Low-Calorie Healthy Lunch for Work
You are what you eat. This is a phrase that you must have heard/read so many times and is indeed true. Even if you spent hours in the gym and then eat
unhealthy fast food during your office lunch break, you never will be able to reach your fitness goals. Furthermore, eating unhealthy food every day can also
invite various health issues. So, no matter how late you may be getting for work, you must pack and carry a healthy lunch with you every day. For those who
are confused and are wondering what to prepare, we shall share 10 low-calorie healthy lunches for work recipes right away.
1. Kale Salad with Avocado
When you opt for leafy greens you can eat more and satisfy yourself without consuming too many calories. Avocado too is rich in protein which keeps you full
for longer. It also contains a compound known as oleic acid that helps controls your appetite and helps reduce belly fat.
To prepare this salad, you just need half an avocado pitted and sliced and about one handful chopped kale. Also, add roasted cubed sweet potato, a few grape
tomatoes (halved), and sprinkle a few pumpkin seeds. Complete your salad with a lemon dressing (one part lemon juice combined with three parts extra virgin
olive oil) and your salad is ready to pack.
2. Root Veggie Mix
A root veggie mix is also a great healthy lunch idea. It is basically a combination of quinoa and root veggies. Quinoa is a unicorn grain that is low in calories
but rich in protein and dietary fiber. Root vegetables also are low in calories and high in fiber and great for the digestive system.
To prepare, you need to mix 2 cups roasted diced root vegetables like turnips, beets, and carrots, with 1 cup of cooked quinoa. Add 2 tbsp of pesto and enjoy a
nice flavorful root veggie mix.
3. Chicken and Greek Yogurt Salad
Yogurt and chicken are rich in protein, and the almonds that you will also add contain healthy fats and protein. This will help keep your blood sugar levels in
control and your stomach will be happy and full. The fiber and water content of the grapes, apples, and celery will add flavors while offering just a few calories.
To make this healthy lunch you need to dice 1 skinless, boneless poached chicken breast and add it in a bowl. Coat the chicken properly with Greek yogurt and
add 2 to 3 tbsp each of diced apple, grapes and celery and 2 tbsp almonds. Mix it and your salad is ready.
4. Hummus and Vegetable Sandwich
Whole grain bread contains a lot of proteins, less fat, and can easily be digested compared to any other bread. The toppings added will offer healthy fats and
fiber and thus helps make a perfect lunch for work with just a few calories.
To prepare this sandwich you need to toast 2 pieces of sprouted grain bread. Spread about a tablespoon of hummus on both the slices. Next, place three slices of
cucumber, 3 spinach leaves, and 2 slices of tomato, and cover it with another slice of bread.
5. Fish Tacos
Fish is rich in proteins that help keep you satiated for long and its omega-3 fatty acids boost your metabolism. Furthermore, the avocado, cabbage, and the
whole wheat tortilla used offer low-calorie fiber.
You simply need to take a whole wheat tortilla and add about a few tablespoons of sautéed fish that has been broken into chunks. Further, add shredded red
cabbage, half an avocado (chopped), and a little-chopped mango and your tacos are ready.
6. Mason Jar Salad
If you do not mind carrying a mason jar to your office then this lunch idea is perfect for you. It is healthy, low in calories, tastes great, and looks great (all
thanks to the Mason jar). This healthy lunch offers you your much-needed share of fiber, keeps you full, and thus helps avoid hunger pangs in between work.
All you need to do is layer your choice of salad components into the Mason jar and add the dressing you like. It will best to use firmer vegetables at the base
like peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes, and then you can layer any green leafy veggies like romaine, spinach, and kale.
7. Sour and Sweet Broccoli Salad
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, is full of fibers, and is great for weight watchers. It also keeps you satisfied for long and tastes great, all these sure are reasons
enough to try making this healthy lunch.
First, you need to make the sweet and sour sauce by combining 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp ketchup, 1 tbsp white vinegar, I clove minced garlic, 1/2 tsp Sriracha and
3 tbsp sugar. Just combine all these ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a plastic wrap and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time.
Take it out, stir, and keep doing this until the sugar is dissolved fully and the sauce is thick.
Now, take 1/4 cup of this sauce in a bowl, add the broccoli florets (from 3 small stalks) and mix well. Drizzle a little sesame oil and mix again. Next, add some
sesame seeds and a few roasted cashews. You may add some scallions, stir it once again, and your salad is ready.
8. Veggie Burger
The fiber and protein in this burger will give you the much-needed energy boost at work and also keep you happy and full.
To make this healthy lunch you need to start by cooking a veggie burger. Take a slice of bun, top it with a burger, then one slice low-fat cheese, followed by
lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and onion. Make sure you use a whole grain bun for the purpose.
9. Burrito Bowl
This recipe is very easy to make, contains lots of proteins, and is very flavorful. Thus, you are going to enjoy every bit of it.
The base of this dish needs to be 1/2 cup brown rice or lots of greens, or roasted sweet potatoes. Combine half a can black beans with pico de gallo, taco
seasoning, and one avocado slice, and add it on top of your chosen base.
10. Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt parfaits taste great and keep you full all thanks to the high-quality protein that the Greek yogurt adds to this dish, and also the protein derived from the
added fruits and oat clusters.
To prepare this parfait you simply need to add one cup of mixed berries into the bowl you will be carrying, next add Greek yogurt, followed by oat clusters and
then fruits.
Each of these 10 healthy lunch recipes is easy to make, keeps you satiated for long, without compromising even a bit on taste. So, give up on those fatty fast
foods you so long have been gorging on during lunch breaks, and replace them with these healthy dishes and pave the way to great health and a great body.