5 tips to pack the perfect healthy lunch for work
Mornings are always maddening and your office lunchbox is usually the one chore that gets neglected. Pack your lunch box full of nutritious ingredients and look forward to a midday meal that not only tastes great, but is good for you too. Read on for all the inspiration you need for the perfect packed lunch.
Note: A good lunch is essential as it carries you through the day.
Eating a nutritious meal in the afternoon helps beat lethargy, improves focus and keeps you active.?
A healthy lunchbox does not require hours of toiling. A few minutes and a little planning is all you need.
1.Try to plan two meals ahead
When you have toiled in the kitchen to prepare a scrumptious Sunday brunch for your family, it’s a shame to not reap its benefits the next day. If you made idli sambhar, set aside a few idlis so you can chop them into pieces and stir-fry with onions, tomatoes and mustard seeds for finger-licking masala idli. If you prepared rajma chawal, save some boiled rajma to prepare a filling and tasty rajma salad the next morning.
2. Count those carbs?
Nutritionists say that at every meal we should aim to “make a fist” wherein the thumb symbolises carbohydrates, the index finger represents proteins, the middle finger fats, and the ring plus pinky finger refer to vitamins and minerals. Carbs account for the biggest chunk of your meal as they provide fuel for the body to function optimally, boost energy, speed, stamina, and concentration. But that does not mean you have to eat rotis or rice day after day. You can add macaroni to your salad or enjoy multi-grain toast with soup.?
3.? Pack in proteins
A healthy lunch must include some lean or low-fat protein to give you a sustained energy high. Ensure that the egg tray in your refrigerator is never empty. Just set two or three eggs to boil while you sip your morning cuppa. You can add the whites to your salad, sandwich or even pulao while leaving. If you are in a rush, just carry them in a packet and peel at work. Vegetarians can make a chaat with sprouts.?
4. Go for fruits?
Fruits contain essential vitamins and minerals as well as natural sugars which satisfy sweet cravings. But if eating an apple seems too boring, try making a smoothie, fruit salad or raita. You can make a tasty salad by combining cabbage and cucumber chunks with diced apple and shelled pomegranate. Stir in some curd and add walnuts or almonds to make it more crunchy and healthy. On a busy day, simply carry a banana or bunch of grapes.?
5. Pick a side
Roast makhana in olive oil and salt over the weekend and store in a jar. Keep crackers and khakra handy too. You can quickly pop a handful of these munchies in your tiffin to ensure you have a healthy side with your sandwich or roll instead of the typical chips and biscuits.