Healthy Diet Lunch Options

Following a healthy diet for lunch can be difficult for most of us. If we work in a place that does not have a refrigerator or microwave we may be left with having to get food to-go. Rather than getting that greasy burger and fries from the fast food place, there are other options available.

Here are some ideas when you cannot pack your lunch so you can still follow a healthy diet. Most local grocery stores have a deli inside the store. These delis will offer a better selection of healthy options. Some delis have a complete salad bar so you can create a nice salad and top it with fresh vegetables, lean cuts of turkey or chicken, and low fat dressings. Other delis will offer boneless skinless baked chicken breasts. Or you may get a sub sandwich on whole grain bread using fresh vegetables, turkey or chicken. You local grocery store may even have a dining area available to eat your lunch, too.

Sub shops can be healthy too, just order the sandwich without mayonnaise. Mayonnaise has a lot of fat in it. If you need a spread on your sandwich, use mustard or a type of mustard, such as honey-mustard or Dijon mustard, instead. You should also stay away from fatty cuts of beef and ham.

If your only option is a fast food restaurant, then you should eat smart and know how to order off the menu. Check with the fast food restaurant and find out what sort of cooking oil they use. If they use canola oil that has no trans fats and is low in saturated fats, then it is ok to order a small serving of French fries, but you should order these without salt. If they have salad options available those should be fine as well, but the dressings they offer may not. Read the back of the dressing and check fat content, as well as sodium and cholesterol levels. Ask for a low sodium, low cholesterol, and low fat dressing if they have one available. Some fast food places have pre-sliced fresh fruit also, but avoid using any dips.