10 Simple Tips to Better Desk Lunches

• Do Your Sunday Meal Prep
• Stock Up on Reusable Eating Dishes & Cutlery
• Spice Things Up
• Don’t Forget Your Oil & Vinegar
• Go Light but Heavy on Protein
• Invest in a Few Food Prep Tools
• Make Big-Batch Dinners
• Pack Wisely
• Turn Leftover Meats into Sandwiches
• Don’t Forget Dessert

Do Your Sunday Meal Prep

Spending a bit of time in the kitchen on Sunday will make your weekday lunches infinitely easier and more delicious. You don’t necessarily have to prepare all your meals for the week. For example, assemble a few make-ahead instant noodle jars on the weekend to toss in your bag on the way out the door. At lunchtime, simply pour over boiling water from the office kettle. Mason jar salads are another great time-saver, as are grain bowls with sheet pan roasted veggies. Think simple but healthy!

Stock Up on Reusable Eating Dishes & Cutlery

We all know that plastic is a real problem for the world right now, so it’s time to ditch the disposable containers and cutlery for good! Not to mention, eating off real dishes with utensils that don’t break makes eating at your desk a more pleasant experience. Keep a set of metal cutlery, a glass plate and bowl, and a cup in a designated desk drawer, so you can treat yourself to a dignified midday meal every day.

Spice Things Up

Nothing is sadder than bland food. Make sure your lunches are always full of flavor by stocking a few spices in your desk drawer. A tiny jar of sea salt, a mini pepper grinder, and some hot chili flakes can liven up almost any dish. Actually, if you’re looking to reduce your sodium intake, spices are the perfect flavor replacements. Just imagine the endless varieties of avocado toast you’ll be able to make!

Don’t Forget Your Oil & Vinegar

The final key ingredients in your desk kitchen are olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Swirl a dollop of olive oil into your hummus, add a splash of vinegar to brighten up last night’s leftovers, or whip up a simple, fresh vinaigrette and say goodbye to sad soggy salads! Here are 10 lightened up ways to dress your salads.

Go Light but Heavy on Protein

There’s more to a good office lunch than it simply being delicious; you also need to think about the effect it’s going to have on your afternoon! Steer clear of carb-heavy, fatty dishes, which will not help you fight the temptation to take an afternoon nap. Light, veggie- and protein-packed dishes like salmon and asparagus on a bed of rice will keep you awake and energized!

Invest in a Few Food Prep Tools

Keeping a mini cutting board and a small but sharp knife on hand will seriously simplify your morning prep time. With these two tools at the office, you can cube cheese for a snack, spread butter on your morning toast, or slice up your favorite picnic staples for your very own fresh ploughman’s lunch.

Make Big-Batch Dinners

To avoid relying on last-minute takeout, try making big-batch dinners so you always have leftovers for lunch the next day. This is a bit less labor-intensive than meal prepping, especially if you use your slow cooker or Instant Pot. You could make a huge batch of pork carnitas for dinner on Sunday, then turn the leftovers into pulled pork sandwiches, burrito bowls, etc. Here are more ideas of what to cook on Sunday and eat all week long.

Pack Wisely

Many a weekday lunch have been ruined by a soggy sandwich or a leaky salad. Taking the time to properly pack your food in quality containers can make all the difference. Glass food storage containers with airtight lids are best. Also, depending on your meal, be smart about keeping certain ingredients separate. If you’re bringing a salad for lunch, place the dressing in a separate container. For sandwiches with fresh veggies like lettuce or tomato, keep some in your work fridge so you can slice and add them at the last minute.

Turn Leftover Meats into Sandwiches

If it’s leftover protein you’ve got on hand, opt for a sandwich instead. Roast chicken shreds perfectly for chicken salad sandwiches. Pulled meats can be mixed with a bit of BBQ sauce and slapped onto buns. And even leftover steak makes for a delicious cold sandwich protein.

Don’t Forget Dessert

A small sweet treat to finish things off will keep you happy all afternoon. Satisfy your sweet tooth with some fresh, in-season fruit, or a tiny portion of something more indulgent. Chocolate chip cookies aren’t going to kill you every once in a while (especially if they’re homemade with dark chocolate!).

Hungry for more? Here are some easy hand pies for packed lunches.