Lunch at work is often fast, in between meetings, or in front of a screen. To be honest, I struggled when I first moved to the US and realized that most people don’t take a proper lunch break at the office. I went from an hour away from my desk to spending all day at my desk or in meeting rooms, and lunch became a bit stressful. When you’re eating while stressed or focused on multiple things while trying to chew your food, it can be hard on your digestion because the energy that should be spent on digestion is diverted elsewhere. This can be especially problematic if your office lunch is packed with rich, unhealthy foods.
But office lunch doesn’t have to be that way! I decided to steer away from takeout and ordering in. Instead, it’s all about simple meals that you can prep at home or at the office in just a few minutes. By the way, I like to do an early lunch and keep it light as heavy lunches make me tired and lower my energy. Also, I tend to eat dinner early, so it’s easy with a simple lunch that doesn’t weigh me down.
4 Easy Office Lunch Ideas
-
Avocado toast
I get a big loaf of fresh, whole-wheat bread or mana bread and some avocados for the week. Simply keep the bread in the freezer, and if you have a toaster oven, which most offices do, this is perfect. Here is what you need:
- 1/2 avocado
- 2-3 pieces of bread
- Cilantro
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
Just put the bread in the toaster oven for 5 minutes until crispy. Now scoop out the avocado and mash in a bowl. Add salt and some cilantro. Top toast with avocado mash and drizzle balsamic vinegar on top.
Here are a few variations!
-
Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal bowl
I love oatmeal, at all times of the day. It’s filling and wholesome, and provides me with lots of slow carbs to tackle the day.
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1-2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 apple
- Raisins
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
Add 1 cup of water to the oats, top with cinnamon and sliced apple. Microwave for 90 seconds. Add raisins and peanut butter to taste.
-
Mason Jar Salad
These have been trendy for a while and the trend is here to stay! Mason jar salads are easy to prep at home and will leave you feeling healthy and energized. The best part: you don’t have to spend $10 on them and wait in line for 30 minutes.
- 1 cup greens
- 1/3 cup chopped dried tomatoes
- 1/3 cup avocado
- 1/3 cup chickpeas
- 1/3 cup purple rice
- Fresh herbs
- Salt
- 1/2 lime
- Balsamic vinegarette
Fill your jar with each ingredient adding one layer at the time. Then drizzle lime juice and vinegar on top. Refrigerate when you get to the office and shake well before eating.
-
Peanut butter toast
Eziekil makes amazing raisin bread that is perfect for this fancy BBJ toast.
- 2 pieces of toast
- 1/2 banana
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut flakes
- Date sugar
Toast the bread for 4 to 5 minutes in a toaster oven. Add peanut butter on both pieces. Top with cut up banana, chocolate chips and coconut flakes. Sprinkle date sugar on top.
What’s your favorite quick and easy vegan office lunch?
Also by Isabelle: These Buzzy Vegan Restaurants In DC Are Rewriting The Capital City’s Foodie Scene
Related: No More Sad Desk Lunch: 5 Nutritious Ways To Break Out Of A Food Rut
10 Tricks to Eating a Healthy Lunch Every Day
Get more like this—Subscribe to our daily inspirational newsletter for exclusive content!
__
Photos: Peaceful Dumpling, Lauren Kirchmaier, Colette Goguen, Jennifer Kurdyla
