I need help with ideas for lunch.

[S Freud]

So I work at a Target DC from 430pm till 3am then sleep and start class at 1pm then on to work right after class.

I need some ideas on what to take for lunch, like I said my day is pretty busy from the time I get up. I would have to be able to make it before I left for class and then keep it in my lunch box until work. I have access to a microwave and fridge at work. Basically right now my lunch consists of some sandwiches and maybe spaghetti, yogurt or some other snacks.

The job I have is very physical, I hand load trailers all night for 10 hours so I am burning plenty of calories.

If anyone could give me some ideas on what to bring to put on weight and eat semi good it would be much appreciated. I am also open to the idea of just "eat anything and everything." So if anyone has any advice that can help please chime in.


Thanks

 

[imported_Irse]

Since you have access to a refrig and microwave, it shouldn't be too hard. On a day off, broil a few chicken breasts. Then eat it with brown rice and some veggies (maybe canned kinds). Put some sauce that you like on it. You could even cook some steaks and eat it for lunch. The possibilities are endless.

 

[paulxcook]

something I really enjoyed was grilling a bunch of chicken breasts all at once, freeze them, and just grab 1-2 for the day in a plastic bag or whatever. Nuke one for 40 seconds and you're good to go. You could also pan cook them instead of grilling. The cool thing about cooked chicken is that it usually tastes good even after being reheated.

Clif Bars are yummy and about $1 per bar.

A combo of pretzels and dry-roasted unsalted peanuts is pretty awesome, I eat that every day. Lots of good fats and protein.

Cottage cheese. I just eat it plain, you can add salt and pepper, or fruit, or whatever you want.

Apples, bananas, etc are tasty and very portable.

16 oz of 1% milk and 2 scoops of protein powder = 400 calories and ~55g of protein!

 

[S Freud]

One problem that I face is I want to have a variety and I want to be able to take things like protein powder and milk. But it doesn't seem like I have the room for all of that, I have a fairly large lunch box but room for shakers, milk, chicken, sandwich, pretzels and such would be pushing the limits.

One thing that I seem to run into is when I re heat a chicken breast it gets really dried out. Has anyone found a way to keep it moist when reheating?

Thanks for the all the suggestions, please keep them coming.

 

[skace]

Lots of protein powder relies on water not milk. Reheat the chicken in a partially capped container (put the lid on partially) to trap moisture in, if it's still dry make note and next time toss a little water into the container before hand (emphasis on little).

I assume you could pre-make the protein drink into like a thermos. If you make yours in a blender, you could just add lots of ice to increase how long it stays cold in there.

 

[imported_Irse]

Since you want semi good, use thighs instead of breasts. If you do use breasts and they are dry, they are overcooked. So when you nuke them, wrap it in a wet paper towel.

Other possibilities, fish, stir frys, beef stew. With a refrig and microwave, the possibilities are endless. Your imagination and cooking skills will be the limitations.

 

[dakels]

phew 10 hours of tough labor! One thing that I think works well in those situations is eating little things often. When I used to do landscaping (think 9-10 hours grueling work outside in hot sun) I would try to eat little things all day like a grain/oat/health bar, fruit, smoothie, etc. I usually snacked 3 times a day outside of my lunch. If you have a storage fridge then I would keep packages of soy/rice/milk around. The good thing about soy and rice milk boxes is that you can keep it unopened at room temp for a while. Parmalat milk also keeps "fresh" for a while at room temp as well. The taste is very different though from standard milk. I used to have this special shaker with a grate inside for shaking up protein shakes.

As for meals in microwave. I like eating meals that are often good textures and flavors leftover. Pastas, rice dishes, grains like cous cous. Since I am single, if I make dinner, I make enough for the next day's lunch. For instance I made mac and cheese (penne, 5 cheeses, sauteed mushrooms and onions, slab bacon) and made extra to take to work. For chicken breast, cooking them at high temp works very well to trap in moisture. Injecting marinades and brines work best to enhance flavor while keeping it moist and tender. There was a big thread about this a few weeks ago. Oh here it is, about lean meats, it goes on about prepping chicken.

 

[S Freud]

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. :thumbsup:

I hadn't thought of marinating chicken breasts to keep them moist or the paper towel idea, I will try those next time.

Feel free to share any further suggestions.

 

[zebano]

I'm trying to lose weight, but a healthy option that I love is a chicken wrap
1 spinach tortilla wrap
spinach (or lettuce, your choice)
cooked chicken breast, sliced (I also like turkey, pork etc.)
your choice of toppings, my favorite are: shredded carrots, a drizzle of a vinagarette & cottage cheese or blue cheese.