If breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we often spend the most time preparing dinner, where does that leave lunch? Unfortunately, you do a major disservice to yourself by failing to recognize the importance of this meal. In reality, your body requires the most energy and nutrients at mid-day.
In order for you to perform well at your job or complete other tasks throughout the day, your brain and body rely on the nutrients you get from eating healthy lunches. If you are looking for better food options, look to the nutrition experts for your next meal idea.
Healthy Lunch Ideas for the Whole Family to Enjoy
A healthy lunch does not have to be boring. In fact, the more ordinary your lunch, the more you will crave junk food and desserts later in the day. For healthy and creative lunch ideas, take some inspiration from certified nutritionists:
- Creative Salads: Typically, salads are not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a satisfying meal. However, salads provide the flexibility to create a number of different nutritious combinations. Try including starch (quinoa or brown rice), protein (legumes, pine nuts, or cubed meat or fish), and fibre (veggies) in your lunch to help you feel full longer.
- Chilli with Protein: A good lunch is one that is well-balanced. For instance, prepare a chilli that includes a variety of healthy ingredients such as beans, carrots, onions, tomatoes, and more. For extra protein, add your choice of lean meats, oats, barley, or quinoa to keep you energized for the rest of the day.
- Pasta Dishes: One of the best dishes to eat during mid-day is any form of low-gluten rice or quinoa pasta salad. A pasta salad contains minimal calories when combined with fresh vegetables. This type of meal will also force you to avoid eating on the run and sit at your desk for better digestion. What’s more, refrigerated pasta salads can stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Soup Bowls: Making sure you get the required amount of vegetables per day can be a challenge, if you struggle with eating salads. One way to get your daily intake of vegetables is in soup form. Prepare a big batch of vegetable soup at the beginning of the week and include ingredients such as white beans for an extra boost of protein.
- Eat Leftovers: Save time and energy by eating leftovers from the night before. While leftovers may lose their nutritional value over time, refreshing them with a generous helping of leafy greens keeps you energized.
Learn More about Holistic Health at Edison Institute of Nutrition
If you want to get a better understanding of your body or learn more about nutritional lunches and requirements, take a course from the Edison Institute of Nutrition. Our curriculum is constantly evolving to keep up with the latest scientific research, so you can benefit from one of the most comprehensive holistic health programs in Canada.
Find a holistic nutrition program today by contacting our instructors at the Edison Institute of Nutrition. Give us a call at or contact us online with your questions.
