Cheap fast healthy lunches?

[Kire]

So, the fruit diet didn't really work because of sheer difficulty...we don't grocery shop that often and fruit goes bad, and it's expensive. So, I've just went the classic lo-cal approach (300-400 cal lunch, small afternoon snack to keep metabolism going, whatever for dinner) and so far I've lost 4 to 5 lbs in a couple weeks with excercise & a protein shake in the morning (that's my breakfast).

I've been trying different options, but mostly keeping it cheap and getting a salad at buona beef (which SUCKED), or getting a bean burrito (1.00) or a baja beef gordita (1.70) for lunch. I'd rather eat a little of something I like rather than a lot of something I hate.

I want to get some microwave meals to keep here at work, but I want to keep it relatively cheap too. You guys know of any deals, suggestions for lunches, or cheap eats that'll keep me going?

EDIT: I should've mentioned that going home for lunch isn't an option.

[Nixon]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

I usually have soup or a sandwich (various types), both of which I can prepare at home and store until lunchtime. Certain soups have more substance, so try to go with something you'll actually eat.

I've tried to include more healthful snacks with my meals/breaks as well. Some of those include Kashi crackers, dried or freeze-dried fruit, and fruit snacks.

On occasion I will purchase a bento lunch or sushi from the local market (not sure if that's an option for you) but they go bad fairly quickly so I have to eat them by the next day.

[John Mora]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

Who would've thought that the fruit diet would turn out to be a not-so-great idea?

[Nixon]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

That sure was a helpful post.

[Pandable]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

I envy your ability to have bento lunches.
Damn.

[jvrlopez]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

When I was dieting I would eat a salad topped with fat free dressing for lunch everyday. Throw in a few pieces of white meat for protein. Avoid regular salad dressing (its huge in the fat department) and other non-essential toppings like cheese and croutons.

Either that or you could use discretion in regards to calories and fat when choosing a lunch meal.

Also, your standard microwavable meal has loads of fats and preservatives. Not to mention the lackluster taste. I would avoid them, however, there may be some low calorie/low fat options out there.

[Kire]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

I should've mentioned I can't go home for lunch, so it's microwave or fast food.

[Red Dragon]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

Kire, you must join the fat side.

EAT THE PIZZA!

EAT IT!!!

[highwind]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

Turkey sandwiches are low fat.

[Caciss]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

You can't pack a lunch?

[DarkwingChuck]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

I should've mentioned I can't go home for lunch, so it's microwave or fast food.

Would you be able to make lunches at home or buy something ahead of time and take them with you? It's usually hard to control what you're eating for lunch when you have to choose on the spur of the moment.

OR What Caciss said.

[Shard]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

I was going to wait for the sandwich engineer to post, but Subway has a selection of sandwiches for 6g of fat or less. You can check subway.com for nutritional information. They're relatively cheap and fresh. I don't know about other "healthy" fastfood alternatives...I thought McDonald's introduced some healthy alternatives after they got slammed by "Supersize Me".

[jvrlopez]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

I thought McDonald's introduced some healthy alternatives after they got slammed by "Supersize Me".

McDonald's ideas of "healthier choices" are a slightly less fattening oil for their deep fryers and nutritional facts charts tucked away in the seedy corner of the building.

[Big Rick Cook]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

Or, you know, on most of their food containers.

[DK]

Re: Cheap fast healthy lunches?

Eh, you don't have to eat it.