If you want to be mindful about the health of your packed lunches, you totally can be without making the same boring thing every day.
Each of the meals listed here are tasty, healthy, and under 400 calories. Obviously calories aren't the be-all, end-all of health, and depending on your personal goals you might want to eat more than 400 calories for lunch — do what makes the most sense for you. Also worth mentioning: We also looked for meals that were low in sugar (under 20 grams) and had a decent amount of protein (at least 10 grams, but usually a lot more). There are also some vegetarian options, if that's what you're looking for. To figure out nutrition info when it wasn't listed, we used this recipe analyzer.
1. Southwestern Chicken Fajita Mason Jar Salad
Each salad has 166 calories without the optional add-ons like avocado, cheese, and sour cream (try greek yogurt instead!), with 12 grams of protein and 8 grams of sugar.
Get the recipe here, via MJ and Hungry Man.
2. Smoked Salmon Pita Sandwiches
Two pockets = 360 calories, 20.6 grams of protein, and 5.4 grams of sugar and are perfectly packable.
Get the recipe here, via Apple of My Eye.
3. Pork Loin, Asparagus, and Cauliflower “Rice” Bowl
You can refrigerate this until you're ready to pop it in the microwave without it getting gross on you. It comes in at 374 calories, 32.5 grams of protein, and 0.9 grams of sugar.
Get the recipe here, via BuzzFeed's 2015 Clean Eating Challenge..
4. Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
As is, this sandwich = 325 calories, 38 grams of protein, and 2.8 grams of sugar. You can also make this vegetarian by replacing the chicken with grilled or sauteed eggplant.
Get the recipe here, via Minimalist Baker.
5. Vegetarian Southwest Pasta Salad With Chipotle-Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing
Good hot or cold, this gluten-free pasta has 252 calories, 19 grams of protein, and 5.5 grams of sugar.
Get the recipe here, via Ambitious Kitchen.
6. Vegetarian Spicy Plantain Black Bean Tacos
These tacos are a little high in sugar because of the caramelized plantains (19 grams, but worth it, yum), so if that's something you're watching out for, make sure to plan your day accordingly. It also has 339 calories and 9.2 grams of protein.
Get the recipe here, via Minimalist Baker.
7. 10-Minute Vegetarian Greek Pitas
Easy to throw together in the morning before you leave: 343 calories, 14.3 grams of protein, and 2.5 grams of sugar.
Get the recipe here, via Hurry the Food Up.
8. Pork and Balsamic Onion Quesadilla
9. Crunchy Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad With Ginger Peanut Dressing
A bowl of this stuff is 260 calories, 8.6 grams of protein, and 7 grams of sugar, and you don't even have to be vegan to love it.
Get the recipe here, via Ambitious Kitchen.
10. Vegetarian Spinach Tomato Quesadillas
Make ahead on the stove or wait to nuke it in your office microwave. 368 calories, 22.8 grams of protein, and 3.1 grams of sugar.
Get the recipe here, via Hurry the Food Up.
11. Turkey Burger Mason Jar Salad
This salad is basically a healthier, more portable burger with 372 calories, 28.1 grams of protein, and 12.1 grams of sugar.
Get the recipe here, via Food Faith Fitness.
12. Mayo-less Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich
Avocado is a much healthier spread than mayonnaise, but it still tastes great. 282 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 1.1 grams of sugar.
Get the recipe here, via The Skinny Fork.
13. Honey Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Super simple to make and clocks in at 300 calories, 24.6 grams of protein, and 3.4 grams of sugar.
Get the recipe here, via Apple of My Eye.
14. Verde Taco Chicken Bowls
Make this in bulk in a slow cooker and you'll want to bring it for lunch every day this week. One bowl = 257 calories, 24.8 grams of protein, and 2.4 grams of sugar.
Get the recipe here, via The Skinny Bowl.
15. Vegetarian Rainbow Power Salad with Roasted Chickpeas
All that color means you're getting a ton of nutrients. 262 calories, 10 grams of protein, and 11.6 grams of sugar.
Get the recipe here, via Pinch of Yum.
16. Shaved Pork and Cheddar Sandwich on a Portobello “Bun”
This sandwich has 36 grams of protein, 325 calories, and 0.9 grams of sugar.
Get the recipe here, via BuzzFeed's 2015 Clean Eating Challenge..
17. Chicken Bacon Avocado Salad With Roasted Asparagus
Key word: Bacon. 356 calories, 18.7 grams of protein, and 1.6 grams of sugar.
Get the recipe here, via Pinch of Yum.
18. Raw Collard Wraps With Turkey Meatballs, Avocado, and Dijon
Three wraps = 346 calories, 26.9 grams of protein, and 3.5 grams of sugar. Nom nom nom.
Get the recipe here, via BuzzFeed's 2014 Clean Eating Challenge.
19. 10-Minute Veggie Fried Rice
329 calories, 11 grams of protein, and 4.1 grams of sugar per hearty serving.
Get the recipe here, via Pinch Of Yum.
