Working from home often means I don’t plan my lunches. I think to myself that i’ll just whip up a nice couscous salad or a tasty soup, but I hardly ever actually do it. Unless it’s a recipe-making-photo-taking day, or I have some leftovers (yeah right in our house?) I often fall into the trap of eating toast or a quick sandwich. Within an hour I’m lethargic and craving something sweet, and so begins the cycle of coffee, cereal bars etc. I worked really hard this spring to lose 14lbs, and I’m determined not to put it back on again. I think a big part of this is preparing ahead, and getting some healthier lunches made in advance so I can just grab it when I’m hungry and keep powering through till dinner time. So today I’ve gathered up 11 energizing lunches - a few of my favourites, plus some from other bloggers that I’d really like to try: 1: Guacamole and egg breakfast bowl. Ok, the title says it’s for breakfast but it’s just as easy for lunch - and it can be made ahead too: 2: Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers. A veggie version, topped with feta cheese and a little basil pesto - sounds delicious! 3: Mighty Mason Jar Salad. Beetroot, kidney beans, spinach - these jars pack a real nutritional punch! 4: Quinoa and Chicken Salad Bowl. One of my recent posts - it has everything - creamy, crunchy, juicy, tangy. I love this salad bowl! 5: Miso muffins with kale, carrot and courgette. What?? Miso muffins? why have I never heard of these before? I love the idea of the goats cheese topping too. 6: Turmeric Quinoa Salad. I’ve got a new love for turmeric after making turmeric lattes recently. The honey mustard dressing is such a great addition! 7: Grilled romaine hearts with figs, pear and manchego. Ok, you can’t really prep this one ahead, but it is quick and easy (and so delicious!) 8: Warm rice and quinoa salad with pan fried tofu. I always thought I didn’t like tofu, but my friend got me to taste her fried tofu a couple of weeks ago on a girls dinner, and it was so good. I have to try it making it now! 9: Vegan Sunflower Wrap. This one uses collard greens as the wrap, which I think is such a great idea. It’s nutritious, crunchy and won’t fall apart like your average lettuce wrap. 10: Chicken noodle salad with cream chilli lime dressing. It’s an oldie, but a goody. I think this was inspired by an M&S salad I’d had at the time, and I’ve been making the dressing ever since to go on everything! 11: Healthy chicken salad with grapes, apples and tarragon-yogurt dressing. I love adding apple to sandwiches and wraps (like this one), but have never thought of adding grapes. The tarragon yogurt sounds yummy too!
