There are plenty of benefits of bringing a homemade lunch to work. For one, it’s much more affordable than eating out everyday, plus making your own lunch ensures your midday meals are highly nutritious and will hold you over until dinner. When you don’t have the energy to create an elaborate lunch, DIY adult lunchables are easy, filling and packed with lots of nutrients. We’ve rounded up healthy adult lunchable ideas to help you with your weight loss goals!
4 Adult Lunch Box Essentials to Invest In
1. KARRICO Double Bento Box
This bento lunch box comes with sealed, stackable containers, leakproof lids, and a knife, fork and spoon to make packing your lunches nice and easy. There are also adjustable dividers and a separate tub for sauces and dressings. It’s top-shelf dishwasher safe, so is perfect for anyone who’s juggling a busy schedule!
2. Mason Jars
Mason jars are perfect to pack lunches like soups, salads, oatmeal and power bowls. They’re dishwasher and microwave safe and are super sturdy to carry in your bag in the morning.
3. SUNNY BIRD Insulated Lunch Bag
Available in an array of colours, this lunch bag features triple layer insulation to seal in cool and hot air, keeping your food fresh for hours. It’s a stylish bag that’s easy to carry, easy to clean and is equipped with a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap so you can carry it hands-free.
4. 3-Compartment Containers
Containers with 3 compartments are perfect when you need to separate items like meats, veggies and spreads. These ones are airtight and leakproof. They’re perfect for portion control and make it easy to organize your meals!
4 Lunch Meal Prep Tips and Hacks
1. Keep Healthy Staples Stocked
Keep your pantry and freezer stocked with your favourite healthy go-to items to make meal prep quick and easy. Think: frozen shrimp, chicken or salmon, frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as pantry items like tortilla wraps, rice, beans, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, canned tuna and nut butters. If you have fresh items you know you’ll always use, like avocados or kale, make sure to keep these stocked as well!
2. Focus on Fibre
Make sure to pack your lunches with high fibre foods to keep you full and give you lots of long-lasting energy. Fibre also normalizes your bowel movements, helps control blood sugar levels and aids in achieving a healthy weight. Some of the best high fibre foods are beans, chickpeas, avocados, berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, oats and quinoa.
3. Create a Recipe Folder on Your Phone
If you often find yourself on blogs and social media scrolling through recipes you’d love to make, be sure to take a screenshot of them and save them to a folder on your phone. This way, when you’re thinking about what to make for lunch, you can refer to your recipe folder to get ideas! This will prove super helpful when you sit down to meal plan for the week ahead, giving you inspiration for healthy lunches.
4. Steer Clear of Refined Carbs and Sugars
Refined carbs such as pizza, pastries, chips and white bread, pasta and rice will make you more prone to suffering an energy dip in the afternoon. Also be sure to steer clear of anything high in sugar as it will make your blood sugar spike and energy levels plummet. While these foods may make you feel full and satisfied in the moment, it’s a short-term fix that will ultimately lead to a crash.
9 Filling & Healthy Adult Lunchable Ideas
1. Falafel Salad Bowls | Sweet Peas and Saffron
Made with baked falafels, fresh veggies and a drizzle of tahini maple dressing, these bowls are healthy, filling and full of protein to keep your energy levels up! They’re a great meatless meal prep option- just be sure to store them in a 3-compartment container to keep ingredients fresh!
2. Zucchini Noodle and Baked Chicken Bento Box | Downshiftology
Zucchini noodles tossed with caprese flavours sets the tone for a healthy and delicious lunch. Pair it with baked herbed chicken to amp up the protein content, along with a handful of fresh berries for a sweet yet healthy finale.
3. Charcuterie Lunchbox | Cabot
If you love a good charcuterie board, you’re going to love this lunchbox idea. Fill it with your favourite combination of fruits, nuts, crackers, salami, veggies and cheese for a filling and satisfying lunch that won’t get boring.
4. BLT Salad Lunchbox | Momables
This lunchable idea offers everything in a BLT sandwich, without the bread. With all the BLT fixings, plus extras like avocado, cheese and homemade Ranch dressing, it’s a grain-free, low carb lunch you’re sure to love!
5. Bento Sized Mini Quiches | Just Bento
These mini quiches are tasty and healthy, and you can make them ahead of time and store in the freezer for when you need them. Eggs are an awesome source of protein and are loaded with nutrients you should be getting on the daily.
6. Middle Eastern Meal Prep Boxes | Gimme Delicious
These adult lunchables contain hummus, pita, olives, chickpeas, cucumber, tomato and falafel. They’re nutritious and protein packed, which will help keep your energy up all afternoon. The chickpeas, hummus and falafel are also high in fibre, which will help keep you full and aid with weight loss.
7. Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap | Delicious on a Dime
This lunch idea is perfect if you’re looking for something sweet and easy. Take a whole wheat wrap and spread peanut butter on it (natural peanut butter is best because it doesn’t have added sugar). Peanut butter is high in protein and then add banana to support digestive health. Add nuts and fruits to your lunchable box to eat on the side!
8. Curried Chicken Salad | Detoxinista
This healthy curried chicken salad is made with avocado instead of mayo, and paired with lemon juice, curry powder and a touch of maple syrup. The shredded chicken mixed with celery, green onions and cilantro is a combination that can’t be beat! Pack it alongside some grapes and carrots for a well rounded lunch you’ll always enjoy.
9. Turkey Roll Ups | Hannah Mageerd
This high-protein lunchable is ideal if you want something satisfying to hold you over on busy days. It contains deli turkey, Havarti cheese, pretzel crackers, hummus and sliced veggies like carrots or bell peppers.
Lunchables aren’t just for kids! These bistro lunch boxes are filling, nutritious and fun to bring to work every day of the week!
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