I’m a busy person. I find myself running around attempting to make healthy lunches for my family on days when I don’t have much time. It’s not easy, and if you want some lunch ideas that are easy and delicious, I’ve got you covered.

Almond Butter and Berry Sandwiches

  • Makes 5 sandwiches 
  • Prep time: 5 minutes

A sandwich that is uncomplicated but still elegant is an excellent option for meal prep. This wholesome rendition of everyone’s go-to comfort food, which is made entirely with anti-inflammatory ingredients, is sure to be a hit with both adults and children of all ages. Serve with crackers or chips made with whole grains, edamame hummus, or sliced raw vegetables like carrot sticks.

Ingredients:

  • 10 slices of gluten-free bread or bread made with whole wheat
  • 10 tablespoons of unsweetened butter made from almonds (no added oil, sugar, or salt)
  • 5 tablespoons of the sugar-free berry jam of your choice, measured out in tablespoons
  • 10 medium-sized strawberries, sliced very thinly

Directions:

1. Place two slices of bread on a work surface to form the base of each sandwich. On one of the slices, spread two tablespoons’ worth of almond butter all the way to the edges of the bread. After spreading the almond butter, top it with one tablespoon of berry jam and continue spreading it. Spread the strawberry slices evenly over the surface of the jam in a single layer. Place the second piece of bread on top of the sandwich, and then cut it in half diagonally.

2. Place the sandwiches in storage containers or plastic bags that can be sealed back up again. You should keep all of the remaining components portioned out so that it will be easy to use them to make additional sandwiches.

The prepared sandwich can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to two days after it has been made. Bread freezes very well, so you can store a loaf in the freezer and remove slices as you need them for meal preparation. This is a useful tip for reusing bread.

Nutrition:

369 calories, 20 grams of total fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 15 grams of protein, 36 grams of total carbohydrates, 8 grams of fiber, 6 grams of sugar, and 0 milligrams of cholesterol are contained in one serving.

Wraps Made of Lettuce and Black Beans and Mango

  • Produces twelve wraps (4 servings)
  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes

This straightforward recipe for wraps features anti-inflammatory ingredients like black beans, mangoes, cilantro, and lime. Both the color and flavor of the wraps are vibrant. These wraps are simple to put together and make a satisfying lunch that is high in protein. They are topped with a creamy avocado crema. It is likely that you will have lettuce left over after preparing recipe; you can use it to make a straightforward side dish that can be consumed throughout the week.

Ingredients:

  • Black Beans Seasoned with Garlic and Lime 
  • ½ cup Avocado Crema
  • 1 bunch of butter lettuce in a head 
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • One lime’s worth of juice 
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 mango, peeled and chopped from fresh fruit or 1 cup of frozen mango chunks, thawed and chopped
  • 2 scallions, sliced very thinly each
  • ¼  cup of fresh cilantro that has been chopped

Directions:

1. Prepare the black beans according to the package directions, then set them aside to cool. Prepare the avocado crema in accordance with the directions while the beans are cooling.

2. To prepare the lettuce for use as wraps, remove twelve of the larger outer leaves.

3. Combine the lime juice, salt, and oil in a medium bowl and whisk together until smooth. Mix all of the ingredients together after adding the mango, scallions, and cilantro.

4. If you plan to serve the dish right away, spoon one-third of a cup of the black bean mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. On top, add between one and two tablespoons of the mango mixture and between one and two teaspoons of the avocado crema.

5. If you are storing the lettuce leaves, black beans, mango mixture, and avocado crema for later use, store each of these ingredients in their own individual containers.

When ready to serve, reheat the beans in the microwave for one minute, or until they reach the desired temperature, and proceed with the assembly instructions found in step 4.It is recommended that you use butter lettuce for the lettuce wraps because it is tender and bendable; however, iceberg or romaine lettuce can also be used in its place. You could also make the wraps with corn tortillas instead of lettuce if you prefer.

Nutrition:

379 calories, 16 grams of total fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 14 grams of protein, 53 grams of total carbohydrates, 17 grams of fiber, 18 grams of sugar, and 0 milligrams of cholesterol are contained in one serving (three wraps).