If you work from home, then you know that on a busy day, your kitchen can seem as distant as it does when you’re at the office. These days require a prep plan that makes it easy to grab quick, nourishing, sustaining meals. Pass on planning and you may be left with unsatisfying options and a midday crash. Keep it easy and stress-free with these five simple tips for making balanced work from home lunches.
Just a Bit of Prep
Meal prepping may be popular, but it restricts how ingredients are used and leaves you with a limited weekly menu. Instead, try ingredient prepping so that you have options. Aim for a variety of proteins and prepped vegetables (fresh and cooked). I like to grill or roast vegetables and skinless chicken breast (seasoned/marinated in a variety of ways). I also bake tofu for a plant-based option, and keep sliced fresh vegetables on hand.
Make Easy, Balanced Plates
Pair prepped ingredients with wraps, pitas, eggs, grains, pre-washed greens, and more for quick meals. The goal is to be able to assemble nutritious plates without additional prep or cooking (other than quickly reheating, pressing a sandwich, or maybe cooking eggs). When you’ve prepared well, you can simply grab ingredients and enjoy your meal in minutes (hopefully away from your computer!). If possible, save dinner leftovers for another evening meal to ensure you have a plan when your workday wraps.
Eat One / Freeze One
I suggest using an “eat one/freeze one” approach to your cooking. This works well with casseroles, grilled (or roasted) vegetables/meats, sauces, quiche, meatballs, and soup. You’ll reduce waste by using up ingredients that are only needed for a particular recipe. And your frozen dish easily becomes a midday meal (or two!), leaving very little to do on a busy work day.
Savvy Shopping
Shop with your “home chef habits” in mind. Pick up products and items that match who you are on a busy afternoon or tired evening. This ensures that your kitchen has the right food on hand to support your goals. Go for Guiding Stars earning products with better-for-you convenience (produce, grains, proteins) and versatile ingredients that work for multiple meals.
Seasonal Slow Cooker Dishes
We tend to think about using a slow cooker during the cooler months for soups and stews. But it’s a perfect tool for a variety of seasonal dishes. With a few timely steps taken early in the day (or the evening before), it’s a convenient way to ensure that a meal is ready when you are. Give these slow-cooked recipes a try:
