If losing weight is a goal for you this year, taking your own lunch to work is one of the best places to start. If losing weight isn't your goal, taking your own lunch is still a great way to stay healthy and energized for the work day ahead. Either way, these salads will start your week (and your year) off on the right foot. Instead of setting a weight loss goal alone, what if the goal was to pack lunch 2 times a week? Or even every day? Start small and see what time and effort can accomplish. I promise you will impress yourself!
Eating well doesn't mean giving up your favorite foods. The best part of learning how to eat for your body is knowing that all foods can fit and with the right balance of nutrition and physical activity, your body will find a size that is perfect for your body!
Try not to focus solely on losing weight as a goal and instead focus on all that your body can do for you each day. When you fuel it with good, filling, and nutritious foods, you just help your body help you. These salads are perfect options for taking lunch to work each day without feeling overly full for the rest of the work day.
Greek Salad in a Jar
I love the jar method because you can make 5 salads on Sunday and they are still great by Friday. Ingredients that tend to hold water should be added to the top. Add lettuce in first and go from there. Before sealing the jar, add a paper towel to the top of the ingredients to help absorb moisture. Then, store the container on it's lid and replace the paper towel every few days to ensure the ingredients stay fresh all week.
Greek Salad Benefits
The veggies are full of fiber that will help keep you full. The olives and cheese add some fat to help you stay fuller longer, too! The salad is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins to help boost your immune system and keep you on your A game!
Cranberry Spinach Salad
This salad is a winter favorite and has a great combination of sweet and salty. It can also be made in a jar like the Greek salad above. Spinach is my favorite green to pair with sweeter combinations like cranberries or strawberries. I also love to add cutie or tangerine slices, pomegranate seeds, and any other winter fruit you may have on hand.
Bacon, Avocado, Lettuce, and Tomato Salad
Is there any better combination than bacon and avocado? I have yet to find it. I am picky about my bacon and always encourage an uncured version. I also like my bacon super crunchy so feel free to make it your own! Add black beans and corn for an even more filling salad.
This is one of my favorites!
How to Choose a Healthy Snack
If you are looking for snack ideas to keep you on track and full this year, be sure to check out this post on How to Choose a Healthy Snack.
Healthy Meal Ideas
For more ideas, check out this delicious Lasagna recipe, or my favorite Sunday staple Hot Chicken.