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Ideas for Lunch as the Largest Meal of the Day

Many people don't have a big appetite or much time to eat in the morning, so a large breakfast isn't a practical idea. Having a big supper can lead to several health problems, such as weight gain and an increased risk of acid reflux. Making lunch the largest meal of the day can be a smart and practical choice. A large healthy lunch should contain about 400 to 600 calories and a balanced amount of nutrients.

  1. Pasta and Side Salad

    • A typical pasta dish might not contain a lot of vegetables. By pairing it with a side salad, you can make it a larger meal without adding too many calories. If you don't have time to prepare two separate dishes, you can opt for a pasta salad instead. Mix cooked pasta with a few types of fresh vegetables and one choice of meat, then top it with a healthy salad dressing. Better yet, end your meal with a little plate of fresh fruits.

    Hearty Stew and Whole-Grain Bread

    • Instead of taking an easy way out and grabbing something quick from a diner, find some time to cook your own delicious pot of stew one evening and take it to work with you the next day. A healthy stew should contain a lot of vegetables, some lean meat and some grains and beans. Enjoy it with one or two slices of whole-grain bread.

    Sandwich and Soup

    • A big sandwich might already be quite enough, but adding a small bowl of soup can make your meal even more filling and nutritious. If you have a meaty sandwich, pair it with a bowl of vegetable or barley soup to balance the protein with vitamins and complex carbohydrates. On the other hand, if you have a veggie sandwich for lunch, a bowl of protein-rich bean soup or meaty jambalaya can be a nice side dish.

    Stir-Fry Dish and Steamed Rice

    • Choose your stir-fry dish carefully. Keep in mind that a well-balanced diet is very important. A stir-fry dish should have relatively equal portions of meat and vegetables. Broccoli beef and string-bean chicken are some good examples. Dishes that contain a lot of meat and a small of amount of vegetables are not recommended unless you pair it with some steamed veggies. If you still have some room for dessert, feel free to end your meal with a few low-fat cookies or a scoop of low-calorie ice cream.

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