The Egg Nutrition Center partnered with Kim Hoban, RDN, CDN, CPT to write this blog post.
Back to school time isn’t just for the kids. The start of a new school year can provide the opportunity to get back into a routine and establish healthy habits. Packing lunches can help the whole family stay organized, eat well and save money. If you’re tired of boring brown bag sandwiches and drab deli salads, it might be time to revamp your adult lunch box. Follow these three tips to help you pack your own delicious, nutritious and satisfying lunches for that midday meal.
Keep it simple. Your lunch box doesn’t have to contain a gourmet or chef-inspired meal every day. Use things you already have on hand or get creative with leftovers. Ditch the idea that lunches even need to be recipe-driven and fill a Bento Box with snack items instead. Hard-boiled eggs, veggies, hummus and crackers, nuts and fruit all make for a perfect snack-like lunch. Better yet, enjoy brunch for lunch with an easily packable breakfast option, like this Broccoli Cheese Frittata.
Maximize nutrition. Think of lunchtime as another opportunity to fill up on nutritious foods like colorful fruits and veggies, high-quality proteins and hearty whole grains. Choose meals that include a balance of carbohydrates, protein and fats to meet your nutrient needs and give you plenty of energy to make it through the rest of your workday.
Looking for some egg-cellent choices? Try these:
Make it tasty. Building a nutritious meal is great, but don’t forget to take things up a notch by incorporating fun flavors and the “s” factor: satisfaction. Dips and dressings make for a yummy addition to salads or sandwiches, and dessert can finish things off on a sweet and satisfying note. Finding a treat like these Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies in your lunch box might stir up some childhood memories and make for an enjoyable lunch break. And, since you’ll be well nourished and satisfied, you’ll be better able to focus on your work ahead instead of feeling hungry and preoccupied with an afternoon snack!
Satisfaction, nutrition and simplicity are all important factors in creating a midday meal that even your kids will be jealous of. The possibilities are truly endless for adult lunch boxes that will inspire healthy habits, while saving time and money.