Are you working from home these days? In the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, more people than ever have traded their cubicles for a desk in the spare bedroom. Bringing the office home comes with many challenges, not the least of which is what to eat for lunch. Finding the time and energy to cook a nutritious meal can be tough, especially if work takes a lot of your time. If you’re struggling to stay fed without the company cafeteria, try these five quick and amazing work-from-home lunch ideas.
Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
What’s easier than a rotisserie chicken? This versatile supermarket staple easily takes the place of your favorite taqueria when shredded over corn tortillas and topped with onions, cilantro, sour cream and Salsa Verde. Serve with a side of black beans and brown rice. Consider experimenting with different salsa or making a batch of your own. Any leftovers would be fantastic with chips.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Do you miss your favorite wing joint? Another great way to repurpose a rotisserie chicken for your workday lunch is a spicy buffalo chicken salad. Chop or shred the chicken meat in a large bowl and coat it with your favorite hot sauce. Serve it over a bed of romaine lettuce and top with shredded carrots, chopped celery and blue cheese dressing.
Soup and Sandwich
Who doesn’t love a hearty sandwich and a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day? Simmer your favorite soup on the stove while you get your morning tasks out of the way. When lunchtime rolls around, enjoy a steaming bowl alongside a thick sandwich on fluffy Kaiser rolls or crusty slices of French bread. Tomato or split pea soup are easy to make and go great with a sandwich as simple as grilled cheese or veggie panini.
Quinoa Bowl
Are you looking for a quick and healthy lunch? Try a quinoa bowl. Just add your favorite meats and vegetables to a cup of quinoa and mix. Crumble feta cheese or queso fresco on top for added flavor and calcium. Save time by making a large batch of quinoa and keeping it in the refrigerator for a week’s worth of lunches. Quinoa can also be a great supplement to a meal as part of a salad.
Skillet Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese isn’t just for kids. Make a more sophisticated, grown-up version by melting Velveeta cheese, shredded cheddar and half-and-half in a large skillet. Stir in cooked elbow macaroni and top with arugula, sliced cherry tomatoes and buttered breadcrumbs. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for fifteen minutes or until the breadcrumbs are brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Working from home comes with the temptation of your kitchen being available all day, so don’t forget to count calories and curb excessive snacking. Establish set times for meals and snacks and consider using a fitness tracker to help you monitor your diet and exercise. It also can be hard to resist ordering take out. While a treat is not a bad thing, there are many quick, easy, and nutritious meals for you to try.
