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Our lunch period goes by in a flash, but it is important to eat and take a short break during that time (even, it’s only a few deep breaths). I know many of you have to eat your lunch with students, but, thankfully, that is changing in most places! Every teacher deserves some uninterrupted time to eat their lunch.
Now, my problem is what to bring for lunch. I want something easy to put together in the morning that when I eat it, it will keep me comfortably full the rest of the day. That way I won’t be snacking on the leftover donuts from the lounge.
Here are some super-easy lunches I have come up with over the past few years!
1. Tuna Packets with Crackers- They are healthy with Omega-3 fatty acids and come in a variety of flavors. I prefer the Starkist Ranch flavor with Ritz Vegetable Crackers. However, many grocery stores sell a store brand of tuna and crackers. This is so easy to throw in my lunch bag in the morning and tastes great! Don’t forget to pack a spoon or grab one from the cafeteria.
2. Deliwiches from Hot Pocket- Hot Pocket came out with these Deliwiches and they are delish. I love the grilled cheese one. They, also, can be cooked from a thawed state, which makes them perfect for a lunch bag. As long as you have access to a microwave, you are good to go. They heat up really fast, too, so you don’t have to worry about losing too many minutes warming up your food.
3. Leftovers from the Night Before- If you have good leftovers, use them! Those are quick to grab and throw in your lunch bag as well as quicker to heat up than a frozen meal. They usually taste better, too!
4. Salad- If you want to be healthier, go ahead and make a salad. You make this lunch the night before, so it’s another grab and go! Be as creative as you like adding chunks of meat, hard-boiled eggs, veggies, etc. You’ll probably want to pack your dressing separately, though, to maintain the crispness and flavor of your salad.
5. Sandwiches- You could always make a sandwich! Again, be a little more creative and have fun with it! Try out new deli meats, add toppings, or change out the bread. I’ve found that my family really enjoys sandwiches on pitas from Sam’s Club! This one will probably take you a few extra minutes in the morning, but not too many.
6. Soup- In the winter, I like to pack Campbell’s Sipping Soup. This one heats up quickly in the microwave and is easy to eat. However, I do end up using a spoon because the contents tend to stick to the bottom of the can.
7. Breakfast Sandwiches- Who says you can’t have breakfast for lunch? There are many options for breakfast sandwiches created with biscuits or bagels. Just look in the freezer section at your grocery store! These are tasty and another quick warm up in the microwave. They usually pack a decent amount of protein into them as well, which we need to maintain our energy levels to make it through the day.
8. Chef Boyardee Raviolis- Chef Boyardee comes in more than just raviolis, but those are my favorite! They, also, come in two sizes, so you can choose which size works for you. This another quick warm up in the microwave and really fills you up!
9. Instant Oatmeal- Keep packets of instant oatmeal in your drawer or cupboard with a large mug and plastic spoons (or reusable one, if you don’t mind washing it). Then, you can throw the oatmeal in the mug, add water, and warm up in the microwave. Then, you don’t even have to pack lunch in the morning! Just don’t forget to replenish your oatmeal packets when you run out. Oatmeal is a excellent healthy whole grain that keeps you fuller longer!
10. Bento Box- I have not personally used this one, but it is one that can be made the night before and be healthy! In case you haven’t heard of a Bento Box, it is a container with several smaller compartments for placing food. The ideas for filling them are endless! You can use fruits, veggies, cheese cubes, lunchmeat, etc. Here is an article with 13 ideas you can use today!
There you have it! 10 super-easy teacher lunch ideas you can pack in a hurry on your way out the door! To go with these lunches, I usually pack a refillable water bottle that I drink throughout the day (or one of my kid’s Roarin Waters Capri Suns ; ) ) and a couple snacks. I usually keep a few snacks in my drawer at school, too, in case I forget or get really hungry during the day.
Let me know in the comments below which ones you try or what your go-to lunch ideas are! I could always use a few more!
With Thanksgiving break coming up, I am taking the next two weeks off of blogging, too. That way I can take the time to fully spend time with my family, relax, and reflect on what I am thankful for this year! I hope, you, too, will take some time off and do whatever it is you enjoy! When I return, my focus will turn to the holiday season!
