Are You Packing?

There are many reasons you might need to be packing your lunch.  Work, school, traveling or a long conference.  There are also those of us, like myself,  with allergies who need a safe meal they can eat and many feel more comfortable bringing their own.   It can also just be personal preference.  Whatever the reason is, we can get stuck in a rut and need some new ideas!     Packing a lunch doesn't have to hard or complicated.  I'm all about simple and easy--while also being healthy and nutritious!  Here are some ideas for what to put in your lunch box; You can mix and match to make so many combos!

Protein.  You definitely need it.  It builds muscle, helps us feel full longer and is used by the body for energy.   Here is a list of possible proteins you can easily pack to take along for the day. 

Sausage
Chicken leg
Chicken pancake
Chicken Salad
Salmon chunks or Salmon Salad
Bacon
Salami
Lunch meat
Burger
Meatballs or Meatloaf
Epic Brand Meat Bar (or some other protein bar)
Deviled Eggs
Hard Boiled Eggs
Protein Balls
Fat Bombs

Choose one of these options as your protein for your lunch and then add 1 or 2 of the following Vegetable Options:

Cherry Tomatoes
Kale Chips
Peas (frozen or fresh)
Kale Salad with Raisins
Carrots Slices or Sticks
Celery Sticks
Jicama
Red Pepper Slices
Cucumber Slices
Frozen Veggie Mix like carrots and peas
Nori Seaweed
Cauliflower
Spinach Salad 
Cole Slaw

You also need a Fruit option for a little sweetness and Fiber!  Here are some options:
Berries--Strawberries, Blueberries or Raspberries
Pineapple Chunks
1/2 Banana
Date Pieces
Freeze Dried Fruit
Fruit Leather
Gelatin Gummies
Date Balls
Apple, Pear or Mango Sauce
Avocado Slices (add to chicken salad or to a sandwich or wrap)

Don't completely skip the carbs, but do choose a healthier option like one of these:
Sweet Potato Chips
Carrot Chips
Rice Cubes
Crackers*
Pretzels*
Cold Pasta Salad*
Chickpea Roasted Snack
Quinoa Cakes
Bean Burgers
Beans
Hummus
Yogurt cup, tube or another Non Dairy Yogurt

*These can also be found Gluten Free

If you have other ideas, share them in the comments!  I also welcome questions too!