What are some good lunch options?

People always ask, what are some good options for lunch.  In an article from FitnessMagazine.com you can go in and customize a meal plan, from breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I thought I would share a few lunches that are all under 500 calories and all seem really easy to prepare with a little planning.   Also, don't forget the Million Dollar Club offers a custom meal plan which includes additional lunch ideas.  As a club member, you can have your whole week's menu planned out along with the shopping list printed!  How easy is that?  

If you exercise and consume fewer than 1,500 calorie a day, you won't get all the nutrients your body needs. Choose one of these well-balanced lunches for a healthy midday meal. Each lunch contains about 499 calories, 24% fat, 57% carbs, and 19% protein.

Lunch  Option 1

 

• Chef's Salad: 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1/3 cup grated carrots, 4 ounces extra-lean ham, 1 tbs. grated low-fat cheese, 2 tbs. low-calorie Italian dressing

• 1 slice French bread

• 1/2 cup canned mandarin oranges, sprinkled with 1 tsp. candied ginger

• 1 cup low-fat milk flavored with 1/2 tsp. almond extract

 

Lunch  Option 2

 

• Low-Cal BLT: 2 slices whole wheat bread, 1 slice Canadian or turkey bacon, 2 thick slices tomato, 2 lettuce leaves, 1 tbs. fat-free mayonnaise

• 11 baby carrots

• 1 medium apple, cored and drizzled with 2 tsps. caramel sauce

• 1 cup low-fat milk flavored with 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract and sugar substitute

 

Lunch  Option 3

• Veggie Wrap: 1 10-inch flour tortilla, 1 ounce grated low-fat cheese, 1/4 cup black beans, 3 slices avocado, 3 thin slices cucumber, 1/2 medium chopped tomato, hot sauce to taste

• 1/2 cup blueberries

• 1 cup low-fat milk, warmed and sprinkled with freshly grated nutmeg

 

Lunch  Option 4

• Peanut Butter Candy Sandwich: 2 slices whole-wheat bread, 1 tbs peanut butter mixed with 1 tbs toasted wheat germ, 2 tsps honey, 1 small banana

• 1 cup low-fat milk

 

Lunch  Option 5

• Grilled Cheese 'n' Veggie Sandwich: Grill 2 slices whole wheat bread with 2 slices American cheese, 1 roasted red pepper half, 1 medium tomato (sliced), 2 tsp. Dijon mustard

• 2 cups romaine lettuce with 1 tbs. fat-free dressing

• 1/2 mango drizzled with 1 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice

• Iced herb tea

 

Lunch  Option 6

• Soup 'n' Crackers: 2 cups chunky minestrone soup with 1/2 cup peas and carrots added

• 4 whole wheat crackers

• 1 cup honeydew melon, cubed and sprinkled with 1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice and a dash of ground red pepper

• 1 cup low-fat milk

 

Lunch  Option 7

 

• Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potato: 1 medium sweet potato, microwaved and topped with 3/4 cup black-bean chili (made with 1/2 cup black beans, 1/4 cup chopped onions, minced garlic, and 1 tbs. canned green chilies)

• 1 corn tortilla grilled with 1 ounce low-fat cheddar cheese

• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced and drizzled with 1 tbs. low-calorie Italian dressing and 3 tbs. chopped fresh parsley

• Sparkling water flavored with lime