16 Healthy Lunches To Eat In 2016

It is a truth universally unknown, yet a truth almost universally ignored, that buying lunch during the work day adds up to a lot of wasted money, a lot of sad desk salads, and a lot of excess junk food. So in 2016, it’s about time you start making healthy lunches to bring to work instead. Packing a healthy, good-tasting lunch is a pretty foolproof way to stick to your New Year’s resolution of eating healthier and spending less, after all. All you need is a bit of motivation to get started — and some healthy recipes, of course.

Instead of grabbing a burrito bowl every time you take your lunch break, start thinking ahead of time. The night before work, think of some easy lunch ideas, and get packing. The amount of money you’ll save if you stick with this plan through the year will seriously add up. And then you can really treat yourself when 2016 is up. Plus, you’ll be a lot healthier with at least one majorly healthy meal a day. It’s a win/win situation, really.

Steer clear of the office cafeteria and the vending machine.These 16 healthy lunches will give you something to look forward to.

1. Mexican Grilled Chicken Salad

With plenty of colorful veggies, tomato-ranch dressing, and tender chicken, A Spicy Perspective is a filling, tasty lunch.

2. Avocado And Marinated Kale Salad Sandwich

Does that kale salad make you miss carbs more than ever? Never fear, Five and Spice figured out how to make it in sandwich form — and it's actually really good.

3. Golden Quinoa Salad With Lemon, Dill, And Avocado

A grain-based salad will keep you full even if you clock in overtime. Thanks to The Kitchn, you can say goodbye to stomach rumbles.

4. Collard Green Wraps

Skip the tortillas. A Cozy Kitchen's wraps are extra wholesome and pretty fun to make.

5. Zucchini Noodles With Basil Avocado Pesto

If you love spaghetti but are trying to cut down on carbs, get yourself a spiralizer. It will help you transform your favorite veggies into noodles, like Cara's Cravings' zucchini noodles.

6. Lentil Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette

This isn't a cup of sad lentil soup. A Spicy Perspective knows how to make these legumes really wow.

7. Curried Tuna Salad Sandwich

Give your boring tuna salad sandwich an upgrade with this curried version by Five and Spice.

8. Wheat Berry Salad With Blood Oranges, Feta, And Red Onion Vinaigrette

Citrus and dill make an unexpectedly fragrant combination that makes The Kitchn's wheatberry salad taste super fancy.

9. Black Bean Bowl With Freekeh

This grain-based bowl by Naturally Ella proves that you don't need meat to get some major protein.

10. Arugula, Dried Cherry, And Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice instantly makes Cookie and Kate's salad taste more substantial, while dried cherries add a tartness to every bite.

11. Lighter Egg Salad

Greek yogurt gives egg salad all the creaminess you love without all the fat in Averie Cooks' lightened-up recipe.

12. Roasted Cauliflower, Golden Raisin, And Candied Almond Salad

Alert: you've never seen or eaten cauliflower like this before. A Cozy Kitchen has us appreciating this veggie in a whole new way.

13. Cold Soba Noodle Bowl

If you do get a carb craving, try soba.The buckwheat noodles make Naturally Ella's salad extra filling.

14. Cauliflower Tabbouleh With Raisins And Pistachios

This colorful tabbouleh by Cara's Cravings is not only majorly delicious — it also looks super pretty in a portable jar.

15. DIY Burrito Bowl

Skip Chipotle, and make your own burrito bowl for way less money. Oh She Glows shows how it's done.

16. Winter Farro And Kale Salad

You can't go wrong with a grain-green combo. Love and Lemons' kale wheatberry salad is the perfect wholesome winter lunch.

For more food ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: Love and Lemons (2); A Spicy Perspective (2); Five and Spice (2); The Kitchn (2); A Cozy Kitchen (2); Cara’s Cravings (2); Naturally Ella (2); Cookie and Kate; Averie Cooks; Oh She Glows