WELCOME TO SEPTEMBER (almost)!!! September means back to work for some, and back to school for many. One of the things that truly is a lifesaver, and money saver, is preparing and bringing in your own lunch rather than purchasing food elsewhere. I am going to provide a few easy peasy and healthy make ahead lunches. These healthy make ahead lunches will help keep both your bank account and your belly full!

Prior to going veg, I would purchase A LOT more outside (or to-go) foods for my lunches. Since there are not too many meatless resources close to work (that did not have to be pre-ordered or that were not overpriced salads) I grew a passion for preparing my own lunches.

All of these healthy make ahead lunches require little time and provide a lot of nutrition. Children and adults alike can enjoy these super easy and yummy meals. You can, of course, eat these foods for lunch/supper and pack leftovers for lunch, or prepare just enough for lunch.

Let’s get to it! 🙂

Lunch #1 : R a i n b o w Burrito Bowl

For the Rainbow Burrito Bowl, you will need:

Lettuce

Black Beans

Rice

Sauce of choice (I used Teriyaki and Garlic)

Bell Peppers

Mock Meat (tofu, tofurky, Gardein, etc.)

Tomato

Red onion

Avocado

Salsa (optional)



Now what?

Cook your rice according to instructions – I used about a cup of rice for this recipe. While rice is cooking, also prepare the black beans and mock meat. Once finished cooking, add the rice to a container and pour sauce of choice over of rice. Mix. Starting on one side of the container, begin to add toppings. Lettuce, bell peppers, black beans, mock meat (I used Tofurky brand), tomato, and onion. In the morning, add avocado and salsa. Adding avocado in the morning will keep it from browning too quickly – if possible, you could bring the avocado with you and add it into the bowl at work/school. Enjoy this deliciousness! You could also sub in quinoa rather than rice to switch it up. Pair this lunch with crisps, fruits, veggies, or any other light snacks.

Lunch # 2 : R a i n b o w Roll- Up Wraps

Say that one 5 times fast. I guess we could refer to these as “Rainbow Wraps” but Rainbow Roll-Up Wraps is a fun challenge to say 😉 . These are super yummy, nourishing, and colourful!

You will need :

Whole Wheat Tortilla Wraps ( I used small/medium-sized and so I made two wraps)

Greens

Hummus

Red cabbage

Bell Peppers (orange, red, yellow)

Carrot

Cucumber

Grapes

Seasoning/Garlic (optional)



Now what?

Spread the hummus over the tortilla – almost completely covering the wrap. Cover the hummus with greens. Top with sliced red pepper, sliced orange pepper, sliced carrot, sliced yellow pepper, sliced deseeded cucumber, and sliced red cabbage. If you are eating this right away you could also tomato and avocado to the mix – YUM. At this point I seasoned the veggies with oregano, garlic powder, and parsley – that is completely optional, you can add your own flava-flaves. Roll up and then repeat instructions for second wrap. Place wraps into container and add veggies, hummus, kale, and grapes for a side.

Lunch #3 : R a i n b o w Chickpea Sammie

The full link to this recipe can be found here !

You will need:

1 can Chickpeas

2 tbsp Vegan Mayo

1/3 cup Red Onion (finely chopped)

1/3 cup Shredded Carrot

2 tbsp Green Onion (chopped)

2 stalks Celery (chopped)

1 tbsp Mustard

Salt and Pepper to taste

Bread of choice (I used toasted chia seed bread)

Toppings of choice (greens, tomato, pepper, pickle, avocado, etc.)

Now what?

Mash the drained/rinsed chickpeas and mayo in a mixing bowl, mix in the red onion, shredded carrot, green onion, celery, mustard, salt, and pepper. Viola. You have yourself Rainbow Chickpea Salad. Now to make that into a sandwich. Spread the Rainbow Chickpea Salad onto bread/toast and top with desired veggies. This sammie is super good as is, but if you like, you could add on some greens, tomato, avocado (I would add this in the morning), bell peppers, whatever you like! Pair this sandwich with a small salad or some fruit/veggies to complete! For extra freshness, you can prepare and refrigerate the chickpea mix and then place on bread in the morning – although, if you are rushed in the morning the sandwich will definitely hold out in the fridge!!! 🙂

I would be more than happy to keep “Healthy Make Ahead Lunches” a recurring post if you guys are interested – if you would like to see more make ahead lunch ideas please let me know!! 🙂

There we have it! Three awesomely healthy make ahead lunches, I hope you guys enjoy!

♥