Oct 18, 20233 min read

12 Healthy Lunch Ideas [That Aren't Salads]

If you're trying to eat healthy to support a weight loss or wellness goal, it's important that you actually like what you're eating... otherwise it's very easy to "fall off the wagon" and eat something that doesn't support your goals.

As a Nutritionist, I love a good salad at lunch but I know that not everyone does. So today, I'm sharing 12 healthy lunch ideas that aren't salads to help provide you some meal inspiration and get you excited about your weight loss or wellness journey.

Bacon + Sundried Tomato Egg Bites

Egg bites are rich in high quality protein to help support a body recomposition goal, which is where you lose body fat while keeping muscle mass. This recipe also throws in bacon and sundried tomatoes for some extra delish flavor.

Grab the recipe HERE.

Grilled Bratwurst With Roasted Veggies

Precooked bratwursts are rich in protein and can be prepped fairly quickly. I like to pair grilled bratwursts with roasted veggies for some added fiber. Combine your grilled brats with roasted Brussels sprouts and your favorite seedy mustard.

Detox Chia Pudding

Chia pudding can be used for either break-fast or lunch. But it's really important you make it the right way! Unfortunately most chia pudding recipes are high in sugar and low in protein, making it a terrible option for a weight loss goal. Instead, it's important to focus on high protein, low sugar recipes.

Try out my high protein, low sugar Detox Chia Pudding recipe HERE.

Cauliflower Rice Protein Power Bowl

Typical protein power bowls use rice or another grain as the base. Most grains are very high glycemic load and therefore will work against a weight loss goal (you can learn more about glycemic load and weight loss with my blog post HERE). Instead, try swapping the grain for low glycemic load cauliflower rice to help the body more easily shift back into fat burning after the meal.

Try my Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl with the video below.

Burger With Lettuce Wrap

Burgers are packed with protein to help support a weight loss goal. Unfortunately, they also usually are paired with very high glycemic load buns. Swap out the bun for a lettuce wrap to make it more in line with your weight loss goals. Almost all lettuces will do, but I've found iceberg lettuce makes for the most satisfying crunch!

Upgraded LA Street Tacos

When made the right way, tacos can be rich in high quality protein, fat and fiber to help support a weight loss goal. You can also load it up with a ton of flavor with guacamole, hot sauce and salsa.

Try my DELISH Upgraded LA Street Tacos from my 21 Day Intermittent Fasting Program HERE.

Bell Pepper Sandwich

This will probably become your new favorite lunch. The Bell Pepper Sandwich (aka "Sando") is crunchy, light and super satiating. Try out the recipe with my video below.

Curry Egg Salad Wrap

Egg salad can be a bit boring, even though it's a great option for a weight loss goal. To help boost the flavor, you can try adding curry powder into your egg salad! I also like to wrap it up in a coconut wrap to help keep the glycemic load low.

Try my recipe HERE.

Toaster Protein Waffles

My protein waffle recipe contains a whopping 26 grams of complete protein and zero added sugar. I love to make multiple servings (usually about 8 servings at a time) and toss them in the freezer for a quick and easy on-the-go meal. If your work has a toaster, you can pop 2-3 of these in for a delish, protein packed meal ready in minutes.

Grab my Protein Waffle Recipe HERE.

Adult Snack Pack

The Adult Snack Pack is my healthy spin on Lunchables. Just combine a couple hard boiled eggs with 1-2 oz. of your favorite cheese, 2 Tbsp. nuts, 1/4 cup of olives and your favorite crunchy veggies (cucumbers, bell pepper, jicama, cabbage and carrots all are great).

healthy lunch idea pumpkin sausage pasta

Leftovers (My Pumpkin Sausage "Pasta")

If you're using leftovers as a lunch, it's important to actually make a full extra serving to save for the next day. So if you're making dinner for two and want enough for leftovers, make three servings of whatever meal you're having. One of my favorite recipes to have as leftovers is my Pumpkin Sausage "Pasta" that uses low glycemic load spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

Grab my recipe HERE.

healthy lunch ideas strawberry protein smoothie

Classic Strawberry Protein Smoothie

Protein smoothies can be blended in the morning and stored in a thermos or in a fridge to have later in the day when you're ready for lunch. Just make sure your protein smoothie is high in complete protein and low in sugar to have it support your weight loss or wellness goals.

Try my Classic Strawberry Protein Smoothie HERE.