Jumping on the low-carb diet bandwagon? It’s a popular choice for many, especially since studies show significant health benefits like reversing Type 2 diabetes in over half of those who try it. But what about packing a lunch without the usual sandwiches? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with five delicious, low-carb lunch ideas that are easy to prepare and pack.
- Keto-Friendly Tacos and Wraps:
Forget skipping Taco Tuesday just because you’re cutting carbs. Use a leaf of butter lettuce instead of a taco shell and fill it with your favorite taco ingredients like meat, cheese, tomatoes, and peppers. Pack everything separately and assemble at lunchtime for freshness. Want a lighter option? Try slow-cooked chicken taco meat using this simple recipe:
- 2 pounds frozen chicken breast
- 1 taco seasoning packet
- 1 can diced green chilis
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
Cook the chicken until it shreds easily, then cool and store in individual servings. It’s perfect for quick meals and even office potlucks.
- Crustless Quiche:
Quiches are great for meal prep since they’re basically a meal in a slice. Just skip the crust to keep it keto-friendly. Here’s a recipe for a bacon, mushroom, and feta quiche that’s as good for breakfast as it is for lunch:
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 8 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cook the bacon and sauté the mushrooms in the bacon fat. Layer these with feta in a pan, pour over the beaten eggs mixed with cream, and bake until set.
- Scintillating Salads:
Salads are a staple on a low-carb diet. Try this Indian-spiced salad that’s both refreshing and filling:
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, medium, diced
- 1/2 stick celery, diced
- 2 green chilis, sliced
- Fresh coriander and mint leaves
- Olive oil, lemon juice, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, salt, and pepper
Mix all ingredients, and you can either serve it immediately or pack it for lunch.
- Scrumptious Soups:
Soup is comforting and can be kept low-carb easily. Try this coconut carrot soup that’s rich in flavor and nutrients:
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 shallots, diced
- 2 red chilis, diced
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Lemon juice, coconut oil, coriander seeds, ground ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper
Sauté carrots, shallots, and chilis, then blend with the rest of the ingredients. It’s perfect for a warm meal or a cold lunch.
- Finger Food Fantasy:
Who says finger foods are off-limits? Make zucchini boats filled with ground turkey, onions, marinara sauce, and cheese. They’re easy to make and perfect for a grab-and-go lunch:
- 4 zucchini, halved lengthwise
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- Marinara sauce (no sugar added)
- Mozzarella and parmesan cheese
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Hollow out the zucchini, fill with the cooked turkey mixture, top with cheese, and bake. They’re great hot or cold.
These low-carb lunch ideas prove you don’t need bread to enjoy a filling and delicious midday meal. Pack these for work or school and avoid the post-lunch slump that comes with high-carb meals.
