Working lunch

Healthy working lunch - British Heart FoundationWe spend a lot of our time at work, so it’s important to remember to do what we can to be healthy while we’re there. 

Whether you make your own packed lunch or buy it out, go for a walk or a jog to the local park, it all helps make your lunchtime a healthy part of your day.

Bath and North East Somerset Waste Service gets healthy
Just one workplace among many taking part in our Health at Work programme, they are making positive changes to their working habits to make a happier, healthier workplace.

Delicious tips for healthier lunch choices

Mixed berries

Pack in lots of fruit and veg

Include at least two portions with your usual sandwich or jacket potato. Try a bowl of salad and a banana, carrot sticks and a few dried apricots or a carton of unsweetened fruit juice and some tinned peaches or pears.

Jacket potato

Don’t forget your starchy staples

For energy that will see you through the afternoon, include some starchy carbohydrates. Try choosing different breads, such as granary, wholemeal bagels, wraps or pitta bread. Pasta, rice or potatoes are also good choices.

 

Chicken with cous cous

Healthy fillers

Use lean meat like pork, beef, chicken or turkey (without the skin) or fish like sardines, mackerel or tuna. Great protein sources for veggies include low fat hummus, hard boiled eggs, bean paté or unsalted nut butters.

 

Milk carton

For healthy bones and teeth

Include some dairy foods like yoghurt, fromage frais or milk. Or a tasty jacket potato topped with low fat cottage cheese and salad. Opt for low fat varieties if possible, like skimmed milk to keep saturated fat to a minimum.

 

Brown bread sliced

Up your fibre intake

Wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, beans and lentils are great high fibre options. They'll help to keep your heart and digestive system healthy and fill you up too, making you less likely to snack on unhealthy foods.

 

Cake with chocolate icing

Limit fatty and sugary foods

Swap your fatty and sugary snacks for fresh fruit – keep it in a bowl on your desk to remind you to eat it.

 

Milk in glass

Drink up

Have a drink with your meal, but go for water or unsweetened fruit juice rather than sugary, fizzy drinks.

 

Soup

Leftovers from last nights dinner?

If you’ve spent time cooking a healthy evening meal, don’t throw away the leftovers. Cooled and stored in the refrigerator overnight, options like pasta or soup make a great lunch for the following day.

 

Label character

Finally...keep a check on the label

Remember to check food labels if you're buying your lunch. It’ll help you make healthier choices in terms of fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt.