You should reconsider skipping lunch to save yourself time because studies show that lunch has a massive impact on our mental and physical health. Skipping lunch causes our body to go into starvation mode and triggers cravings for unhealthy, greasy, and fatty convenient food. It also leads to overeating as our body tries to regain the nutrition it missed out on.
Recent studies show that skipping lunch is associated with mental fatigue and poor memory. In many cases, it makes us feel sleepy, disoriented, irritable, and experience brain fog. Eating a balanced lunch can re-energize our body as it increases our blood sugar levels. It helps with better weight management as well.
If you struggle with finding the right meal to eat during lunch, then you have come to the right place. Lunch doesn’t have to be boring. You should opt for some cost and time-effective lunches that’ll help you regain your interest in lunches. Let’s take a look at lunchbox ideas from around the world for kids and adults to enjoy.
1. Tacos- Tacos are a Mexican delicacy that incorporates a lot of fresh vegetables. It is easy to prep and everybody can put their own spin on it by adding or subtracting ingredients. We recommend tacos with grilled chicken or cottage cheese for protein, and fresh tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and salsa.
2. Cucumber Sandwich- Cucumber cheese sandwich is a refreshing and fulfilling sandwich that doesn’t take a lot of time to prep. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals from the cucumber, carbs from the bread, and protein from the cheese.
3. Pesto Pasta- The great thing about pasta is that it can be enjoyed both hot and cold. Italian Pesto pasta is a great addition to your lunchbox. Plus, you can make it even healthier by incorporating different vegetables.
4. Fresh fruit- Lunch is a great time to consciously eat something healthy. Fruit is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and energy. Plus, it takes virtually no time to prepare.
5. Yogurt- Yogurt is a probiotic and is a great source of protein. The freshness and richness of yogurt are bound to make you more energetic. Plus, it is great for your gut health. You can also add pieces of fresh fruit to your yogurt to make it more fulfilling.
6. Snack pack- Are you a big fan of snacking on mixtures and filling up on mixtures rather than eating lunch? If you enjoy snacking then we advise that you snack on something more substantial and nutritious. For instance, you can create a snack pack of popcorn, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and raisins. You can customize your snack pack in any way you like.
7. Quesadilla- Quesadilla is a Mexican delicacy made from beans, bell peppers, tortilla wraps, cheese, and a protein of your choice.
8. Peanut butter and Jelly Sandwich- A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a quintessential American snack. It is easy to make and very fulfilling.
9. Roti and sabji- The staple dishes in an Indian lunch are roti and sabji. Roti, which is usually made from wheat, is a rich source of carbohydrates and energy.
10. Masala corn- If you enjoy sweet corn, then masala sweet corn is an excellent addition to your lunchbox. Sprinkle some chaat masala, chili powder, and lemon juice on boiled or steamed corn, and voila your dish is ready.
11. Fried Rice- Fried Rice made with fresh vegetables, eggs, or chicken is another great addition to your lunchbox.