6 Protein-Rich Food Delivery Orders to Refuel After a Lunch Hour Workout
Posted by Sara on Tuesday, July 29th, 2014 with 2 Comments
Americans tend to be bad at taking breaks. We let our vacation time go to waste, use our smartphones in bed, and of course, are notoriously awful about actually relaxing on our lunch breaks. We just order up our go-to food delivery and might never even leave our desks.
And believe it or not, some experts are actually starting to propose that skipping your lunch break might not be such a bad thing… only instead of staying glued to your computer, they suggest you head to the gym.
Lunch hour workouts are, in fact, a growing trend, partly thanks to the workplace wellness programs that are taking off in popularity as the Affordable Care Act continues to incentivize employers’ focus on preventative health. And it really can be a brilliant idea: you’ll get a mental break from the daily grind, and even if it’s only 30 minutes, that exercise can make a big difference in your health and energy levels.
OK, but what about actually eating? That’s where food delivery can be a lifesaver: arrange for a post-workout lunch to be waiting for you at the office, and you can eat when you get back to your desk. While you don’t want to squander the positive benefits of working out (like weight loss and boosted energy levels) by downing a monster burrito or greasy burger, it is crucial to eat healthy, protein-rich food to replenish your muscles and get the biggest bang for your workout buck.
A burrito bowl is one choice for post-workout fuel.
Image source: Flickr user corruptkitten
We’ve rounded up a few ideas for post-workout office lunches — complete with the complex carbs, plenty of protein, and vitamin-rich vegetables your body craves after a run or weight-lifting session. If you think takeout can’t be a key part of your healthy lifestyle, think again.
Chinese
If you’re craving Chinese food, choose beef with broccoli and brown rice. You’ll get more than enough protein (ordered from PF Chang’s, this dish packs in 56 grams), along with a ton of tissue-repairing vitamin C from the broccoli and complex carbohydrates from the brown rice.
Mexican
If everyone else is ordering Mexican takeout, pile a burrito bowl with brown rice, black beans, chicken, fresh salsa, and guacamole… and don’t be afraid to eat only half. Too much food after a workout can be detrimental to your health goals, and we all know those burrito bowls don’t exactly follow the recommended portion-size guidelines!
Sushi
If you’re ordering from the sushi place, pick a roll with salmon and brown rice (and without the mayo-laden “spicy” sauce), along with a side of edamame for an extremely healthy meal rich in protein, inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbs.
Thai
When it comes to Thai takeout, choose cashew chicken — between the stir-fried chicken and the nuts, you’ll be swimming in protein and healthy fats. Pair it with som tam, a spicy green papaya salad, to make sure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals from some fresh veggies.
Indian
Choose Indian food for a lunch that’s essentially pure protein: order a few kebabs of tandoori chicken with raita, a yogurt dipping sauce… and add in a side of dal (curried lentils) for even more protein and fiber.
Deli/sandwich shop
When you’re ordering from the deli, any lean meat on whole-wheat bread is a winner, but kick your workout recovery up a notch by choosing tuna over turkey for a dose of omega-3’s.
Whatever flavor you’re craving, if you’re a lunch-hour workout warrior, you’ve simply got to make sure you’re fueling up after the fact! Set up a recurring food delivery order with Waiter.com, and you won’t have to lift a finger (after lifting weights) to make sure a healthy, protein-rich post-workout lunch is waiting for your return.
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!
Thanks for pointing out that if you want Chinese food after a workout a good option is beef and broccoli. I think that would be good too because most Chinse food is fast and can be delivered so you wouldn’ even have to worry about going to get it. It would also be good because your coworkers would probably want to order some to so you could all go in on it. Thanks for pointing out what food delivery you can get after a lunch workout.
Happy to help! Thanks for reading.