We get used to blame any desk job for making us fat because of unhealthy snacks and constant sitting. But one of the real enemies is midday meal. Our busy schedules don’t give us time even to make dinner, forget about pack our own lunch. As a result, we resort to grabbing or ordering takeout, which a 2013 study published in BMJ discovered averages a staggering 836 calories a meal. Instead of ordering online spend extra 15 minutes in the evening to prepare healthy lunch for next day.
We ensure each meal is under 400 calories, which will help you to keep your diet on track.
1. Black Bean and Corn Burrito
Is a great choice when you no longer want a simple salad and need something more filling. Whole wheat tortilla with half a cup of cooked black beans, ¼ canned corn and ¼ cup of salsa, cilantro and cheese with a bunch of other veggies will make a great substitution for your usual salad. Calories: 380.
2. Healthy Cobb Salad
Unfortunately the modern version of the cobb salad turned into a storage of calorie bombs. But there is another way to make it lighter and healthier. For sure it will become one of your favorite lunches. Mix up spinach, couple of slices of turkey bacon, ¼ avocado dices, tomato and one hard boiled egg with salt and pepper up to your taste. Spice it up with a touch of ranch dressing and it is ready to go. Calories: 320
3. Roasted Veggie Wrap
In order to make this vegetarian wrap you will need bell pepper, both red and green, onion and mushrooms rolled into a spinach tortilla spread with olive oil, humus and sprouts. Sounds yummy. Calories 286.
4. Healthy Hodgepodge
If there is nothing else left, smorgasbord is what you need. To make it work the best way, prepare three slices of turkey, ounce of cheese, wheat crackers, almonds and a pear. Such combination will make you totally packed and it is not boring at all. Calories: 390
5. Mediterranean white bean salad
White beans have been unfortunately underrated, but they are extremely healthy and cheap to buy. Half a cup of canned Cannellini beans contains just 100 calories, 5 grams of fiber and around 8 grams of protein, which means this sort of food will keep you full longer. But to make it taste better, combine the beans with cherry tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, feta cheese and lemon. Calories: 276
6. Stuffed Pita with lentil soup
A pita pocket can be easily done with ½ whole wheat pita, ½ grilled chicken breast, chopped spinach, tomatoes and onion. Best served on the side of the lentil soup. Calories:390
7. Tuna salad with rye crackers, carrots and hummus
Tuna is another inexpensive product which we often forget about. It is a great source of protein and low level of calories. You can easily cook a tuna salad with chopped celery, apple, whole grain mustard and one spoon of mayo. Serve it with crackers, carrots and hummus on the side. Calories:300
Choose your own idea of low calorie lunch!
source: byrdie
featured image: source