Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but it's lunch that keeps you going. It's tempting to gorge on the bread basket or to grab a couple slices of cheese pizza, but by skimping on the protein, you could be setting yourself up for the afternoon slump. With a high-protein lunch, energy will stay higher through the mid-afternoon, giving you the mental, emotional, and physical edge you need to carry through. So, how does a busy professional get the max protein benefits in a busy work day? Try these lunch ideas to get the energy and nutrition you need.
Add meat to that salad. Next time you order the fresh garden salad, add grilled steak or chicken to it. Or go vegetarian with sliced egg. Either way, you'll get valuable protein in addition to those healthy fruits and veggies.
Build a better burrito bowl. Save leftover meat and rice in your fridge for a great, quick burrito bowl to go. In a plastic container, layer rice, drained canned beans, and sliced leftover chicken, beef, or pork. Top with salsa, leftover veggies, and shredded cheese. Now you'll just need to microwave the bowl for a minute or so, and lunch is served!
Simmer some tortilla-free soup. Nothing is easier than tortilla soup, and without the tortillas, it's still yummy and satisfying. In a slow cooker, layer boneless chicken breasts and chopped onion. Pour a can of chopped tomatoes and a drained can of chopped chili peppers over the top. Sprinkle with your favorite seasonings. Pour water or chicken stock to cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Freeze or refrigerate in individual containers for your own homemade soup to go!
Pick the protein pizza. If the staff is going for pizza, you can still make smart choices. Order a white pizza with extra meat, especially grilled chicken or anchovies. And go crazy with the vegetables; you'll get more nutrients the more goodies you pile on.
Make it a meaty sandwich. Sometimes a homemade hoagie or quick run to the sandwich shop is just the thing. Focus, again, on the meat, and pile on extra slices of your favorite lean choices. Rather than American cheese, choose fresh mozzarella or even goat cheese for added protein and a richer taste. To limit your carbohydrates – and the accompanying drop in blood sugar a few hours later – wrap the sandwich in a gluten-free tortilla or lettuce rather than eating a foot-long roll.
Grab a Promax Bar. When your day is too busy for a sit down meal, you can still get the protein you need by grabbing a protein-rich Promax bar for lunch. That protein will fill you right up, and all the delicious flavors available will ensure that you're always satisfied, no matter what you're craving. Lunch is your big chance to load up on the protein you need to finish the work day strong. By making wise choices, you will feel satisfied longer and stay alert and energetic through the rest of your day.
For more information nutrition tips, be sure to come back to the Promax Nutrition blog each week .