Tired of the same old sad, greasy desk lunch? Eating healthy can seem like a chore to many, but it’s actually easy to pack delicious and nutritious lunches to enjoy at work all week long! From flavor-packed grain bowls to veggie-filled wraps, these healthy lunches for work will keep you fueled, focused, and actually excited for your lunch break.
Not to mention, packing your lunch is also much better for the environment. So, let’s dive into considerations for your green lunch and share some healthy lunch ideas for work.
How to Make Healthy Lunches for Work NOT Boring
Healthy does not equal boring! Remember these tips to make sure you’re satisfied with your healthy work lunch.
Switch Up the Ingredients
Variety is key! Try rotating different proteins (like chicken, turkey, beans, tofu), grains (quinoa, rice, couscous), and veggies each week. This way, you won’t feel like you’re eating the same meal repeatedly, even if you’re packing similar types of dishes.
Experiment with Global Flavors
Adding spices and seasonings from different cuisines—like Italian herbs, Middle Eastern za’atar, or Thai curry paste—can instantly elevate your lunch. These flavor profiles keep things fresh and exciting without requiring completely new recipes each time.
Make Lunch Bowls or Bento Boxes
Remember how excited you were to eat your lunch packed by mom in elementary school? Creating compartmentalized lunches with a variety of components makes it fun to mix and match flavors. A bento box can include items like sushi, edamame, sliced fruit, and veggies with dip, adding a playful variety to each meal.
Use Different Textures
Combine textures in your lunch to make it more satisfying and enjoyable. For example, adding crunchy nuts to a soft salad, creamy hummus with fresh veggies, or crisp lettuce wraps with grilled chicken can make every bite more interesting.
Add Colorful Fruits and Veggies
Variety is key! Eating with your eyes first makes meals feel more appealing, so incorporate colorful foods like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and blueberries. The colors will make your lunch look more appetizing and pack in extra nutrients.
Pack Dipping Sauces or Dressings
Dips and dressings bring new flavor dimensions to lunches. Pack a side of hummus, tzatziki, salsa, or vinaigrette for salads and wraps, or use yogurt-based dressings to keep things healthy and flavorful.
Involve Fun Snacks and Treats
Add a healthy dessert or snack—like dark chocolate squares, fruit skewers, or yogurt with honey. A small treat can make lunch feel complete and give you something to look forward to.
10 Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work
Mediterranean Grain Bowl
- Quinoa or farro
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil and lemon juice (for dressing)
- Optional: Grilled chicken or chickpeas (for protein)
Mason Jar Salad
- Dressing (e.g., balsamic vinaigrette)
- Hearty veggies (e.g., carrots, bell peppers)
- Protein (e.g., chickpeas, grilled chicken)
- Greens (e.g., spinach, arugula)
Lettuce Wraps
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
- Sliced turkey
- Avocado
- Shredded carrots
- Sriracha or mustard (for flavor)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for crunch)
Vegetable Stir-Fry
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Snow peas
- Tofu or lean protein (e.g., chicken, shrimp)
- Brown rice or cauliflower rice
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Turkey and Avocado Roll-Ups
- Turkey breast slices
- Avocado
- Cucumber slices
- Hummus
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
- Spiralized zucchini
- Pesto sauce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Grilled chicken
- Parmesan (for topping)
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Baked sweet potato
- Black beans
- Salsa
- Avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Optional: Ground turkey or quinoa
Greek Yogurt Bowl
- Greek yogurt
- Granola
- Berries
- Chia seeds
- Nuts
- Optional: Drizzle of honey
Tuna Salad Wrap
- Tuna
- Greek yogurt
- Diced celery
- Mustard
- Whole-grain wrap
- Mixed greens
Egg and Veggie Bowl
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Olives
- Hummus or tzatziki
- Whole-grain pita
Keep Your Whole Team Healthy with TeamBonding
In-person and remote employee wellbeing is more important than ever. While you can pack your own healthy lunches for work to ensure you’re energized throughout the day, it’s more difficult to ensure your employees are treating their bodies like temples too.
That’s where our wellness team building activities come into play. Treat your team to fun group activities that promote health and wellness in the workplace while keeping your team engaged. Get in touch with us today to try it for yourself!
