When you’re traveling, especially for work, it can be a challenge to maintain a low-carb diet. Airport food and fast-casual dining options often lean heavily on carbs, leading to fatigue and cravings. However, with a bit of preparation, you can enjoy delicious low carb desk lunches that are easy to pack and eat on the go. Below, we explore 10 satisfying and nutritious low carb desk lunches that are perfect for your travel needs.
1. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken
Light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, zucchini noodles (or zoodles) are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Pair them with homemade or store-bought pesto and grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal that holds up well in transit.
- Ingredients: Zucchini, olive oil, grilled chicken breast, pesto.
- Preparation: Spiralize the zucchini, sauté in olive oil for a few minutes, then toss with pesto and sliced grilled chicken.
2. Mediterranean Salad Jars
Layering salads in jars not only looks appealing but also keeps ingredients fresh and crisp. Use a variety of low-carb vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and a protein source like tuna or grilled shrimp for a filling lunch.
- Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, feta cheese, tuna or shrimp, olive oil, lemon juice.
- Preparation: Start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by heavier ingredients like olives and feta, and top with greens. Shake before eating!
3. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Swap out traditional rice for cauliflower rice in this easy to make and transportable dish. It’s versatile, allowing you to add whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
- Ingredients: Riced cauliflower, mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots), eggs, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), green onions.
- Preparation: Sauté cauliflower rice with mixed vegetables, scramble in eggs, and season with soy sauce. Cool before packing in an airtight container.
4. Egg Muffins
Egg muffins are not only great for breakfast but also make a perfect low-carb lunch. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients, making them a versatile option for travel.
- Ingredients: Eggs, spinach, bell peppers, cheese, cooked bacon or sausage.
- Preparation: Whisk eggs and add in your chosen ingredients. Pour into greased muffin tins and bake until set. Store in the fridge and grab a couple for your lunch.
5. Cabbage Wraps with Turkey and Avocado
Cabbage wraps are an excellent substitute for bread or tortillas. They’re low in carbs and can be filled with a variety of delicious fillings. Turkey and avocado make a satisfying combination.
- Ingredients: Large cabbage leaves, turkey slices, avocado, mustard or mayo, salt, and pepper.
- Preparation: Spread mustard or mayo on a cabbage leaf, layer turkey and avocado, season, and roll it up. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
6. Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are not only visually appealing but also easy to pack and eat on the run. The combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is both refreshing and low in carbs.
- Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, balsamic glaze.
- Preparation: Thread tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for added flavor.
7. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
Tuna salad is a classic low-carb meal that’s simple to prepare. Wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves for a crunchy, satisfying lunch that’s easy to eat at your desk or on the go.
- Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, lemon juice, lettuce leaves.
- Preparation: Mix tuna with mayonnaise, celery, and lemon juice. Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and wrap them up for a low-carb option.
8. Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds
This chicken salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a low-carb lunch. The sweetness of grapes and crunch of almonds complement the protein-packed chicken.
- Ingredients: Cooked chicken, diced grapes, sliced almonds, mayonnaise, celery.
- Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Serve over a bed of lettuce or in a low-carb wrap.
9. Beef Jerky and Cheese Snack Packs
For a quick, no-prep lunch option, consider creating a snack pack featuring beef jerky and cheese. This combination provides protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied throughout the day.
- Ingredients: Beef jerky, cheese sticks or cubes, nuts (optional).
- Preparation: Pack a few slices of beef jerky with cheese and nuts in a container for an easy, grab-and-go lunch.
10. Shrimp Avocado Salad
This salad is light yet filling, with healthy fats from the avocado and protein from the shrimp. It’s perfect for a refreshing desk lunch after a long day of travel.
- Ingredients: Cooked shrimp, avocado, lime juice, cilantro, diced tomatoes.
- Preparation: Combine shrimp, diced avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro in a bowl. Drizzle with lime juice and mix gently before packing.
Conclusion
Traveling doesn’t have to derail your low-carb diet. With a little planning, these 10 low carb desk lunches can keep you nourished and energized throughout your journey. Whether you choose to prepare them in advance or assemble them on the go, these meals are not only delicious but also versatile enough to satisfy various palates. Embrace the convenience of low-carb lunches and enjoy your travels without the guilt of unhealthy eating!
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When preparing these low carb desk lunches, consider using meal prep containers that are both portable and easy to clean. Opt for containers with separate compartments to keep ingredients fresh and prevent sogginess. Additionally, always carry utensils or disposable cutlery to make your lunch experience hassle-free.
Another tip for successful low carb meal prep is to batch cook. Spend a couple of hours one day prepping multiple lunches for the week ahead. This approach not only saves time but also ensures you have a variety of meals ready to go, minimizing the temptation to reach for higher-carb options while traveling.
Here are a few more ideas to customize your low carb desk lunches for travel:
11. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a fantastic low-carb alternative to pasta. Pair them with homemade pesto for a satisfying meal that travels well.
- Ingredients: Zucchini, homemade or store-bought pesto, cherry tomatoes.
- Preparation: Spiralize zucchini into noodles, toss with pesto, and top with halved cherry tomatoes before packing.
12. Egg Muffins
Egg muffins are versatile, easy to make, and perfect for breakfast or lunch. You can add various ingredients to suit your taste.
- Ingredients: Eggs, spinach, bell peppers, cheese, cooked bacon or sausage (optional).
- Preparation: Whisk eggs and mix in your choice of ingredients. Pour the mixture into a muffin tin and bake until set. Store in the fridge and grab them as needed.
13. Greek Yogurt with Nuts and Berries
For a quick and nutritious lunch, consider Greek yogurt topped with nuts and a few berries. This meal is rich in protein and healthy fats.
- Ingredients: Plain Greek yogurt, mixed nuts, fresh berries (like strawberries or blueberries).
- Preparation: Pack yogurt in a container and top with nuts and a handful of berries just before eating.
14. Grilled Vegetable and Hummus Wraps
Grilled vegetables paired with hummus make for a delicious low-carb wrap. Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves as your base.
- Ingredients: Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, hummus, low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves.
- Preparation: Spread hummus on the tortilla or lettuce, layer with grilled veggies, and roll up tightly before packing.
15. Quinoa Salad
While quinoa is not as low in carbs as some other options, it is packed with protein and can be included in small portions for a filling meal.
- Ingredients: Cooked quinoa, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, olive oil, lemon juice.
- Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a bowl, adjusting the seasoning to your taste. Portion into containers for easy travel.
Lastly, don’t forget to hydrate! Carry a reusable water bottle with you to ensure you’re drinking enough water during your travels. Staying hydrated can also help curb hunger and keep energy levels up.
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these additional options into your meal prep routine, you can enjoy a diverse array of low carb desk lunches while traveling. Remember, the key is to mix and match ingredients that you love, ensuring your meals remain exciting and satisfying. With thoughtful planning, maintaining a low carb lifestyle during your travels is entirely achievable.
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16. Caprese Salad Skewers
Caprese salad skewers are a refreshing and easy-to-eat option that can be made ahead of time. They are packed with flavor and nutrients.
- Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, fresh basil, balsamic glaze.
- Preparation: Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before packing.
17. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
Transform traditional tuna salad into a crunchy, low-carb meal by using lettuce wraps instead of bread. This is a protein-packed option that satisfies hunger.
- Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, onion, lettuce leaves (like iceberg or romaine).
- Preparation: Mix tuna with mayonnaise, celery, and onion. Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and wrap them up for easy eating.
18. Chicken Salad with Avocado
This creamy chicken salad is not only low in carbs but also rich in healthy fats from the avocado, making it a filling and nutritious choice.
- Ingredients: Cooked chicken, avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Preparation: Mash avocado and mix with shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Pack this salad for a tasty meal.
19. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers can be a wonderful low-carb meal option. Fill them with your favorite meat and vegetable combination for a satisfying lunch.
- Ingredients: Bell peppers, ground turkey or beef, diced tomatoes, onions, spices.
- Preparation: Cook your choice of meat with diced tomatoes and onions, then stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender.
20. Almond Butter and Celery Sticks
For a simple and nutritious snack or light lunch, pair almond butter with celery sticks. This combination is low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
- Ingredients: Almond butter, celery sticks.
- Preparation: Pack almond butter in a small container and pair with celery sticks for dipping.
As you explore these low carb desk lunches for travel, remember to adjust portion sizes and ingredients based on your dietary needs and preferences. Meal prepping and packing your lunches can help you stay on track while enjoying your journey.
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