’re a step ahead. Plus, buying lunch every day can be expensive. You can easily spend $20 on lunch per day near my office. No thank you!
This is a recipe I developed because I was getting bored of lettuce/spinach/kale salads. Adding a unique grain like farro is the perfect way to get out of a rut—plus this is the kind of salad you can make on the weekend, and it will hold up until midway through the week, AND it’s incredibly filling.
2. Tomato tortellini soup with kale
I brought this soup for two weeks straight, I swear. It is so hearty and filling; it is the ultimate lunch. If your office has a microwave, this is a must! Plus this soup takes less than 45-minutes to make.
3. Moroccan couscous and chickpea salad
This is a recipe for those crazy weeks when you sleep very few hours, and your brain and body are exhausted. Lunch (or dinner) is ready in 15 minutes. The crazy weeks are when it’s most important to fuel your body with healthy foods; it will thank you! I’m telling you guys, keep a box of couscous in your pantry. It. Will. Save. Your. Life.
4. Vegetarian Singapore Noodles
This is one of my favorites because it’s the kind of dish I’d order for lunch anyways, so the fact that I can make it at home in less than 30 minutes is pretty dreamy. It also heats up well, and I think it tastes even better the day after it’s made!
Chilis and soups are one of the best work lunches because you can make a huge pot and eat it for almost the whole week. I love to make a big batch of veggie chili because it’s healthy, comforting and also has lots of protein!
Bonus: Make a batch of homemade 5-ingredient granola and keep it on your desk for afternoon cravings!
