Healthy lunchbox ideas
For me, eating well means preparing most of my meals, that includes lunch. Taking home made lunches to work or school doesn't mean boring and tasteless. It doesn't mean you have to spend ages preparing your lunches either. Usually on Sunday I will prepare a few dishes that I know will last a few days that I can take as leftovers. I also buy items that can keep in the fridge (or cupboard) for up to a week such as smoked salmon, cheese, salad ingredients, nuts and crackers.I recently bought a bento box style of lunch box which I love as it has compartments that can be used for different foods. Here are some items I like to pack in my lunches:
Frittata
Boiled eggs
Smoked salmon
Flaked tuna
Leftover roast or poached chicken
Leftover slow cooked, shredded lamb
Leftover lasagne (I make a paleo style, as pictured)
Soup, depending on the recipe it can be a complete meal on it's own if it has sufficient protein, fat and carbohydrates
Leftover stir-fry
Rice paper rolls or home-made sushi rolls (wrap tightly though as any air makes the rice tough)
To serve with:
Leftover roast veggies such as baked pumpkin (as pictured) or cauliflower
Chopped fresh veggies such as celery, carrot or cucumber
Roast vegetable salad
Steamed/blanched green beans or broccoli
Kaleslaw (shredded kale, cabbage, carrot, spring onions as pictured) with avocado, lemon and olive oil dressing (keep the dressing separate to avoid a soggy salad)
Chopped garden salad or Greek style salad
Zaalouk a delicious slow cooked vegetable dish that is almost a dip
Olives
Nuts or nut butter
Rice crackers (jasmine rice crackers are best with no additives)
A small amount of fruit such as melon or strawberries
Homemade dips
Organic goats cheese or yoghurt
Protein balls
A small amount of chopped fruit such as melon or strawberries