I’m looking for easy and cheap options for lunches on weekdays. I mostly eat deli sandwiches and hot dogs right now and I always feel like shit after eating them. I think I need something healthier but I don’t have time over my lunch hour to cook anything too fancy. What do you all do for reliable healthy easy lunches?

  • governorkeagan ( governorkeagan@lemdro.id ) English
    9·
    3 years ago

    If I’ve had a cooked dinner the night before I’ll have that for lunch the next day.

    My partner and I have done meal prep on weekends in the past as well. That can work well if you have the space to keep food frozen for a week or two.

    • Talaraine ( Talaraine@fedia.io ) 
      4·
      3 years ago

      This right here. Because I suck at cooking I usually get 2-3 HelloFresh or other meal prep kits with recipes, then eat on them for dinner that night and lunch the next day. Pretty healthy to boot.

  • tissek ( tissek@sopuli.xyz ) 
    8·
    3 years ago

    I cook large batches of stew every now and then, freeze in 2 or 3 portion packages. Then each sunday I prep some carbs, defrost and pasteurize stew and put it all together. Boom! Lunches ready to go into the work microwaves.

  • F0h ( f0h@beehaw.org ) 
    7·
    3 years ago

    My dirty dirty secret: I get lunch at a McDonald’s near the office where I work once or twice a week. Double quarter pounder with cheese.

    I love that and I’m not ashamed to say that. 😅

    • 1984 ( 1984@lemmy.today ) 
      2·
      3 years ago

      I have lunch at Burger King almost every Wednesday, also because it’s next to work. Double whopper for me.

      The other days I eat more healthy though… But usually indian, Thai food or sushi every week once or twice.

  • getoffthedrugsdude ( getoffthedrugsdude@lemmy.ml ) 
    5·
    3 years ago

    I make a chickpea/garbanzo bean spread:

    (1) 15oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed (I also take the skins off but that’s optional) (1) tbsp of Nutritional yeast (.5) tsp garlic powder (.5) tsp onion powder (.5) tsp salt (1) tbsp lemon juice (.5) tbsp dijon mustard (.5) cup of mayo (any mayo works)

    Optional: 1 nori sheet (seaweed adds a fishy flavor)

    Instructions: smash everything together with a fork in a bowl until mixed or use a food processor/blender to puree, it should have the consistency of a cheese spread or dip. Serve on anything and keep refrigerated for up to 5 days

  • cheesymoonshadow ( cheesymoonshadow@lemmings.world ) 
    4·
    3 years ago

    I’ve been drinking a Soylent shake for lunch at work for probably two years now. It’s very convenient, nutritious, and you can have it at room temp or chilled. If you buy it by the case, that amounts to a cheap and healthy lunch. Yes, I find it quite filling.

    Edit: Also it comes in different flavors. The ones I remember are strawberry (my favorite), vanilla, chocolate, banana, and mint chocolate. They also have high-protein and caffeinated varieties.

    Another edit to clarify my own experience: I’ve been drinking the shakes for lunch for about 2 years but I’ve been enjoying Soylent for longer than that. I’ve included a scoop of the powder in my breakfast for the past 10 years. My doctor is quite happy with my health and my last blood work results (June '23). I only share this because someone has a problem with my suggestion of Soylent and claims it’s not good for you. So there is my own experience, for what it’s worth. YMMV.

  • neidu2 ( neidu2@feddit.nl ) 
    3·
    3 years ago

    Not really that cheap, but when I have the household to myself during WFH, a typical lunch consists of a wedge of blue cheese with some added apricot marmelade. I can finally stink up the house with my eclectic taste without anyone complaining.

  • ignirtoq ( ignirtoq@fedia.io ) 
    2·
    3 years ago

    On Sundays I do lunch prep for the days in office. A few slices of deli meat and block cheese for a nice flavor. Then a pile of raw veggies and a small container of dipping sauce. I prefer sliced bell pepper and green onion with ranch dressing, but you can do whatever veggies you prefer (for example spinach, sugar snap peas, carrots). I always feel great after that lunch; grains like bread or chips always made me feel lethargic.

    I take it into the office in a plastic bento box to keep everything from jostling around, and the sauce goes in a smaller reusable container separately.