There are so many benefits to packing your own lunch that I can’t believe that more people don’t do it. The health benefits are undeniable as you get to control which ingredients are used and how much. Flavors can be immensely better when you prepare your own food instead of scarfing down an overcooked, over-sauced meal at the cafeteria. You can save heaps of money by packing your lunch everyday as the cost of one restaurant meal translates to five healthy sack lunches throughout the week. Lastly, as a person with diabetes, you get to control how you feed your body and impact your blood glucose.
Here are 10 recipes that can give you all the benefits of a sack lunch without ruining your afternoon with a spike in blood sugar.
1- Roasted Veggies and Pasta
Suggested serving.
To me, there is nothing as good as this classic. Veggies only take a couple of minutes to prepare, and then you let the roasting do its magic. This recipe is great because you can make it for dinner and then store the leftovers for your lunch the next day.
2- Chickpea, Feta, and Herb Salad
Suggested serving.
This is a salad that is packed with protein—thanks to the chickpeas—and tons of flavor. The feta gives it a special kick that makes it feel like a special ordeal when in reality it is a lunch that can be prepared in minutes and stored easily.
3- White Bean and Shrimp Salad
Suggested Serving.
The beans and shrimp provide a great source of protein while the fiber in the beans helps slow digestion. This works in your favor so that there is no spike in blood sugar and the energy you’re consuming lasts throughout the day. Easy to prep, easy to store, and easy to take for lunch.
4- Fancy (and Easy) Turkey Sandwich
Suggested serving.
Smoked turkey is such a great lunch item because it is delicious both hot and cold. The paprika mayo is really what makes this an exciting treat to unwrap at your desk. The ingredients provide protein and fiber to keep you going through the afternoon, while the country bread gives you that satisfactory punch of carbs.
5- Fancy (and Yummy) Egg Sandwich
Suggested Serving.
This egg sandwich can be prepared in minutes yet comes off as a gourmet deli purchase. The flavor is still as good as your childhood memories of egg salad sandwich, the protein from the eggs keep you full and the presentation of the sliced egg makes it a whole lot more adult-like.
6- Asian Tuna Salad
Suggested serving.
This is not your typical tuna salad. The Asian-inspired flavors make this quick and easy salad seem like an indulgence.
7- Hippie Bowl To-Go
Suggest serving.
This is by far my favorite meal I ever make and for a good reason: it has all the things you could want in a meal. Packed with nutrients, the elements of comfort food and all the flavor, this meal is the quality inspiration for all sack lunches.
8- Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Suggested serving.
Roasted sweet potatoes are great for dinner and leftovers. They are packed with vitamins and minerals and a great source of fiber. Combined with the veggies makes it a filling and nutritious meal that will steadily fuel you throughout the day.
9- Curried Tomato Bisque
Suggested serving.
This recipe is included mainly because it just looks so darn good. Prepare a big batch and take some to go throughout the week.
10- Amazing Veggie Chili
Suggested serving.
Another amazing meal packed with nutrients and easy to make in big batches. Prepare a crockpot full at the beginning of the week and grab a portion to go each day for lunch. Brown bagging has never been so easy!
Try these recipes out and watch how special your otherwise mundane workweek will get. Sustained energy, less spending, and no lack of flavor all seem like a pretty good deal when it comes to sack lunches!
