Whether you’re packing lunch for yourself or your children, it’s not always easy to come up with options that are both quick and healthy. Who wants to spend a whole hour preparing tomorrow’s lunch? But being in a time crunch makes it tempting to just grab less-than-healthy options to stuff into your lunch box.

The good news is it’s pretty easy to make your packed lunches healthier with some easy-peasy, low-fuss recipes. We’ve put together a few quick and healthy lunch ideas that are packed with nutrients and protein but still super delicious.

Easy Chopped Chicken Salad

Instead of grabbing one of those boring pre-packaged salads to eat on your lunch break (be honest, you don’t really know what’s in them anyway), make a delicious chicken chopped salad at home. Start with grilled chicken strips for protein, add your favorite type of lettuce, some colorful chopped veggies. You can even toss in a few bacon bits for some extra flavor. Just be sure to store your dressing in a separate container so your salad doesn’t end up wilted by noon!

The great thing about this lunch idea is that you can mix and match and tailor it to your taste. You can substitute other protein options for chicken and add other ingredients like fruit and nuts for some extra flavor!

PB&J Wraps

There’s a reason that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are an easy win with even the pickiest of eaters — they’re always yummy! Using wraps to roll up your PB&J not only changes up this fan favorite, but it also keeps you from ending up with a soggy sandwich. Use a whole wheat wrap to lower calories and boost fiber. Want to jazz up this already nutritious meal? Add some pieces of apple and crunchy granola and you’ve got a next-level lunch that only took you five minutes to make. We call that a win-win for everyone!

Peanut allergies? No problem! Substitute almond butter or sunflower butter for peanut butter for a similarly satisfying taste!

Taco Tuesday Box

Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesday? Start with whatever meat you had leftover from Monday night (shredded chicken, beef, ground beef, or even ground tofu). Pack it along with some corn or flour tortillas, lettuce, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, and other favorite taco topping and make fresh tacos at lunchtime. Whether this meal is destined for your breakroom or your child’s cafeteria, everyone will be jealous of this tasty but healthy choice.

Tuna Salad Protein Box

If you want a lunch that’s easy and packed with protein, start with tuna salad. It’s super healthy if you make it using low fat Greek yogurt instead of mayo, then add in your favorite seasonings and additions like onions or relish. This tasty protein option can be eaten on its own, on a salad, or in a sandwich or wrap. For additional protein, pack some almonds and hard boiled eggs to ensure you’ve got plenty of protein power to get you through the day. Add some cucumbers or apples and you’ve got a super-healthy lunch that only took you a few minutes to prepare! Make a double batch to get ahead on lunches for the whole week!

Not a fish fan? Substitute chopped chicken for the tuna and you’ve still got a tasty meal that’s just as easy to make.

Spicy Turkey Wraps

These yummy wraps are so good that even the kids will love them! You can prep them a few hours ahead of time and they’re ready to eat later, which makes packing lunches a breeze. Start with your favorite tortillas, spread on some spicy, peppery cream cheese, then add chopped turkey (or another protein option). Top with veggies and add a bit of spicy dressing. They look so great you’ll have a hard time waiting for lunch to eat them.‍‍

Your Firefly care team is here to help

Packing a lunch doesn’t have to suck up all your time. It’s easy to make fast lunches for school or work that are still healthy!

If you have other questions about nutrition or healthy eating, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Firefly Health care team. You can chat with us or schedule a visit in the app today. Not a member yet? Get started by signing up or giving us a call at (855) 869-9284.
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