Just because salads are healthy doesn’t mean they’re great for lunch. Healthy food doesn’t have to have minimal calories, rather the nutritional value should be greater. A 500-calorie meal that provides a healthy balance of macros and minerals will obviously be better than a 500-calorie bag of crisps.
You don’t need to starve yourself or limit your diet to be healthy, and you’ll often find full, balanced meals more satiating – leading to less snacking. To help you choose, we’ve assembled this list of healthy lunches that aren’t just boring salads.
Soups
You can’t outright avoid the contents of salads when trying to eat healthily. The trick is to make the salad unrecognisable within a greater meal. Soups are great for this, providing a flavoursome blend of nutritious ingredients without the drudgery of nibbling bland lettuce leaves. Try adding some croutons and beans to meet all your macros.
Sandwich Platters
You can never go wrong with sandwiches, where the limit is your imagination. Any variety of meat, fish and veg can be combined into a nutritious and energising mix, with room left for snacks like fruit bowls.
This option can be great for keeping your workplace healthy, with plenty of office lunch catering services available, such as https://www.crumbsdelivered.co.uk/index.php/product-category/lunch/.
Wraps
Similar to their yeastier sandwich counterparts, wraps provide all sorts of choices for customisation, whilst opening the door to more unique cuisine.
Anything from tuna or chicken to chickpeas can provide your protein fix, with veggie options like sweet potato, guacamole and tomato providing a refreshing and fulfilling filling. You can find some great options here.
Lettuce Wraps
Continuing in the same vein, lettuce wraps function just like regular tortillas, allowing you to set out chicken and veggie combos on a bed of lettuce. And with an endless variety of sauces, seasonings and dressings, experimenting can help you find a new favourite.
Grilled and Roasted Meals
Just as simple as soup, chopping meat and veg, then grilling them together, can provide you with lunches throughout the week. And, once again, variety and customisation will help you find the best mix for you.