Packing Lunch for Work: 5 Unique Ideas That Don’t Include Sandwiches

Most of us spend on average 40 hours a week at work. But when your lunches are composed mostly of meals that come from your nearest fast food joint, it can take a toll on your body and/or your wallet in the long run. Better to spend those extra calories and cash during social gatherings or outings with friends and family, enjoying every bite of that dessert.

So if you’re looking to make a change in your lifestyle or need new ideas for packing healthy lunches beyond the boring classic sandwiches, here are 5 easy solutions from Monday to Friday.

MONDAY

It’s the first day of the work week since your over-indulgent weekend. You’ll want to start off with something light, fresh and healthy.

Kale Salad:
Kale + avocado slices + grapefruit slices (without skin) + chopped jicama squares (Take dressing on the side)

For an afternoon snack, pack a bag of peanut butter pretzel bites to satisfy your carb and protein cravings.

TUESDAY

Tortilla wraps are one of the easiest and healthiest options to take to work. Change up the inside ingredients and you won’t ever get bored of your lunch:

1) Chicken + lettuce + ranch dressing (Try the Caesar Salad Wraps from Betty Crocker)

2) Turkey lunch meat + Swiss cheese + lettuce or alfalfa sprouts + cream cheese (Try the Costco Copycat wraps)

3) Hummus + roasted bell pepper and onions + artichoke hearts + arugula + feta cheese (Try the Heavenly Hummus Wrap recipe)

Pack your lunch with Kettle’s baked salt and pepper potato chips for a light and flavorful crunch with your meal.

WEDNESDAY

When you’re at the pasta aisle, instead of grabbing the spaghetti noodles by default, look for the gnocchi package and follow this easy recipe from Epicurious. Prep time: 15 minutes

For dessert or afternoon snack, opt for those sweet and luscious figs, which are packed with nutrients like calcium, fiber and potassium. Fig season begins early summer and runs through fall.

THURSDAY

It’s Thursday and you’ve done the American, Mediterranean, and Italian. For day 4, direct your palates to the low caloric soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat (gluten-free) flour. To make Soba Noodle Salad, cook and drain the noodles, julienne carrots and bell peppers, and add this Simple Asian Dressing from Bonapetit.com.

For dessert, pack a box of chocolate Pocky Sticks that will hit the spot without being too heavy. Also comes in strawberry and green tea flavors, which you can find in Asian grocery markets.

FRIDAY

It’s finally Friday and you’re ready for the weekend. Maybe by this day you’re a bit tired of making lunch for yourself and want to eat out with co-workers. Cut yourself some slack—it’s okay to go out at least once a week. Or maybe this packing-lunch-thing has been a fun adventure and you can’t stop. If that describes you, turn your attention to this Mexican Rice dish and don’t forget to spice it up with your favorite hot sauce like Tabasco or the amazing Valentina Salsa Picante (#1 bestseller in Mexico). Here’s a quick and easy Mexican Rice and Black Beans recipe at MyRecipes.com.

Cool yourself off by eating the meal with cherry tomatoes, or you can save them for an afternoon snack.

Voilà! And there you have 5 meals for every day of the week. Once these recipes get tiring, find a new twist to the main ingredient. For instance, if you’re using noodles, change the sauce, spice or veggies used.