Who doesn’t dread a weekday morning, when you drag yourself out of bed to get ready for work. As if office isn’t enough, the torturous lunch box beckons you. It’s always a mammoth task to plan what you’re going to carry for lunch to work, leave alone preparing it and packing it. The challenge increases if you like to eat healthy, since it has been believed for a long time that nutritious food is rarely mouthwatering. Hence it is quite important that what you choose to pack should be easy to make in the morning or the previous night, has to be appetizing, and it definitely needs to be healthy. What can make packing lunch for work a fun job, and not a tedious task, is planning well ahead of time, preferably a week in advance. Go shopping, buy just the needed ingredients, and prep for your lunch the night before. All you have to do in the morning is to assemble all the elements together in your lunch box. Here’s a list of twenty such easy, nutritious recipes that will make you look forward to lunch at work each day.
1. Garden Pasta Salad
Durum wheat pasta is the version that even fitness experts swear by, so a salad that includes this rich fiber and carbohydrate source is definitely a must for your lunch at work. Not only is it healthy and tasty because it’s loaded with vegetables, but it is also quite easy to whip up.
Photo Credit
http://fastapasta.com/fasta-pasta-recipe/garden-pasta-salad-with-ham/
Want to learn how to make it? Here’s a recipe:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/garden-pasta-salad/
The video URL follows:
http://allrecipes.com/video/3867/garden-pasta-salad/detail.aspx
2. Chicken Stir Fry (With Rice)
This is a quick option for your lunch box if you are pressed for time. Calorie count is quite less, and you definitely won’t feel guilty about enjoying this. Using brown rice will give you more fiber, and chicken breasts will provide you with the necessary protein. Add your favorite veggies to make it your favorite meal.
Photo Credit
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/summer-garden-chicken-stir-fry/59713c06-155b-4b5f-bb3d-ba2383b54a75
For the recipe click here:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Stir-Fry-3/Detail.aspx?evt19=1&referringHubId=2035
Want to watch and learn? Here’s how:
3. Fresh Tomato Soup
What reminds you of the comfort of your home on a cold winter day, wrapped up in your favorite blanket? A bowl of steaming hot fresh tomato soup right? Your comfort food need no longer remain a meal to be enjoyed in the confines of your home. Yes, you can make it, pack it and take it to work. Of course, don’t forget the garnish…skip the cream, and replace with fresh yoghurt.
Photo Credit
http://backtoherroots.com/2011/09/01/garden-fresh-tomato-soup/
Read the recipe here:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/fresh-tomato-soup
For the video, click here:
http://allrecipes.com/video/1158/garden-fresh-tomato-soup/detail.aspx
4. Moong Dal Khichdi
This is the ultimate Indian comfort food, enjoyed not just in the monsoons, but also at any other time of the year. The Moong Dal Khichdi is scrumptious, nutritious, and will take the least amount of effort on your part.
Pick up the recipe here:
http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/moong-dal-khichdi-recipe-ganesh-chaturthi/
Want to see how it’s made? Click here:
5. Spiced Chickpea Pita
As we all know, chickpeas are abundant in protein, and yummy too. Add your favorite herbs and spices and pop it in a pita bread pocket and your nutritious lunch is ready for carrying to work.
Photo Credit
http://longplayerkitchen.com/2015/08/02/spicy-chickpea-pitas/
Learn how to make this simple dish:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/moroccan-garbanzo-bean-and-feta-pitas-108446
The video URL follows:
6. Herbed Cheese and Tomato Sandwich
Sandwiches have always been a hot pick for those who go to work and don’t have much time to prepare lunch. If you’re in a hurry, use wheat bread, and stuff it with a filling of cottage cheese and tomatoes, and you’re good to go.
Photo Credit
http://17parkside.com/2012/03/05/happy-monday-3/
Check out the recipe here:
http://www.madhurasrecipe.com/snacks/Paneer-Sandwich
Here’s a video:
7. Peas Pulao With Carrot Raita
The peas pulao is no longer just meant to be eaten at a restaurant, you can now make it at home, and it won’t take you much time. This lunch recipe is ideal for office-goers, since it’s healthy, can be substituted with the brown variety of rice, and of course its lip-smacking delicious when accompanied by a rich carrot raita.
Photo Credit
http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/380/4237/1600/813551/peaspulao.jpg
Read the recipe here:
Peas Pulao: http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/matar-pulao-peas-pulao-recipe/
Carrot Raita: http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/carrot-raita-recipe-gajar-raita/
Watch the video here:
Peas Pulao: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqR4wIu5UV8
Carrot Raita: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCY22NqmvM8
8. Crunchy Tuna Wrap
Tuna’s probably the richest source of protein, and a good choice for a wrap or a sandwich. Add crunchy vegetables, and toss it up in a dressing of yoghurt; you definitely won’t regret having packed this for lunch.
Photo Credit
http://jennyshearawn.com/asian-inspired-tuna-lettuce-wraps/
Grab the recipe here:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/crunchy-tuna-wraps
Watch and learn:
9. Masala Poha
Masala Poha is probably the easiest snack that can double up as a nutritious lunch for those who don’t have much time to cook an elaborate meal. With roasted peanuts and green chillies, this is a lunch you will definitely savor.
Photo Credit
http://ayeshacookery.com/kanda-batata-poha/
Check out the recipe here:
http://www.tarladalal.com/Masala-Poha-37604r
Here’s the video URL:
10. Broccoli Paratha
The paratha is every Indian’s favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can either stuff your whole wheat roti with spiced broccoli, or you could grind it into a smooth paste and knead it into your dough. Either way, this is a healthy lunch option, and absolutely delicious.
Photo Credit
http://cookeatshare.com/recipes/broccoli-paratha-586350
Read the recipe here:
http://simpleindianrecipes.com/broccoliparatha.aspx
To see how you make it, click here:
11. Cheela
This staple breakfast crepe in the northern parts of India, can be quickly made, and is essentially nutritious. What’s even better is the fact that the quantity of oil required is so negligible, that you can almost count the calories on your fingertips.
Check out the recipe here:
http://food.ndtv.com/recipe-besan-ka-cheela-219247
Watch how the experts make it:
12. Paneer Sandwich
Paneer or cottage cheese is a good, low-fat source of calcium and protein, and goes amazingly well with a variety of spices and herbs. Spread the paneer mixture between two slices of a healthy variety of bread, and your wholesome lunch is ready.
Photo Credit
http://www.pardaphash.com/news/paneer-sandwich-spicy-delight/718710.html#.VcmOj3Gqqko
Pick up the recipe here:
http://www.tarladalal.com/Cabbage-Carrot-and-Paneer-Grill-Sandwich-38059r
The Video URL is as follows:
13. Methi Paratha
Methi or fenugreek leaves have the ability to control your blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiac disorders. So why not use this power-packed little leaves to create a salubrious meal? Methi parathas, using wheat flour tastes extremely good and is good for your health.
Here’s your recipe:
http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/methi-paratha/
Learn how to make it:
14. Sweet And Sour Broccoli Salad
The best way to treat a cancer-fighting veggie is with respect. One of the healthiest sources of vitamin C you’ll ever find, the broccoli tastes best as a stir fry or in a salad. For this salad, use home-made soy sauce, and whip up this wholesome crunchy meal for your work lunch in a jiffy.
Photo Credit
http://www.recipes100.com/recipe+crunchy+broccoli+salad
Read the recipe here:
http://onetwosimplecooking.com/blog/2014/3/27/sweet-and-sour-broccoli-salad
Check out the video:
15. Roasted Veggie Pizza
Oven-roasted vegetables, on a whole wheat tortilla, to resemble your favorite pizza, are the perfect option for packed lunch. Replace the mozzarella with the healthier feta cheese, and trust me, it’s going to keep you smiling the rest of the day.
Photo Credit
https://aveganinprogress.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/vegan-at-cpk/
Pick up the recipe here:
http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/01/22/roasted-vegetable-whole-wheat-pizza/
Learn the techniques in this video:
16. 10-Minute Vegetable Fried Rice
Fiber-rich brown rice, overloaded with healthy vegetables–could there ever be anything more wholesome than this? Rustle up fried rice with very less oil, and your 10-minute lunch box is ready.
Photo Credit
http://foodiesbay.com/how-to-make-vegetable-fried-rice/
Grab the recipe here:
http://pinchofyum.com/best-10-minute-veggie-fried-rice
Want a video? It’s right here:
17. Okra in Yoghurt Curry
Okra helps you lose weight and fight diabetes. What more could you ask for when you’re opting for a healthy lunch? Cook your okras in flavorsome yoghurt gravy, and enjoy your lunch with oil-free, soft rotis.
Photo Credit
http://www.tarladalal.com/Dahi-Bhindi-ki-Subji-3568r
The recipe follows:
http://food.ndtv.com/recipe-bhindi-in-yogurt-curry-154082
To see and learn, click here:
18. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
If you’re a health freak who’s not into crash dieting, lettuce wraps are the best things to eat for lunch. They have a low content of carbohydrates, and can be prepared in less than 20 minutes. Icing on the cake? It is finger-licking delicious, and you won’t kick yourself even if you binge on it.
Photo Credit
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/barbecued-chinese-chicken-lettuce-wraps-recipe.html
Pick up the recipe here:
http://damndelicious.net/2014/05/30/pf-changs-chicken-lettuce-wraps/
Watch how to make it:
19. Lentil Salad with Poached Eggs
Lentils are loaded with proteins, and hence one of the most preferred picks of health experts. Cook your lentils with iron-rich Spinach leaves, and relish your meal with poached eggs and fresh garden vegetables.
Here’s the recipe:
http://ifood.tv/french/129977-french-green-lentils-with-poached-egg
Watch the video here:
20. Creamy Squash Soup
If you want to carry soup to work, and are bored with tomato, go for the creamy butternut squash soup that is richer and creamier in texture, but is just as healthy.
Photo Credit
http://thelemonbowl.com/2013/02/creamy-butternut-squash-soup-with-smoked-paprika.html
Grab the recipe here:
http://pinchofyum.com/simple-creamy-squash-soup
Learn how to make it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dWi6l8ejQU
