Every time I poll the audience on instagram or facebook asking what information you want me to share and what kind of recipes you want to see, LUNCH is always at the top of the list.

I totally get it! For me, I typically automate lunch and have similar things each day (greens, topped with roasted veggies, leftover beans/whole grains depending on what I have on hand and leftover pre-prepped protein…tasty and simple!), and for Brian’s lunch I either make a large batch of something on the weekend to portion out throughout the week or I package up leftovers from dinner.

Eating during the work day is important so that you can focus on important tasks in the afternoon, avoid the afternoon slump, and not be completely starving at dinner time (which may leave you to tear open every cabinet and eat to an uncomfortably full feeling once you get home).

To make a healthy lunch, I look for the following criteria:

• Protein – Will keep the meal filling, as this nutrient is a little slower to digest. It’s also best to eat protein throughout the day rather than a large serving at one meal.
• Fat – This nutrient is also slower to digest and will help you stay fuller for longer.
• Carbohydrates – This includes vegetables and fiber. Vegetables are filled with important nutrients and fiber helps maintain a healthy digestive system as well as helps you feel full at meal time.

Healthy Lunch Recipes:

Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Blueberries and Quinoa via Tara Rochford Nutrition

Chili Lime Turkey Burgers via Peaches and Thyme

Quinoa Edamame Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette via Healthy Inspiration

Mango Lime Summer Quinoa Salad via Bucket List Tummy

Low FODMAP Vegetable Frittata via Tara Rochford Nutrition

Spinach and Black Bean Salad with Spicy Chipotle Dressing via Satiate Nutrition

Quinoa with Vegetables and Maple Ginger Tahini via It’s a Veg World After All

Fig Prosciutto and Burrata Salad via Laurel Ann Nutrition

Easy Avocado Egg Salad via Colleen Christensen Nutrition

Slow Cooker Picadillo via Laurel Ann Nutrition

Chickpea Salad Sandwich via Lettuce Veg Out

Pecan Chicken Salad with Apples via Colleen Christensen Nutrition

Tuna Cakes with Dijon Sauce via Tara Rochford Nutrition

Wild Rice and Bean Salad via Lettuce Veg Out

Zesty Tuna Lettuce Wraps via The Nutrition Adventure

Coconut Shrimp Curry via Desi-Licious RD

15 Minute Easy Salad Recipe via Desi-Licious RD

Hummus Pinwheels via Chelsey LeBlanc Nutrition

Tuscan Kale Salad via The Nutrition Adventure

Mediterranean Vegetable Salad via Amy Gorin Nutrition

Summer Vegan Power Bowl via Amy Gorin Nutrition

Vegetable Chinese Chickenless Salad via Mom’s Kitchen Handbook

Couscous Bowls via Low Country Nutrition

Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl via Live Best

Layered Spelt Salad via Live Best

Curry Egg Salad via Live Best

Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats via Emily Kyle Nutrition

Mediterranean Chickpea and Tuna Salad via The Gourmet RD

Chipotle Inspired Vegan Burrito Bowl via Kara Lydon Nutrition

Tofu Bahn Mi Bowl via Kara Lydon Nutrition

Viva Fiesta Turkey Wrap via KISS in the Kitchen

Chicken Broccoli Divan via Nourish Nutrition Blog

Spicy Lentil Tomato Soup via Kroger Nutrition

Vegetarian Black Bean Quinoa Casserole via Cozy Peach Kitchen

Peach Curry Chicken Salad via The Cheesy RD

One Pot Loaded Veggie Pasta via The Oregon Dietitian

Healthy Taco Salad via via The Oregon Dietitian

15 Minute Simple Pasta via Nourish Nutrition Blog

Quick Pickled Red Pepper Lettuce Wraps via Mostly Balanced

Mediterranean Hummus Tuna Salad Sandwich via Byte Sized Nutrition

Avocado Egg Salad via Byte Sized Nutrition

No Mayo Orange Poppy Seed Chicken Salad via Lively Table

Vegan Arugula Avocado Pesto Pasta via Lively Table

Mayo Free Coconut Curry Salad via Lively Table

Salmon Cobb Salad via Meals with Maggie

Chickpea Salad with Pistachios and Mint via Meals with Maggie

Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad via Meals with Maggie

Strawberry Avocado Quinoa Salad via Lively Table

Tabouli via Got Nourishment

Vegan Chipotle Bowls via Dishing Out Health

30 Minute Pesto Tortellini Salad via Dishing Out Health

Mediterranean Tuna and Quinoa Bowl via Jessica Ivy RDN

No Mayo Avocado Egg Salad via Foods with Judes

Chickpea Salad Sandwiches via Chelsea Dishes

Canned Tuna Recipes via Full Plate Nutrition