Lunch ideas to take to work
I am in somewhat of a rut in my work lunch routine and I am trying to cut back on going out to eat. Any creative ideas for something I can take? I have access to a refrigerator and a microwave.
Add a comment:
Previewing your comment:
HTML Hints
Some HTML is OK: <a href="URL">link</a>, <strong>strong</strong>, <em>em</em>
Comment Guidelines
Post whatever you want, just keep it seriously about eats, seriously. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. Learn more at our Comment Policy page.
If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment.
Start Talking!
Need a question answered? Have advice to share? Start a Talk topic now!
Sign up to get your questions answered and share advice.
15 Comments:
I was stuck in the same rut for a while, but I realized lunch takes little effort. I like to make a big batch of soup, because it takes little effort and can be made with whatever you've got. There's your dinner for one night, too! Then when it's cooled, portion it out into individual tupperware-style bowls, then you can grab one on your way out to work.
Another very easy thing (if your work fridge isn't too crowded) is to bring it full-size containers of things, like cottage cheese, salad fixings, etc. This way, you're only making lunch one day (the day when you bring in all the fixings) then portioning things out over a few days. It's a nice feeling to know your lunch is ready when you are.
LiveToEat at 2:59PM on 12/17/08
I stumbled upon a recipe on FoodNetwork. It's pretty easy and healthy and cheap. Cannelleni beans or any beans you have, sliced celery, some type of vinaigrette (or bottled dressing) with homemade croutons. Just cut up some pieces of bread and throw them in a bowl with curry and olive oil or any other seasoning and toast them in the oven until crispy. Throw everything together. It can definitely be refridgerated, although the croutons might loose their crunch. You can use this as a model to build a whole bunch of other lunch salads!
JessMess at 2:59PM on 12/17/08
If you have the freezer space, rice and bean burritos work well, and you can just grab one on the way out the door. I try to make a batch each week for my husband's lunch, since he really is happy enough to eat that day in and day out. If you really want to go cheap and easy, but a tin of "chili beans" and just use it straight from the container over some rice with a bit of grated cheddar cheese. Toss in a splash of hot sauce and then roll in a tortilla. Wrap tightly in waxed paper (great for using in the microwave) and tape shut.
Or, you can go nuts and make a large batch of tamales and wrap them individually in parchment to freeze-but then you'll end up sharing your lunch with co-workers when they find out you have homemade tamales.
Goodythecook at 3:24PM on 12/17/08
I always grill a little extra chicken to add to a green salad for my husband's lunch. I vary the greens, veggies and cheese from day to day to give him some variety. When he doesn't bring a salad, it kind of freaks his co-workers out. I also freeze small amounts of chili that can be taken and nuked and served over rice, in a flour tortilla with cheese and sour cream, over a salad with tortilla chips or just with some saltines. If you want it really easy, cheese, crackers, apples and carrots-- they will fill you up and you can eat at your desk on those busy days.
dhorst at 4:06PM on 12/17/08
I like bringing hummus, pita bread, cukes and pitted kalamata olives...then I make pita sandwiches with it.
Sometimes I also bring a nice hunk of sharp cheese, some fruit, crusty bread and some cashews and have a mini picnic-style lunch. Add some white grape juice and it's like you're having a wine picnic!
I also must admit here that the Stouffers' margerita flatbreads are really yummy -- in the frozen section -- they heat up quick, get crusty on the bottom and have a decent flavor...if you can stand all the sodium.
juliebugsmama at 4:15PM on 12/17/08
I like some of the instant Indian foods that come in vaccum sealed pouches (I get them at Trader Joe's, but other grocery stores carry them as well.) Bring naan or rice and it makes a hot, (pretty) healthy lunch.
youattal at 4:30PM on 12/17/08
Lately I've been bringing a raw sweet potato to work and putting it in the microwave for 5-7 mins (depending on how big it is). I'll bring cottage cheese and shredded cheese to put on top once it's done
yumSoup at 4:33PM on 12/17/08
These are all great ideas. I can't wait to try them!
kyle25 at 4:47PM on 12/17/08
make ahead dishes and freeze them such as a veggie or meat lasagna in individual squares or individual soups, stews, casseroles ect. pull from freezer the night before and put in fridge, then put in fridge at work and by the time lunch is around it should be defrosted and then nuke it. Works well with. For a salad again the night before put the salad in a bowl (for the toppings I put in ziplock bags) and have a tiny container of a salad dressing. I also will make a cous cous that I make ahead of time it tastes better the next day anyways. Sandwiches I make the night before because I do not function well in the mornings but to prevent from the sandwich from getting soggy I put the the meat, cheese, lettuce ect. in one bag and the bread or wraps, in another. Same when I make any type of meat salad (chicken, tuna, egg) keep in a separate container.
pjracz10 at 7:44PM on 12/17/08
I agree with the soup idea - super easy to reheat and bring to work. I also like to make bean salads that are good on the go.
constantlyhungry at 10:28AM on 12/18/08
I am a sandwich girl, so I bring some bread and the fixings to make sandwiches at work - I love the hummus and grain mustard compbination, I also make tuno fish salad with lettuce and tomatoes. I also make some breaded eggplant and make myself an eggplant parmesan sandwich.
I also make rice in a rice cooker and add some stew from the night before, like some stewed potatoes, a tuno antipasto or a soy picadillo. Just warm it all up in the microwave. I always add a side salad with a nice dressing or some baked plantains to round out the lunch.
I love to take some cling peaches in light syrup with cottage cheese for dessert. It's always nice to end with something sweet. That's something my mom used to include in my school lunchbox. Maybe that's why I love it so much.
Madelyn
KarmaFreeCooking
MadelynRodriguez at 10:54AM on 12/18/08
i like cheese & crackers with some summer sausage to snack on.
gastronomeg at 12:00PM on 12/18/08
soup's great and really versatile.
stir-frys can be switched up,
cheese and fruit are good energy sources and can be really fun to pair-up as well,
hot-potato salads (or grilled)
burrito/taco wraps
good luck!
hungrychristel at 3:46PM on 12/18/08
Go to flickr.com and use "bento" as a search term. There are a number of groups dedicated to photographs of these Japanese-style, nutrient-dense, artistic lunches. You'll also find tips, techniques, and links to other sites for recipes, further tips and supplies.
Lunchinabox.net is a basic bento education supplied by a working mother; takes all the stage fright out of it. Bento in the US is a whole subculture – be warned.
Then you can go to Ichiban Kan and pick up a bento box. Prices range from about $1 to $18. Lots of supplies, too
gentlyferal at 3:43AM on 12/22/08
Drat, messed up the links at the end of the previous comment: anyway,
http://www.ichibankanusa.com. The "supplies" I mentioned are on their "Lunch Decoration" page.
gentlyferal at 3:45AM on 12/22/08