5 Healthy Make-Ahead Lunch Recipes

5 Healthy Make-Ahead Lunch Recipes Image via thekitchn.com Research shows that in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle (and especially when attempting to lose weight) your lunch intake should be much greater than that of your dinner proportions. Many Americans tend to do this backwards and nibble on little snacks in lieu of a substantial lunch. As a result, our dinner portions tend to be huge (and often full of carbohydrates). It has been proven time and time again that eating a large meal right before bed is not the best idea. It is not ideal for your digestive system because you are supposed to rest (or fast) while you sleep. As a result of eating before bed, you will end up with a stomach full of food just sitting there until morning. Not only does this contribute to weight gain, it throws off your nocturnal digestive process due to having large amounts of food stagnant in your body. The best way to go is actually to eat the bulk of your calories as early as possible, ideally breakfast, or lunch so that you have ample time to burn them off before bedtime. If digestive reasons aren’t enough to persuade you to eat an ample lunch, maybe the accessibility of having a delicious and healthy lunch on hand may be enough to convince you. Here are some of my favorite make-ahead lunches that you can pack the night before and even make in a big batch so youll have lunch for a few days, if not the full week. Fall Harvest Freekeh Salad Image via thekitchn.com This deconstructed salad is not only appealing for your eyes, but your body will thank you for consuming something so nutritious. Freekeh is a whole-wheat ancient grain with a sweet nutty flavor (think quinoa married beans). If you’re not into trying new grains you can always add your favorite beans or farro mix. Simply prep all the grains, greens, beans, and veggies the night before, then keep them in separate containers until its time to mix it all together on your lunch hour. Find the recipe at thekitchn.com Fajita Bowls Craving some Mexican cuisine but don’t want to give into the queso temptation? Well save yourself the trip to Chipotle and toss this tasty and easy to make lunch bowl in your bag and you’ll be ready to fiesta! The best part, besides being fresh and full of color, is that this yummy bowl will keep in the fridge for up to four days, so you can just make a big batch at the beginning of the week and you won’t have to worry about lunch until the weekend! Check out the recipe from sweetpeasandsaffron.com and try it out for yourself. Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa Chili Image via fitfoodiefinds.com With fall weather fast approaching, sometimes you just want to warm up with a hearty bowl of deliciousness. This healthy take on chili will not only warm your tummy, but also will taste delicious and fill you up with the entire day. Roasting the red pepper adds a bit of sweetness and the quinoa adds loads of fiber to push away all of those late afternoon hunger pains. An added bonus is that this chili is completely vegan so you don’t have to feel guilty about doubling up on your serving! Take a look at the recipe from fitfoodiefinds.com! Roasted Chicken and Veggies This one pan chicken and veggie recipe is easy to make and pack and only requires one pan to make! A perfect go-to lunch for the low-carb dieter, this dish is incredibly healthy and flavorful. This oven roasted chicken breast and rainbow veggies recipe is tender, juicy, and ready in only 15 minutes! The reason this dish cooks so quickly is because the chicken is cut into small bite size pieces and the oven temperature. The results are charred veggies and juicy chicken. You can serve with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or riced cauliflower if you’re in need of a little something extra. Check out this recipe from gimmedelicious.com. Sheet Pan Ginger-Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes, Apple Fennel This autumn inspired chicken dish is so delicious and full of flavor! It’s hearty, perfectly seasonal, and requires easy-prep. Save time, money, and clean-up with this savory-sweet sheet pan dinner with organic chicken, fall picks from the produce section, and a hint of honey ginger tastiness. Find the recipe at litehousefoods.com.