Running short on time but not the desire for a tasty meal? Below are three versatile and easy lunch ideas with time and portability in mind.
Avocado Wraps
One of the easiest (and healthiest) ways to get some extra protein in your diet is to get your hands on some avocados. Besides protein, they’re also dense in a variety of other vitamins and minerals, and with just a little bit of a learning curve when it comes to getting them perfectly ripe, they’re an easy snack. Combining avocado, be it sliced, mashed, or spread, with a pita or tortilla and whatever veggies and other protein sources you prefer is a surefire way to make a simple and healthy lunch that’s easy to take on the go. Some common ingredients you can use include:
- Carrot shreds
- Diced or sliced tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Tofu
- Mushrooms
- Chickpeas
- Quinoa
- Hard-boiled egg
- Shredded chicken or plant-based chicken alternatives
- Cucumber
- Cayenne pepper or paprika
- Cheeses such as cheddar, swiss, or brie
- Balsamic vinegar
- Lemon juice
Choose-Your-Own Ramen
While microwave ramen has a reputation for being high in sodium, not all ramen is made equal– there are plenty of lower sodium options if you’re looking to back off the salt somewhat. Regardless, there are a few quicker and easier ways to get a warm lunch, and ramen can also be packed with protein. While we may be tempted to just throw our ramen in a cup with some water and call it day with the provided flavor packet, there are ways to make your microwave noodle experience tastier and more nutritious with the help of some minced lettuce, vegetables, mushrooms, or other ingredients packed alongside in your lunchbox. Toss these in to elevate the flavor of any microwave ramen– or even prepare your own ramen noodles and refrigerate them the night before to maximize freshness and further cut down on the sodium content. Take a look at this simple homemade ramen recipe that will make you an expert in speedy ramen cooking in no time.
Protein Toast
Avocado pairs well with more than just wraps– spread it on some toast with cayenne, paprika, or crushed red pepper to make a delicious and nutritious snack. With the help of some peanut butter or almond butter, some cinnamon, and sliced bananas, you can make something sweet to go with the savory. You don’t have to keep the fried egg relegated to breakfast, either, as pairing it with some cheese or leafy greens can make for a tasty lunch, too. Take a look at these lists from All Nutritious and Live Eat Learn to expand your knowledge of all that can be done with a piece of toast (cottage cheese? Yogurt? Hummus? The possibilities are endless. You can even put fruit like raspberries or pineapple on your toast if you dare, and you just may be surprised at the delicious results.)
