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livelaughlove21's avatar

What are some quick, healthy lunches I can bring to work?

Asked by livelaughlove21 (13336 points ) June 17th, 2011

I am a floater at my job, which means I go to whichever office needs my assistance. Sometimes, I am split between two offices and I have to eat in my car with no use of a microwave. Often, I don’t know I’m being split until I’m actually at work.

Fast food is to expensive to eat every day and I’m not looking to gain 20 lbs anytime soon, so I need some healthy lunches that I can bring to work with minimal prep time. Frozen meals aren’t an option—too much sodium! Plus the grocery bill really adds up when you buy those.

I have kind of a bland taste in food—my burgers/sandwiches are meat and cheese only, I’ve only acquired a taste for a few veggies, I’m not big on salads, etc. I can’t bring leftovers because we normally don’t have enough and our dinners aren’t healthy enough to eat twice a day. I don’t need a big meal, but bringing a banana and nothing else isn’t going to cut it. And soup—sick of it.

I know I’m difficult, but any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Not having anything to bring to lunch is causing me to eat unhealthy things and I already feel like I’ve gained a few pounds.

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8 Answers

tom_g's avatar

@livelaughlove21: “I’m not big on salads, etc.”

Not sure what other options you may have here. Are you sure you’re not a fan of salads of any kind, or is it that you don’t like those things that restaurants call salads? There are so many varieties, and you can just add the stuff that tastes good to you. Last night, I threw together the following and brought it to work today: chick peas, red pepper, tomato, mozz cheese, and a mix of baby spinach and spring greens, topped with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. It took me 5 minutes to make. But you can find things that you like and experiment. You seem to like meat and cheese. Why not try cutting up some meat and cheese in a bowl, add some roasted red peppers (from a jar), and add some good greens (not that awful iceberg stuff). You might find that you like it, and can add/remove things periodically to mix it up.
Also, everything goes great with a good balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.

Adirondackwannabe's avatar

Do you have a refrigerator at work?

erichw1504's avatar

Egg salad sandwiches.

picante's avatar

Buy various types of fruits (not just bananas) that you enjoy and create little snack packets that include a mixture of presliced fruits, some nuts that you like, maybe some raisins and sliced cheeses.

Nothing wrong with bringing some meats and cheeses, omitting the bread. Through in some pickles and olives.

You say you don’t like salads, but are there salad-like things you enjoy—like a black bean and corn relish, or a bean salad???? Tom Q has given you some great options.

Laughing Cow has a variety of the prepackaged soft cheeses that are great. Find some reasonbly healthy underbelly (wheat crackers, etc.), and that’s a great snack.

Wish I could go grocery shopping with you!

livelaughlove21's avatar

@Adirondackwannabe Yep, I do.

@picante I like your nuts/cheese idea!

blueiiznh's avatar

Learn to like salads. You can pretty much eat as many veggies as you want.
Fruits, veggies, cereal, oatmeal, crackers, cheese, yogurt. nuts.
Make it snackable, but right portions to consume.

Adirondackwannabe's avatar

Yogurt is good, granola, fresh fruit, and dried fruit, although be a little careful of the sugar content.

flutherother's avatar

For years I had banana sandwiches for lunch. The same thing, day after day for years. I became quite famous for it.

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