Lunch Ideas?!

  • I will be entering the work world Monday morning after being at home for 8 years with my kids! I was wondering if anyone had some easy, low point lunches that can be packed so I'm able to take it with my everyday. I don't have time to come all the way home, and I don't want to spend the money buying or trying to find something healthy at work everyday!

    Thanks!
  • My standard lunch is a salad with baby spinach, a hard-boiled egg, and a little but of raisins and suflower seeds with a greek yogurt.
  • In the summer I work a few hours in the AM, I have a long break and then I work a few more hours. I pack my morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack all in a thermal tote so I don't have to stick it in a fridge.

    I pack my sandwich contents separately. I like tuna salad (tuna, celery and 1 Tbsp RF mayo), turkey or ham. I switch up my sandwich bread so I don't get bored. I buy Ole brand tortillas, they are 1 PP each. I love pita bread and I'm still trying to find a good brand, but right now the ones I buy are mini and they are 2 PP each. I buy light bread and 2 slices is 2 PP.

    If we have money in the grocery budget for wiggle room and I am not using it towards produce, or I know it'll be a busy week then I pick up some Smart Ones or Lean Cuisines to keep in the freezer to eat at work. Healthy Choice makes soups and Healthy Mixers. The mixers are really good, but not enough to fill me so I usually have a salad with them.

    And, my default if I don't feel like packing anything is Subway 6 inch turkey and black forest ham w/ mustard, no cheese--7 PP.
  • @onceuponadrive That sounds amazing! I never thought to put raisins on a salad and I LOVE greek yogurt!! I will have to give that a try, thank you!

    @mrsd2008 Thank you for the wonderful suggests of changing up sandwiches by using tortillas or pita bread! Both are so yummy and something I wouldn't have thought of! Thank you!
  • I forgot to mention...Kraft has "special" mayo for sandwiches and it's SO good. I have the Chipotle mayo in the fridge right now. It's reduced fat, 1 PP per tablespoon and that's all I need usually. I love it with ham and colby jack cheese on wheat bread.

    Hummus! Do you like it? Try it with celery sticks, baby carrots and/or wheat thin type crackers. The brand I buy is 2 PP for 2 Tbsp. Yummy!
  • @mrsd2008 I am a mayo freak, this makes me very happy because I was going to cut it out all together, but I will definitely be checking out the chipotle variation! A little spice is always nice!

    I have never tried hummus, but people are always raving about it! Think I better try that took, don't want to miss out! ;-)

    Thank you!
  • I do hummus and carrot sticks or celery sticks, a low fat cheese stick, and some couscus or quinoa (although I can't stand the stuff), which I sometimes make into a chilled salad with some lemon juice and veggies.
    Instead of hummus, sometimes I'll do a couple of wedges of Laughing Cow light garlic cheese.

    I also bring yogurt and hard boiled eggs for mid morning and mid afternoon snacks. Sometimes, I do ham or turkey instead of the eggs, but something with protein.

    And I always bring a few pieces of fruit.

    If I get *absolutely* desperate, I have an emergency can or two of Slimfast at my desk, but lucky for me I haven't had to break into it yet.
  • It's usually a salad with baby spinach, mixed salad, cucumber, celery and a raspberries dressing. I also add hard boiled egg or low fat feta depending of the day. I eat that with carrots or pepper bells with a fruit and loads of water

    Love your new picture, MrsD2008!
  • Thanks ladies!! I appreciate all the info, I haven't really had to deal with planning, and packing meals before, it's great to hear all the suggestions! :-)