Healthy Packed Lunches!
If you are trying to cut down on spending or simply improve your diet, packing your lunch is a great choice. But it's hard to know where to start when it comes to packing your lunch. There are so many different recipe ideas, but not all are healthy.
We have compiled a list of healthy packed lunches for you to enjoy at school, at work, or while running errands. Follow these recipes for plenty of balanced nutrition.
Balancing Your Plate
Nutrition doesn't have to be complicated, but it can come with a learning curve. When packing your lunch, there are a few essential things to remember. You need to balance your diet between carbohydrates, fats, and protein. These macronutrients keep you feeling full, satisfied, and energized during the day.
You risk a spike in your blood sugar if you have too much of one macronutrient and not enough of another. A blood sugar spike can lead to more hunger and cravings when it comes back down.
For this reason, you should avoid overloading your lunch with carbohydrates. Add lean protein and healthy fats to your plate daily to stabilize your blood sugar and stay satisfied until dinner.
Balance your packed lunches with servings of whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. This combination will give you plenty of healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates to satisfy your hunger. You can include a small portion of dairy products like cheese, yogurt, or milk if you typically include dairy in your diet.
Sweet Lunch Box
If you have a sweet tooth but want to stay on track with your nutrition, follow this packed lunch recipe. This sweet lunch box will keep you full and satisfied without wreaking havoc on your blood sugar. It's full of whole foods and is sure to kick your sweet cravings to the curb after you eat it.
Add the following ingredients to your lunch box:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Celery (optional: add cream cheese)
- Nut butter and banana roll-ups
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh blueberries
- Dark chocolate–covered raisins or nuts
This balanced lunch box has plenty of complex carbohydrates and protein. You can use low-carbohydrate tortillas for the peanut butter and banana roll-ups if you desire, and the fresh fruit and dark chocolate–covered treats will satisfy your sweet tooth. And nut butter will give you plenty of protein to balance out the carbohydrates in the lunch box.
Savory Lunch Box
The savory lunch box is perfect for those who like full flavor profiles and savory goodness. This packed lunch is full of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. You don't have to miss out on the fresh fruit either; this lunch box includes low-sugar fresh berries.
Add the following foods to your savory lunch box:
- Fresh raspberries
- Fresh blueberries
- Cherry tomatoes
- Raw broccoli
- One hard-boiled egg
- Granola
- Pasta salad
We recommend making the pasta salad with your choice of pasta noodles, olive oil, parmesan cheese, peas, and carrots. This gives you a healthy balance of carbohydrates, dairy, healthy fats, and vegetables. Your favorite cookout dish doesn't have to be unhealthy.
Mexican Food Lunch Box
Are you a big fan of Mexican cuisine? Try this healthy packed lunch to satisfy your cravings for Mexican food. This lunch box includes a good balance of protein, dairy, and healthy sugars from fruit. Instead of ordering Mexican takeout during your lunch break, opt for this healthy version instead.
Add the following ingredients to your lunch:
- Orange slices
- Fresh raspberries
- Healthy Mexican bean dip
- Whole-grain tortilla chips
- Mini oatmeal cookie
To make the Mexican bean dip, layer sour cream, smashed black beans, cheese, and salsa in a dish. These nutritious ingredients won't cause a blood sugar crash later on.
Black beans are a healthy source of protein and fiber. The sour cream and cheese add servings of dairy, and the vegetable-based salsa gives the mixture a kick of extra savory flavor. Crush your cravings for Mexican food with this Mexican lunch box.
Light Lunch Box
If you tend to eat small lunches or just want a light snack while you're away from home, try a light lunch box. This packed lunch is full of healthy fats and snackable ingredients. This light lunch box makes it easy to reach for finger foods as you work or study.
Add the following ingredients to your light lunch box:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Hummus
- Feta cheese
- Cucumber slices
- Whole-grain crackers
- Dark chocolate chips
You can top the hummus with the feta cheese for a savory, delectable dip. Use the crackers and cucumbers to enjoy the hummus dip as you stay productive throughout the day.
This lunch box adds a dash of sweetness with the dark chocolate chips without overloading your body with sugar. Enjoy this satisfactory light lunch box at your leisure whenever you get hungry.
Protein-Packed Lunch Box
If you really need to pack in the protein, look no further than the protein-packed lunch box. This lunch provides plenty of satisfying protein without sacrificing good flavor. This is the perfect lunch box for you if you have goals to crush at the gym.
Add the following ingredients to your protein-packed lunch:
- Tuna salad
- Greek yogurt
- One hard-boiled egg
- Almonds
- Apple slices
- Cucumber slices
- Greens
This lunch box is great for keeping you full during long days. You get a healthy amount of natural sugars from the apple slices and plenty of healthy fats from the almonds. If you want to lean out and increase your protein intake, this is the perfect lunch box.
Following a Nutritious Diet
The importance of a balanced, nutritious diet cannot be overstated. People who eat a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins tend to suffer from fewer health complications.
When your diet isn't balanced, it can be easy to overeat and snack often throughout the day. By following nutrition guidelines, you can round out your plate and stay full until your next meal.
Eating a nutritious diet will reduce your risk of becoming overweight or obese and dealing with the associated health complications. And when you eat well, you feel good. Start packing your lunches and use these healthy lunch box recipes to fuel your body throughout the day.
