Indeed, many times I found myself hunched over my desk while eating lunch, eating spoonfuls of chicken and rice. There is never an atmosphere like this. I’m happy to say that this rarely happens, especially since I’ve reframed lunchtime as a bit of a reset ritual. It’s time to step away from your laptop and refuel with something nutritious and delicious. I’m working from home now, and I remember when it was difficult to even pack lunches. How can you perform your midday reset ritual on the go while still enjoying romantic moments?
We spoke with Wellness Editor Edie Horstman to get ideas for work lunches that are not only delicious, but also healthy and easy to assemble. Read on for some of her tips and tricks, and of course, some recipes you can try for yourself.
Featured image from Michelle Nash’s interview with Sanetra Ronno.
Assemble without cooking
If you haven’t jumped on the meal prep train yet, now is a great time to get started. Instead of making something new every day, Horstman loves assembling lunches for work. “Make your lunch out of prepped ingredients: protein (rotisserie chicken, deli turkey, baked tofu), carbohydrates (roasted sweet potatoes or sourdough slices), vegetables (spinach), and healthy fats (avocado). Mix and match and you’ll never get bored,” says Horstman.
Bowls are the perfect lunch for work. If you put everything together in advance, you can put whatever you want in the bowl. Horstmann recommends eating bulk meals like roasted vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and rice cooked in bone broth. “This way you can make mini sweetgreens at home,” she says. cute!
spicy tofu banh mi bowl
My favorite bowl-shaped sandwich. Seriously, it’s got everything: crispy baguette, pickled vegetables, and the best tofu I’ve ever stuffed into a bowl. A truly innovative lunch awaits.
reliable grain bowl
Crunchy tofu, crunchy rice, and fresh herbs – it’s the perfect combination.
Choose a snack-style lunch
Simple work lunch ideas are the most effective. Who wouldn’t want packing a lunch to be complicated? To make this process easier, consider packing a few essentials and calling it a day. “Don’t underestimate a snack-style lunch: hard cheese, nuts, chopped vegetables, hummus, and a protein like chicken salad or edamame,” recommends Horstman.
A snack-style lunch is basically packing a charcuterie board and adding some protein and fresh veggie options. Think of it as a Lunchable for adults. “Ultimately, think about colors for snack-style lunches: tomatoes (red), edamame (green), carrots (orange),” Horstmas continues. If you like this kind of lunch, Horstman also recommends investing in to-go containers with compartments. This way you can portion out your crackers, veggies, fruits, and proteins and keep everything neat and tidy.
fall charcuterie board
Who said charcuterie was only for parties? This fall-inspired board is perfect for your work lunch. Think crunchy apples, sharp cheddar, roasted nuts, and a touch of sweetness. It’s easy to assemble, infinitely customizable, and feels like a mid-day treat.
mediterranean style tuna salad
A salad representative of southern France. It is delicious eaten on its own or combined with carbohydrates such as crusty bread or crackers.
Always have grab-and-go items on hand
I think everyone has experienced that moment when there is nothing to eat at home. Even worse, when you’re stuck at work because you don’t have anything to eat. Horstman offers a perfect solution when you’re running out of work lunch ideas, even though it requires a little planning in advance. “Keep ’emergency’ options on hand, such as individual containers of Greek yogurt, packs of apples, clementines, and nut butters, meat sticks, individual packs of olives, and DIY trail mixes like almonds, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate chips,” says Horstman.
This isn’t necessarily the best for lunch at work, but it’s a great tip. Keep a stash on your desk at work just in case! Enjoy a healthy snack anytime. There’s no need to rush to order from DoorDash either.
Lunch ideas for healthy work
Finally, we’ve rounded up more recipes that are perfect to pack up and take to work. From soups to salads and even bowls, you’re sure to find your favorite recipes to inspire a midday reset.
broccoli caesar
Caesar salad without romaine? Trust us on this! This has all of your trusty crunchy and cheesy goodness with just a base of shaved broccoli.
tomato and white bean soup
It’s healthy, delicious, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
It’s the crunchy, sweet and tangy salad you crave. Who said getting into the green was boring? This salad is completely different.
sweet potato miso soup
You might call this comfort “comfort in the bowl.”
creamy cauliflower soup
Easy and nutritious recipes you’ll want to repeat all fall. You can truly enjoy a simple yet luxurious taste!
Beet, farro and goat cheese salad
Prepare it on Sunday and enjoy it all week long. Since there are plenty of ingredients, you can store it in the refrigerator for several days! Work lunch just got easier.
Coconut curry red lentil soup
When the comforting soup meets the bold flavors of the curry, it’s pure comfort. Packed with sweet potatoes, kale, and warming spices, this lentil-based recipe is hearty, nutritious, and sure to please everyone at the table.
vegan butternut squash soup
This plant-based soup is my go-to reset: nutritious, creamy, and full of complex flavors. It’s healthy without being too refreshing, aka the perfect comfort soup.
Black lentil salad and roasted vegetables
We’ve come a long way from the days of limp lettuce and bland dressings. This salad provides flavor and volume. The roasted veggies add depth, the lentils give it staying power, and it all comes together easily.
chicken burger lettuce wrap
I used to roll my eyes at “lighter” burgers. If I wanted to eat, I would eat with all my might. Things have changed with the advent of this recipe. Because it uses chicken, it’s satisfying without being heavy, making it perfect for weekday lunches or burger nights.
This post was last updated on October 14, 2025 with new insights.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
