6 SMALL SECRETS TO PACK A CLEAN-EATING LUNCH

Make sure to include some protein (for staying power), whole grains and plenty of vegetables. These 6 small secrets to pack a clean-eating lunch show you just how easy and delicious your midday meal can be.

When it comes to eating clean at lunch, there are lots of healthy options. It helps to plan ahead and pack your lunch-so you don’t get stuck with random takeout or a vending-machine trip. With a little bit of prep, you can enjoy lunches that help you feel good and power you up for the afternoon. Make sure to include some protein (for staying power), whole grains and plenty of vegetables. These 6 small secrets to pack a clean-eating lunch show you just how easy and delicious your midday meal can be.

1. Swap Noodles for Veggies

You can eat carbs when you’re eating clean, especially whole grains. But trading in noodles for veggies is a great way to eat more vegetables-another key food group most of us don’t get enough of. Veggies are low in calories and packed with nutrition, so you get big portions and feel satisfied. Try making noodles out of sweet potatoes or zucchini to bump up your veg intake.

2. Mix & Match

Mix & Match – google image

Bento boxes aren’t just for kids. Eating a mix of this and that allows you to be satisfied and pack in the nutrition. Include some fruit, vegetables, protein and a whole grain. This bento-box lunch includes crackers with no added sugar. Just be sure to check the ingredients on any packaged food you’re using-look for an ingredient list that’s short and simple.

3.Power Up Your Salad with Protein

A salad at lunch is a great way to make sure you’re eating more vegetables. Two cups of lettuce or other leafy greens gives you 1 vegetable serving. Top your salad with 1 cup of other chopped veggies and you’re at 2 servings right there (most of us need 2 1/2 to 3 servings daily). To avoid feeling hungry after lunch, add some protein. Plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu are great options or try a hard-boiled egg or simple grilled chicken or shrimp.

4.Make It Homemade

Chicken salad stuffed in an avocado half – google image

When you cook at home, you control the ingredients. That means no weird fillers or words you can’t pronounce end up in your body. When it comes to foods like hummus and salad dressing, you can make your own or check labels at the store to make sure the packaged version meets your clean-eating standards. For lunch, chicken salad stuffed in an avocado half (instead of bread) is a great clean-eating lunch riff on a classic deli staple.

5.Trade Up Your Sandwich for a Lettuce Wrap

Another fun way to eat more vegetables at lunch is to use them in place of a wrap. Kale, chard and lettuce can all be used to wrap up your sandwich fillings.

6.Go for the Grain Bowl

Go for the Grain Bowl – google image

Eating more whole grains, instead of refined grains, means you get more fiber, antioxidants and inflammation-fighting phytonutrients in your diet. Grain bowls make a great clean-eating lunch. If you want to prep ahead: cook up a batch of whole grains, add some veggies, a protein and a flavorful sauce (on the side) and you can have ready-to-go lunches for the week.

Lunch is an integral part of your busy day – it’s the midday meal that keeps you going throughout the day, and you want to make sure you’re making healthy ingredient choices. These 6 small secrets to pack a clean-eating lunch, you can prepare your meal easier and healthier.

Source: thegirlonbloor, eatingwell