Skip the Chips and Fries: 7 Healthy Sides That Pack a Powerful Punch for Your Lunch Order
Posted by Amelia K. on Wednesday, October 8th, 2014 with 2 Comments
We get it: ordering the traditional food delivery sides like chips and french fries is an easy way to round out your midday meal. But since they’re typically fried in oil, you’ll often find yourself feeling pretty greasy — and hungry — by the middle of the afternoon. That’s because chips and french fries are packed with empty calories. Thus, they don’t have the staying power you need to make it through the rest of your day without additional snacks.
Choosing healthier options that contain more fiber and vitamins — like veggies — can help you to eliminate that afternoon slump, be more productive for the second half of your day and combat the afternoon munchies. Not only that, choosing healthier food options can help boost your immune system, reducing your risk of catching common illnesses like a cold or the flu. And this means you can use your days off for the things you really want to do — like taking that fantastic beach vacation this winter.
Choosing an option like veggies and hummus as your lunch side can help you stay full and more productive all afternoon long.
Image source: Flickr user Don Nunn
To help you find great tasty options that pack a healthful punch, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite healthy sides that will keep your mind refreshed and your taste buds happy.
Wedge Salad: This classic steakhouse favorite is a great way to round out your main dish at lunch. The big wedge of iceberg lettuce is filling in itself, but it’s the protein that gives this side some staying power. A wedge salad is typically topped with bacon bits – a nice treat in moderation – and sliced boiled eggs. Add in some chopped tomatoes – which are packed with potassium and vitamin C, can help control your blood pressure and boost your immune system, and you have the makings of the perfect side dish. Cheers!
Veggies and Hummus: We all know to pack lots of veggies into our day — but sometimes, vegetables on their own can get a little boring. By adding hummus to dip your veggies into, you can do more than just mix up the flavor of your meal and boost the health value of your lunch. Hummus is packed with protein (it’s made from chickpeas, after all), which means it can help you fight hunger cravings long into the afternoon and better control your weight. Now that’s a side with some staying power!
Quinoa Salad: Although it’s been gaining popularity over the last few years, quinoa still isn’t a completely mainstream side order. If you’re wondering what it is, quinoa is essentially a seed that is eaten like a grain. Recently, quinoa reached superfood status because it’s packed with protein, fiber and other nutrients like manganese, iron and potassium. Quinoa salads usually take a health-filled lunch to the next level: they’re packed with yummy veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and onions and can even include some light cheese, like a nice Feta to compliment all of the other flavors. Plus, it’s a great way to mix up some of the flavors you typically get with your typical midday meal. It’s definitely a side to try.
Fruit and Greek Yogurt Parfait: If you’re craving something sweet to top off your meal — but want to get away from the sugar packed desserts — order a simple fruit and Greek yogurt parfait. Although it’s typically a breakfast item, many restaurants will still offer it during lunch. Greek yogurt is full of protein and dairy, which can help you manage your weight. It’s also great for improving your digestive health due to the probiotics naturally found in the yogurt. And adding fruit is a lovely way to end your meal with something sweet while not sacrificing your dietary goals for the day. It’s the perfect way to feel satisfied until dinner.
Simple Edamame: Edamame is one of our favorite sides. Because it’s a simple dish that’s delicious, you’ll always be ready to order it again. Just one half-cup serving of these steamed soybeans doles out a whopping 9 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein at just 120 calories. The lightly salted taste is excellent for satisfying your lunchtime craving — and soy protein is thought to help reduce cholesterol and protect against certain types of cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. Not only is edamame completely delicious, it can be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle!
Healthy options for busy days
When your day is swamped, it can be easy to give in to cravings for fat and sodium packed sides that don’t have the right nutrients to keep you full and productive for the rest of your day. Choosing a healthier option can not only help you keep your diet on track, but accomplish more during the day and promote a healthier lifestyle in general.
When you’re ready to order a great lunch — complete with a healthy side like those we showcased above — Waiter.com is here for you. Our easy-to-use service will deliver your favorite meals right to your office — making healthy living a little easier to come by.
When it comes to feeding employees and coworkers, make your company's food program really count! If your workplace dining plan needs to take it up a notch — or if you don't have one at all — Waiter.com is here to help. From Virtual Cafeteria Service to diverse menus to local takeout & delivery, Waiter.com offers customizable dining solutions for every business and budget. Contact us today to get started!
I never of thought of dipping veggies in hummus! Can’t wait to try this! Thank you for sharing.
It’s a delicious snack – enjoy!