Low carb breakfasts can be easy. Eggs, bacon and cheese can be mixed up in the frying pan in a flash and eaten before leaving. Mozzarella cheese sticks and coffee sweetened with cream can be a good meal in a pinch. Premade egg bakes can be sliced and carted with you on your way to work. And dinners are easy as well. Meat, veggies, salads are all standard fare for the low carb dieter. But what about lunch? Standing in front of the fridge, pondering what to pack for the mid day meal can lead to a lot of meals out or packed meals that end up too high in carbs. So do a little prep work and see how easy it is to stay low carb midday, while enjoying what you eat.
Sandwiches. Low carb bread and tortillas can be a lifesaver when you’re looking for lunch ideas. Stock up on meats and cheeses at the deli, and you have the makings of a lunch main course at your fingertips when you need them. Spread mustard and mayonnaise on a tortilla, add lettuce, roast beef and sharp cheddar cheese and you have a delicious wrap. Put mayonnaise, lettuce, turkey and bacon on some whole wheat low carb bread for a club sandwich. Add pickles, olives, avocado and more to turkey, ham, salami, or pepperoni with cheddar, swiss, provolone or havarti cheese for your own sandwich combinations. Unable to find low carb bread or tortillas? Wrap the cheese with the deli meat for a roll up, or use a large lettuce leaf to wrap the entire sandwich. Dip in your choice of sauce and fill up quickly on this delicious cold lunch idea!
Salads. Here is where taking some time on Sunday afternoon can really pay off. Chop cauliflower, cucumbers, broccoli, bell peppers, steamed green beans, radishes, green onion and store in ziploc bags. Purchase assorted greens and make sure they are washed and dried. In the morning, you can mix your lettuce and choice of vegetable in a bowl. Add sliced deli meats and cheeses, hard boiled eggs, and avocado for added protein. Sprinkle with seasoning and pack your favorite salad dressing.
Soups. Spend some time with your crockpot to design your own soups. Add frozen veggies to a chicken or vegetable stock base and go from there. Add leftover roast, chicken, turkey or ham. Thicken with a little tomato sauce if desired. Play with spices and seasonings and simmer until the soup hits the spot for you. Divide between several tupperware containers and you can just pop one in your lunch bag in the morning.
Sweets. Sweets are harder to come by in low carb, so time to get creative. Stock up on sugar free candy and toss one in your bag. Have an individual sugar free Jell-O. Store some cream in the work fridge and add a dollop to a glass. Top with diet root beer for a filling root beer float dessert.
Keeping a few easy items on hand, like deli meats and cheeses and lots of veggies can really make that low carb lunch easy, healthy and fast! No need to rely on always having leftovers when you have a few simple ingredients at home to pack.
