10 Healthy Office Lunch Ideas

It’s easy to grow uninspired during lunch and resort to a quick stop at Subway or Starbucks for a sandwich. That turkey sandwich or PB&J you’ve been bringing with you to work is the last thing you feel like feasting on, and a microwaved lunch just seems too sad.

Revamp your office lunch with these 10 creative ideas.

1. Salad in a jar

Sick of ending up with a soggy salad, or spilling oily dressing all over your lunch bag? Try this trick out. Take the least absorbent ingredient (like chicken, or tofu) and place it at the bottom of a sealable jar. Pour your favorite dressing in, and then layer veggies on top. When it comes time for lunch, just shake up the jar, and voila! Easy, fresh jar salad.

Recipe: The Kitchn

2. Buckwheat stuffed bell peppers

Got a microwave at work? Make these low-carb stuffed bell peppers for dinner, and then bring one to the office. They’re healthy, filling, and flavorful.

Recipe: Grab and Go Recipes

3. Skinny pizza rolls

Missing those microwaveable pizza rolls you used to snack on in college? Follow this recipe to make completely natural pizza rolls that are actually good for you.

Recipe: Dashing Dish

4. Raw spiralized zucchini noodles with tomatoes and pesto

Lately, noodles that are not made of wheat (or wheat substitute) have become all the rage. Zucchini and spaghetti squash have been my go-to’s, but in this case, zucchini is firmer, making a crunchier, fresher “pasta.” Using veggies instead of regular pasta means fewer carbs, which means feeling less full and groggy after your meal. This recipe still retains flavor, and it’s delicious.

Recipe: Skinny Taste

5. “Sushi” sandwiches

All you need for this cute idea is bread and a filling (it doesn’t have to be raw fish). Some “sushi” filler ideas: seaweed, hummus, edamame spread, turkey, peanut-butter, cream-cheese, cucumbers.

Recipe: Weelicious

6. Paleo breakfast bento

I’m a firm believer in breakfast, like my pal Ron Swanson. Breakfast is a valid meal all day long, and that goes for lunch. Pack yourself a hard-boiled egg, some beef jerky, berries, almonds, and cheese. Think fancy breakfast box, but much cheaper.

Recipe: Paleo Leap

7. Crockpot turkey white bean pumpkin chili

Once it starts getting colder, there is nothing better than a steaming bowl of coup or chili. This chili is incredibly satisfying and filling. It also hits the spots whenever you need a good comfort meal. Make a big batch in your Crockpot (or just cook it slowly in a Dutch oven on low heat) and take leftovers with you to the office!

 Recipe: Skinny Taste

8. Falafel

Feeling like something exotic for lunch? This recipe shows you how to make falafel from scratch, and you can eat them with just about anything. Tzatziki sauce, burger bun, pita bread, or just plain.

Recipe: The Food Network

9. Stuffed avocados

All you need for a stuffed avocado is 1) an avocado, and 2) some chicken, tuna, or seafood salad. You can make the salad from scratch, or you can stop by the grocery store for a pre-made batch. Avocado is delicious, it’s filling, and it’s good for you. You can even make this lunch the night before (just make sure to squeeze a little bit of lemon on your avocado so it doesn’t turn brown).

Recipe: Simple Veganista

10. Taco pitas

These taco pita pockets maximize the flavors of beans, tomatoes, onions, and avocados and eliminate some of the carbs from traditional tortillas. You can use taco seasoning, or just mix some cumin, salt, pepper, and paprika together for a DIY version.

Recipe: Super Healthy Kids