- Make enough time: If you rush to pack your lunch in five minutes, when you get to the cafeteria, you might be disappointed by the protein bar and apple you managed to throw into your lunchbox. Whether it be meal prepping the night before or waking up early, make sure to prioritize packing food you’ll actually enjoy.
- Make it colorful: Colorful lunches tend to include all the food groups. So, the more colorful the lunch, the more diverse, the more nourishing, and the more fueling. Try to get your greens in there as well as a bright pop of color (apple, cranberries, carrots). But don’t neglect a nut butter or cracker to accompany it; balance is key. Veggies, fruits, protein and carbs are key to a satisfying meal.
- Don’t be afraid of repeating the same meals: If you have a sandwich, salad or bowl you made and you love it, don’t be afraid to make it again. Keeping the same lunches in weekly rotation takes the stress out of figuring out what to make. The more you make something, the quicker you’ll get at prepping it.
- Meal prep is key: If you know you want a salad tomorrow but can’t figure out how to add protein, include something like a hard boiled egg by cooking it the night before. If you want to make a bowl don’t forget to prep your grain. Whether it be by chopping vegetables or getting your humus ready in its tupperware, meal prepping is key to a stress free, delicious lunch.
- Pack lots of snacks: No matter what, an extra protein bar, beef stick or container of crackers never hurts. Nobody says you have to eat it, but truth be told, by seventh hour you’ll probably need it. Packing nutritious snacks to accompany your main lunch helps keep you from falling victim to over priced vending machine snacks.
- Know what you like and stand by it: Maybe your thing is lunches that have to be microwaved, but your friend’s thing is chia seed pudding and grapes. Both options are great, but different people enjoy different things. Don’t let what your friends like to pack influence your meals, leaving you dissatisfied and longing for whatever school lunch is that day.
