Published to Newsletter on Jun 24, 2020
Reed Vawter, MS, RDN, CSOWM, LD, Health Education Consultant, Employee Wellness
As we think about our physical return to work on campus, planning lunch may feel like one of the many unknowns.
Normally, I’m a reheated leftovers kind of guy– this has always made lunch easy since I don’t have to make anything new. I just pack up last night’s extras and reheat it at work. I already take my lunch in an insulated container, so I don’t have to worry about the refrigerator.
Though University guidance encourages the coordination of routine and regular disinfection of common contact sites, you may still feel concerns about using the microwave or refrigerator. Here are a few ideas for bringing a healthy lunch to your workplace that require little or no preparation.
COLD SANDWICHES
The easiest way to avoid using the microwave is probably to go with a sandwich. Here are 40 sandwiches to try. It’s easy to find options to fit any dietary preference, including vegetarian sandwiches or even keto sandwiches.
COLD BOWLS & SALADS
You might prefer something that doesn’t require you use your hands so a lunch salad is a good option. You could also try a California roll sushi bowl, a chicken quinoa bowl, or a tropical lentil bowl, all of which work cold.
BENTO BOXES
Need extra variety in your lunch? Try a bento box. Bento boxes were made to be taken to work and eaten cold. Because they can be so photogenic, bento box recipes are popular on social media. But if you don’t have that kind of time, simpler options also exist.
None of this is rocket science. It is just recognizing that many of our routines will need to be re-evaluated. There are solutions. By planning ahead for the routines we can control, we’ll help reduce anxiety for the things we can’t.
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Tags: EmployeeWellness, Nutrition, Wellness
