Why should we pack our own lunch?
- To eat healthier and feel better.
- To save money.
- To reduce our ecological footprint on the environment.
- To save time.
- To decrease waste at home by using leftovers.
- To inspire others to do the same.
Please join me for this live recording (12 mins) where I offer suggestions on how to make lunch packing easier and what constitutes a healthy lunch.
Or for a brief outline including 5 quick, simple, healthy lunch recipes, read on…
What makes a healthy lunch?
My definition of a “Healthy lunch” is one that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients while limiting excessive intake of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and calories.
As a general rule, our SBF Challenge fuel plans follow these guidelines:
- Approx. 400 calories (members will add more if exercising).
- Less than 10g sugar (unless there is natural fruit in the recipe).
- At least 20g protein.
(However it’s important to note that macronutrients should be considered over a 24hr period and not just one meal).
How to make preparing lunch easier:
- Use leftovers – Make double serves for dinner and use the next day or freeze.
- Use packet salads and frozen veg single serve packets.
- Have a “salad box” in the fridge so you don’t have to search around for all your ingredients.
- Bulk prepare lunches 3 days in advance.
- Place paper towels in the bottom of containers to keep salads fresher for longer.
- Have a set time when you pack your lunch each day.
- Make it as enjoyable as possible eg. listen to a podcast, watch your favourite show, ring a friend etc.
- Invest in quality containers.
- Have a favourites folder of all your recipes.
- Use your slow cooker – soups, meats, stews, casseroles
*Please check the serving suggestions for each of these recipes.
1: Classic lunch salad
View the full recipe.
2: Sweet potato crusted quiche
View the full recipe.
3: Corn thins with smashed avo & turkey
View the full recipe.
4: Picnic Slice
View the full recipe.
5: Corn and zucchini fritters
View the full recipe.
If you’d like more Quick, Simple & Healthy recipes:
