Add These Simple Low-Carb Lunches to Your Meal Prep, and Never Fall For Fast Food Again

POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Lunch can be so tricky. When your schedule gets hectic, you can so easily fall into the trap of eating whatever you can find in the break room or of swinging through a drive-through for a quick meal. If you're on a low-carb diet, it's no secret that those sugary snacks and fried foods are not supportive of your goals. That's where meal prep comes in: planning a menu and making food ahead can not only help you get dinner on the table faster, but it can simplify breakfast and lunch so you can eat well on the go. These easy lunch ideas will help get you started.

01
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Imagine just the stuffing from an egg roll (ground pork, broccoli cole slaw, a tasty Asian sauce), and this is what you get. You can store individual portions in the fridge for up to four days and enjoy your lunch hot or cold.

Get the recipe: egg roll in a bowl

02
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

You'll save so many calories when you swap mayo for Greek yogurt in this chilled salad. Serve it over a bed of lettuce or on a piece of whole grain bread.

Get the recipe: Greek yogurt chicken salad

03
Instant Pot Tomato Soup
Savory Tooth

Instant Pot Tomato Soup

Who doesn't love tomato soup for lunch? This recipes adds carrots for a bit of sweetness, as well as basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper for a burst of flavor.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot tomato soup

04
Teriyaki Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry
Inspiralized

Teriyaki Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry

This low-carb dish tastes just as good if not better than takeout — and the egg will help power you through the afternoon.

Get the recipe: teriyaki zucchini noodle stir-fry

05
Sheet Pan Fajitas with Steak
40 Aprons

Sheet Pan Fajitas with Steak

Just throw all the ingredients onto a sheet pan, and in 11 minutes, lunch is served. Try wrapping the steak and veggies in low-carb tortillas or lettuce.

Get the recipe: sheet pan fajitas with steak

06
Cucumber Avocado Caprese Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cucumber Avocado Caprese Salad

A serving clocks in at only 250 calories, but with tons of healthy fats from avocados and an olive oil dressing, this salad is super filling.

Get the recipe: cucumber avocado caprese salad

07
Peanut Butter Chocolate Shake
POPSUGAR Photography | Hajar Larbah

Peanut Butter Chocolate Shake

On days when you can't physically sit down for lunch, try this protein-packed shake. It takes just five minutes to prep.

Get the recipe: peanut butter chocolate shake

08
Creamy Cauliflower Risotto with Chicken and Asparagus
40 Aprons

Creamy Cauliflower Risotto with Chicken and Asparagus

This decadent low-carb risotto is ready in just 25 minutes — and it's the exact opposite of a sad desk lunch.

Get the recipe: creamy cauliflower risotto with chicken and asparagus

09
Mexican Vegetable Soup
Cooking Classy

Mexican Vegetable Soup

This cozy, veggie-packed broth will warm you up on days when the office is way too cold.

Get the recipe: Mexican vegetable soup

10
Tuna and Broccoli Casserole
Savory Tooth

Tuna and Broccoli Casserole

You need only six ingredients to make this cheesy, protein-packed casserole, a a make-ahead meal you can eat all week. If you don't like tuna, swap it for another protein.

Get the recipe: tuna and broccoli casserole

11
Indian Chicken Skillet
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Indian Chicken Skillet

If what you want is flavor, you'll get tons of it from the cumin, coriander, curry powder, and garam masala in this recipe. One batch is enough for four meal-prepped lunches.

Get the recipe: Indian chicken skillet

12
Roasted Tofu, Cauliflower, and Broccoli
Cooking Classy

Roasted Tofu, Cauliflower, and Broccoli

High in protein and low in carbs, this one-pan meal isn't lacking in flavor, thanks to garlic powder and ground cumin.

Get the recipe: roasted tofu, cauliflower, and broccoli

13
Beef Chili
POPSUGAR Photography | Hajar Larbah

Beef Chili

Skip the beans in traditional chili, and instead load up on high-volume, nutrient-rich vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and green chiles.

Get the recipe: beef chili

14
Thai Citrus Chicken Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Thai Citrus Chicken Salad

To make this office-ready salad even more low-carb, omit the sugar in the dressing or replace it with a low-calorie sweetener.

Get the recipe: Thai citrus chicken salad

15
Meatball Burrito Bowls
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Meatball Burrito Bowls

With only 5 grams of net carbs per serving, who can say no to these meatballs? They're served with a refreshing pico de gallo, cauliflower rice, cheese, and creamy sour cream.

Get the recipe: meatball burrito bowls

16
POPSUGAR Photography / Leta Shy