If you are looking for a recipe you can make for lunch ahead of time and enjoy the whole week, or you want to rotate new dishes every day, there are endless options. The idea of a perfect lunch differs depending on your preference and where you are from. But there are common meals that people go to for their midday food. Making small changes and keeping your mind open about trying new foods can give you new experiences. Here are the most popular lunches.
- Salads
Salads are arguably one of the most popular lunch options. They are highly customizable; your plate can be whatever you want. You can add nuts, grains, berries, and other fruits to your salad. You can eat it cold or hot depending on what you like. People have embraced salads because the vegetables are very healthy, and it’s an easy recipe to make. You can also eat the salad with tossed beans, grilled chicken, or add cheese. Pick your favorite additions to make your plate adventurous.
- Soups
Soups are also common because you can make them in advance and reheat them in smaller servings. They are easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. You can include butternut, lentil, potato, vegetable, pumpkin, tomato, and many other ingredients. Most of these soups are packed with protein. It’s not easy to get bored with soup because you can easily change the ingredients and make it more flavourful.
- Sandwiches
Cheese and ham sandwiches and many others have repeatedly been part of people’s midday meals, especially those who eat at their desks. You can grab your favorite sandwich when you don’t have much time and effort to make an extraordinary meal Lunches are usually an afterthought, but your choice will affect how you feel all afternoon. If you are going for a sandwich and a bag of chips, ensure you include things you like as ingredients. Also, try making it as healthy as possible.
- Fish And Chips
Fish and chips are also a people’s pleaser when it comes to lunch. Maybe it’s common because of how easily available it is. You can order from your favorite food vendor or make it at home. However, chips are not considered the healthiest meal. So try to switch fish and chips with something healthy every now and then.
How Easy Is It To Make Or Plan For Lunch?
You can create a 5 or 7-day meal plan that will cater to your lunches for the whole week. Making your midday meal every morning before work is tough. But when you make all the meals in advance, you will only need to reheat when ready to eat. Have a list of go-to meals that ate both easy to make and nutritious.
Take a few hours on Sunday and prepare all your lunches for the week. Most people with limited time do this when they don’t want to eat the same thing repeatedly. If you must make the meal every day, go for an easy recipe like a simple sandwich or salad.
Popular ingredients you can find in your local US grocery store
The best way to make a commitment to eating healthy and delicious food each day is to get fresh ingredients. Your local store can give you access to various ingredients, including;
- Bell pepper
- Vegetables
- Eggs
- Bread
- Cheese
- Avocado
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Beans
- Chicken
- Milk
Find ingredients you can use to make sandwiches, soups, or any other meal of your choice. Shop for the whole week, so you don’t have to go to the store daily.
Tips for planning lunch for one person, two people, or the whole family
If you plan meals for the whole family, keep favorites on rotation. Chances are you already have the ingredients at the house. You can start small; plan for three days first as you figure out the rest of the week. Generate a shopping list that will keep your pantry stocked, making meal prep super easy.
Planning for two people is a bit easier. Ask the other person what they prefer for their midday meals and find a way to merge with your favorites. You can even increase your usual meals to include two servings. There aren’t many adjustments when it’s only two people involved. Ensure you utilize leftovers as well.
Final Thoughts
Meal prepping and planning can be fun, especially when you are doing it with loved ones. The first lunch memories started during school days. The packed lunches were sometimes the highlight of the day. You can also pack healthy snacks and flavourful meals for your loved ones to make their day. It’s not a meal most people pay attention to, but maybe you should try putting in more effort.