A hectic work schedule or running errands sometimes leads to grabbing food on the go without considering good nutrition. Making the extra effort to eat a healthy lunch, however, can go a long way to contributing to your overall health and well-being. Make a conscious decision everyday to prepare a nutritious lunch for yourself for the next day or to eat at restaurants that offer low-calorie meals.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are not limited to consisting of white bread topped with some cold cuts, cheese and mayonnaise. There are a variety of ingredients you can use to make healthy sandwiches that taste great and give you the nutrition you need. For example, go vegetarian and pan-fry some tempeh that's smothered with mushrooms braised in red wine and provolone cheese. Load it up onto toasted, whole-wheat bread and enjoy it with a spinach salad. Other healthy sandwich options include Buffalo chicken wraps, grilled eggplant panini and peanut tofu wraps stuffed with vegetables.
Salads
Salads are the ideal healthy meal if prepared right, and you can fix them in many different ways to keep lunchtime interesting. Don't fall for some of the salads at restaurants, however, as the calories they contain can be equal to or more than entrees. Make your own salad at home instead, so you know exactly what went into it. One healthy salad option for lunch is a spelt salad with white beans and artichokes. The salad has lots of protein and fiber and you can serve it with a side of grapes and some fresh Italian bread. If you don't have spelt, also known as farro, whole-wheat couscous or quinoa make for good substitutes.
Soups
Fresh soup can make for a hearty lunch, and is especially enjoyable during the colder months of the year. As with sandwiches and salads, you can prepare soups yourself at home the night before. Some of the most basic and traditional soups are also some of the most nutritious and healthy. Fresh tomato soup, for instance, can include various vegetables, which provide you with energy for the remainder of the day. Buy fresh ingredients that are in season to ensure a good-tasting tomato soup. Top with a splash of yogurt and some basil, and serve with a slice of whole-wheat bread.
Lunch Snack
If you are watching your portions and prefer to eat five to six small meals per day, rather than three large meals, a healthy midday snack is perfect to tide you over until your afternoon meal. You can combine two or three different types of foods, using small portions from each, to make a snack that has variety and tastes good. It's as easy as dropping two to three tablespoons of Scandi cheese onto a plate, sprinkling some cut chives on top and loading it all onto a few whole-wheat crackers. Add cornichons or pickles to the side to make this a wholesome and nutritious lunch snack.
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