I’m sure you’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and while there is truth to that, breakfast is not the only meal of importance.

Just because you eat a healthy breakfast and start your day off right does not mean you can skip out on lunch. Lunch is imperative!

Your body actually burns more calories during the day than it does in the evenings. So, a skipped lunch will only result in a lack of much needed fuel and a reduced metabolism. When you miss lunch you miss the opportunity for healthy calorie consumption throughout your day. 

Unfortunately, this is with any meal. Lunch, however, keeps your body going when you need energy the most, during the middle of the day. Also, lunch sets you up for a healthy dinner.

When you skip lunch, you’re risking losing the ability to control your calorie intake at your next meal. By skipping any meal, your body becomes too hungry, resulting in overeating at the next meal.

Why do so many people skip lunch?

The problem is that our fast-paced world only allows for so much time at our lunch break, if a lunch break is given at all.

People will often work through their lunch break in order to get things done before the work day is over. This only leaves them with little energy and little ability to process thought. How can you think without energy to your brain?

Even if time is scarce during a crazy work day, it’s best to allot some time for some mid-day nutrition so you can function properly for the remainder of the day.

Nutrition is needed throughout your day — it starts with breakfast and ends with dinner and the nutrition in between matters all the same.

6 Quick, Healthy Lunch Ideas

There’s always time for a healthy lunch – even if time is limited. Just because you only have a little time to eat lunch, it doesn’t mean that you should shove the next best thing down as quickly as possible.

Take some time the night before and plan and pack a healthy meal. Since your lunch will already be prepared, you can’t use the excuse of not having time.

If you’re running short on ideas, try a few of the following lunch meals:

1. Sandwich made with Sara Lee 45 calorie bread with turkey deli meat, low-fat mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mustard. Add an apple and side salad with low-calorie dressing.
   
   
2. Lettuce wraps made with lean ground beef (97/3) or low-fat deli meat, low-fat shredded cheese, ½ cup black beans divided amongst the two, and salsa on top. Add ½ cup strawberries for a side.
   
   
3. Classic grilled chicken salad made with 2 cups of baby spinach, kale, and arugula mixed with diced tomatoes, bell peppers, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and low-fat Greek dressing. Add ½ cup of blueberries to your salad if you would like to jazz it up!
   
   
4. Chicken and rice made with minute brown rice and diced baked chicken. Add some sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese to a small bowl, and you will have a nice addition to your meal.
   
   
5. Pita sandwich made with 1 slice whole grain pita bread, hummus spread, and sliced cucumbers. Add 1 orange and ¼ cup almonds for a side.
   
   
6. Protein shake made with 1 scoop of 100% whey protein powder mixed with unsweetened almond milk (great for weight loss), 1 banana, and 1-2 tsp of natural honey. It’s best if your protein powder has around 20g+ per scoop so that you can ensure an adequate amount of protein for a meal.

These meals can be mixed with your favorite combination of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. You don’t want to wait until the morning of — where time may be limited — to try and prep your lunch.

Make time the night before so your lunch can be easily accessible and ready to go!