We’ve talked a lot about dinner and breakfast, and at this point, you might be asking yourself–does this girl ever eat lunch?

Of course I do!

There’s so many ways to pull together a healthy lunch that fits your needs and schedule, but if the possibilities are overwhelming and you just need somewhere to start, or you’re simply looking to switch things up, here are some ideas that have worked for me and my goals.

#1 Sandwich & Sides

This is pretty much what I eat for lunch every day during the week. If you don’t believe me, ask my coworkers.

A good amount of deli meat between two slices of low calorie bread, paired with avocado, tomato, loads of spinach, and an apple creates a balanced meal that keeps me going in the middle of my day.

Sandwich thins or wraps are also great low calories options, if you’re looking to switch things up from regular ol’ bread.

#2 Salad

Salads are a great option for a healthy lunch, but they can get a bad rap. The key is learning how to build one that’s balanced, filling, and of course, tasty.

I like to use spinach for my base, then add in healthy sources of protein, carbs, and fat. For me, that usually means deli meat or chicken, an apple, and a small avocado.

The sky is the limit for the different combinations you can use, which is a bonus if you prefer more variety. Just be wary of adding calorie-dense options that may not be the most optimal for weight loss, if that’s your goal.

#3 Chili

Another great catch-all for lunchtime, especially during cooler months.

There are also endless ways to whip up a bowlful of chili, so you can make it to your liking – maybe even give this Turkey Butternut Squash Chili a try.

Top with a little light cheese or some avocado, and pair with a veggie of your choice on the side, and you’ve got a protein-packed lunch that’s portable and incredibly filling.

#4 Leftovers

It may seem like a no-brainer, but if you’ve got leftovers hanging out in the fridge or freezer, pull ’em out for lunch one day.

Whether you’ve got some Asian Chicken Meatballs on hand, or maybe some extra Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken, leftovers can be repurposed into a healthy, convenient lunch.

#5 Frozen Meals

If you’re in a bind or have a busy day at work, in my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with having a frozen meal on hand that you can grab and heat up at lunch. Especially if the alternative is a game of vending machine roulette.

I’d simply suggest whatever you snag is, of course, going to be balanced, and sure to fill you up for a bit.

I love this Chicken Burrito Bowl from Trader Joe’s, and always have one stocked in my freezer, but certainly, the options here are once again endless.

Lunchtime is a great way to switch things up day-to-day or week-to-week to add variety to your diet. If you focus on combining healthy, well-portioned sources of proteins, carbs, and fats, the sky really is the limit.

Find things you like that work for you, your eating plan, and your lifestyle, and you simply can’t go wrong!