Top 7 Simple Low Carb Lunches For Work - Cook What You Love (2024)

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by Chef Jenn Allen

Published: February 6, 2024

Looking for some easy-to-make, low-carb lunch options to take to work? You’re in the right spot. We all know the midday slump can hit hard, especially with heavy lunches that make you want to take a nap under your desk. That’s why we’ve rounded up 7 great ideas that are not only simple to prepare but also kind to your carb count. These lunches are perfect for keeping your energy levels steady and your cravings at bay, so you can power through your afternoon like a champ.

We get it, mornings can be a rush, and the last thing you need is a complicated lunch prep. That’s why these picks are all about simplicity and speed, without skimping on flavor or satisfaction. From fresh salads that pack a punch to hearty soups that feel like a hug in a bowl, there’s something for every taste. Best part? You won’t find yourself reaching for the cookie jar an hour later. So, let’s get your lunch game on point with these easy, low-carb options that are sure to make your workdays a bit brighter.

Top 7 Simple Low Carb Lunches For Work - Cook What You Love (1)

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Bringing a bit of nostalgia to your lunchbox, Old Fashioned Ham Salad is a classic that never gets old. It’s easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy, making your lunch break something to look forward to. Perfect for those days when you want something hearty yet low in carbs. And hey, it’s a great way to use up any leftover ham, making it a win-win for your wallet and your waistline.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is your go-to when you’re craving something that hits the sweet and savory spot. It’s packed with flavor and texture, making each bite interesting and fulfilling. This salad is a breeze to put together in the morning, ensuring you have more time to enjoy your coffee. Plus, it’s light enough to keep you moving but filling enough to keep hunger pangs at bay.
Get the Recipe:

Top 7 Simple Low Carb Lunches For Work - Cook What You Love (2)

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Authentic Hungarian Goulash is like a warm hug in the middle of your workday. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for those cooler days when you need a little extra warmth. This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a great addition to your low-carb lunch rotation. And it’s sure to spark some interest around the lunch table, maybe even a bit of lunchtime travel envy.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Smoked Beef Stew

Smoked Beef Stew brings a robust and hearty option to your lunch game. It’s like bringing the flavors of a slow-cooked Sunday dinner to your Monday through Friday grind. Easy to prepare in batches, it’s ideal for meal prepping and ensuring you have a satisfying lunch all week. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to warm up and recharge during those busy workdays.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Stew

Top 7 Simple Low Carb Lunches For Work - Cook What You Love (3)

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad is a zesty twist on a classic, proving salads don’t have to be boring. It’s loaded with bold flavors that make every bite exciting, ensuring you’re not just eating it because it’s good for you. This salad comes together in no time, making your morning routine a breeze. It’s the perfect mix of convenience and taste, making lunchtime something you’ll look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad brings a burst of freshness to your lunch, making it feel like a mini escape in the middle of your day. It’s crisp, refreshing, and full of flavors that meld beautifully together. This salad is as easy to toss together as it is to enjoy, ensuring you’re not spending your precious morning minutes in the kitchen. And it’s the perfect sidekick to any main, adding a refreshing touch to your lunch.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Top 7 Simple Low Carb Lunches For Work - Cook What You Love (4)

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup is your answer to lunchtime monotony. It’s light, flavorful, and has just the right kick to spice up your midday meal. This soup is surprisingly simple to make and even easier to pack, making it a no-fuss option for busy mornings. Plus, it’s the kind of lunch that gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

By Chef Jenn Allen

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Top 7 Simple Low Carb Lunches For Work - Cook What You Love (2024)

FAQs

What is filling but has no carbs? ›

Chicken. Chicken is an excellent source of protein and has no carbs. One 4-ounce serving has 26 grams of protein and 120 calories. Chicken can also be used in a variety of ways — such as a salad or pasta topping or alongside roasted veggies or even in soup.

What is the healthiest thing to eat for lunch at work? ›

Choose a carbohydrate as the base: rice, couscous, polenta, pasta, wholegrain bread, bread roll, wrap, pita bread, potato. Select some salad vegetables: capsicum, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach leaves, asparagus, avocado, corn kernels, carrots, cooked pumpkin, red onion, lettuce, rocket leaves.

What is an example of a low-carb meal? ›

Examples of low-carb foods include: meat and poultry. fish. nonstarchy vegetables, including leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage.

What is the number one worst carb? ›

1. Sugary Foods. Most people already think of many of the foods in this category as unhealthy treats. Candy, soft drinks, and sweet desserts such as cake, chocolate, and ice cream are all expected entries on a list of carbs to avoid to lose weight.

What is the most filling low-carb snack? ›

Nuts. Mixed nuts are an all-time snack classic for good reason. They're just as satisfying at your desk as they are at a party. One ounce of crunchy, salty, mixed nuts will keep your energy up for hours for only 6 grams of carbs per ounce.

What happens if you eat no carbs for a week? ›

Severe carb limits can cause your body to break down fat into ketones for energy. This is called ketosis. Ketosis can cause side effects such as bad breath, headache, fatigue and weakness. It's not clear what kind of possible long-term health risks a low-carb diet may pose.

What is a healthy lunch for seniors? ›

Older adults' unique nutrition needs

Choose foods with little to no added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium. To get enough protein throughout the day and maintain muscle, try adding seafood, dairy, or fortified soy products along with beans, peas, and lentils to your meals.

What foods are filling but low in carbs? ›

Meat, eggs, and seafood are low in carbs. You can also eat certain vegetables, including broccoli and eggplant, as well as fruit, such as avocado and apricots, on a low carb diet.

What is a low simple carb diet? ›

Low-Carb Basics

Protein (chicken, fish, seafood, beef, eggs) and fats (butter, oil) do not contain carbs. Keep whole grains, dairy (like plain yogurt and milk), fruit and veggies in your diet. "Whole grains, fruit and vegetables provide fiber, which can keep you satiated and may help lower cholesterol," says Gorin.

How do you eat a sandwich without carbs? ›

Breadless Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

At first glance these look like conventional ham and cheese, but that's crunchy jicama, not bread, holding together the fiber-packed sandwiches. And you won't miss the carbs: Each bite is a winning combination of salty-creaminess, sharp horseradish and peppery arugula.

What is considered low carb for a meal? ›

Our definition

Ketogenic low carb <20 grams of net carbs per day. This level of carbohydrates is defined as below 5 energy percent (E%) carbs in our recipes or, if it is a meal, 7 grams of carbs or less.

What should I give up on a low carb diet? ›

A low-carb diet generally limits grains, legumes, fruits, breads, sweets, pastas and starchy vegetables, and sometimes nuts and seeds. But some low-carb diet plans allow small amounts of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

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