☀️ Power Through Your Afternoon
Your midday meal is crucial—it needs to energize without causing that dreaded afternoon slump. This satisfying lunch recipe is specifically designed to keep you alert, focused, and productive throughout your busy day. Perfect for meal prep, office lunches, or working from home, this recipe balances energy-sustaining nutrients with delicious flavors. Say goodbye to vending machine snacks and hello to sustained energy and mental clarity!
💼 The Ultimate Work Lunch
Sharing 3 homemade lunchables that are packed with protein! Each is a much better healthy lunch idea for school compared with the store-bought lunchables added to a packed lunch! Plus, you’re adding more protein to the lunch and making it better with chicken, fresh fruit, and veggies… all of which you can customize. These are some of the many lunch ideas for teens on this channel that your high schooler turns into a packed lunch -like my kids! Lunchables are a favorite, from preschool lunches to teen lunches, because this is one of those school lunch ideas that never goes out of style. Check out the age-specific playlists for more lunch box ideas for kids of all ages!
🎥 TEEN LUNCH IDEAS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrIqkvSyIic_qnr2HyBfCf2DE7rzdj0_w
🎥 LUNCH BOX IDEAS FOR SCHOOL: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrIqkvSyIic-WPhgGGuHPbZ4MnBtz0sH7&si=aLryIzcQjUUxAhxA
🎥 PRESCHOOL LUNCHES PLAYLIST:
🖨️ FREE LUNCHBOX BUILDER PDF: https://bit.ly/LunchBuilder
📚101 Packed Lunches eBook: https://bit.ly/101Lunches
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✏️ SHOP Lunchboxes: https://amzn.to/3pWtRPR
🛒 SHOP TEEN Lunchboxes: https://www.amazon.com/shop/momables/list/2HXG1WZJL6Q90?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfmomables_SQZZNNK5K7EFK09QJQJ9
🎒 SHOP Lunchboxes for young kids: https://www.amazon.com/shop/momables/list/2SUVXZM865U1C?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfmomables_GQA26VMTGZM5GNKGGRH1
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Original Lunchable:
– Ham, cheese, crackers
– Had-boiled egg + fruit & veggies
Nacho Lunchable:
Whole grain Chips
2 oz Nacho Cheese, store-bought or mine (see recipe below)
Nacho toppings: olives, bell peppers, etc.
2-3oz cooked chicken
Fruit
Taco Lunchable:
-2 taco-sized tortillas
-shredded lettuce, tomatoes (or salsa), cheese
– 4oz cooked taco meat
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🖨 Homemade Velveeta Recipe: http://bit.ly/momveeta
🖨 Lunchable Recipes: https://www.momables.com/lunchbox-wars-1/
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#momables #schoollunchideas #kidslunchboxrecipes #diylunchables
🙋🏻♀️ Follow me everywhere!
→ My Cookbooks on Amazon: http://bit.ly/LauraFuentesBooks
→ More School Lunches: https://momables.com
→ Healthier Family Meals: https://laurafuentes.com
→ Instagram: https://instagram.com/momables
→ Facebook: https://fb.com/momables
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Homemade lunchables
0:25 The classic lunchable
0:39 How to make lunchables at home
0:46 How to keep crackers crunchy in the lunchbox
0:53 What goes in a DIY lunchable
1:10 How to add more protein to DIY lunchables
1:20 Lunch sides for a more filling lunchable
1:34 How to pack a lunchable
1:44 Lunchables Nachos
1:56 Homemade lunchables nachos
2:10 How to pack chips for lunch
2:23 Adding protein to nacho lunchables
2:40 Tasty sides for homemade nacho lunchables
2:56 Lunchables cheese sauce
3:08 How to pack hot cheese sauce for diy nacho lunchables
3:25 How to pack nacho lunchables for school lunch
3:48 Taco Lunchables
3:58 Homemade taco lunchables
4:09 Packing tomatoes or salsa for taco lunchables
4:28 Packing cheese for homemade lunchable tacos
4:39 Taco toppings for homemade lunchables
4:45 How to pack taco meat for this diy lunchable
5:08 Packing homemade taco lunchables
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Learn to cook delicious family-friendly recipes in under 5 minutes!
Hi, I’m Laura, for years I struggled with eating healthier meals consistently with my family & coming up with new school lunch ideas every day. I launched my websites in 2010 to share practical recipes that are perfect for school lunches & family dinners. From simple bento-style lunches to no-cook ideas, wraps, sandwiches, & hot thermos lunches, your lunch packing dilemmas are covered on https://momables.com
If family dinners are a struggle videos on this channel will help you get a meal on the table quickly with ingredients you have on hand which you’ll find on https://laurafuentes.com
Subscribe for school lunch ideas, packing tips plus simple & delicious dinners you can make on the busiest of weeknights. Stay tuned for epic pancakes & breakfast ideas that your family will love
Let’s create delicious, nutritious, & time-saving meals together. Find all 5 of my cookbooks on here http://bit.ly/LaurasCookbooks
Contact: info@momables.com
In this practical tutorial, MOMables – Laura Fuentes shows you how to create a lunch that delivers:
- ⚡ Sustained Energy: No afternoon crashes or brain fog—stay sharp all day
- 🎯 Mental Clarity: Nutrients that support focus and cognitive performance
- 💪 Filling & Satisfying: Keeps hunger at bay until dinner time
- 📦 Meal Prep Friendly: Travels well and tastes great hours later
- 🚫 No Afternoon Slump: Balanced macros prevent the post-lunch energy dip
⚡ Midday Fuel Breakdown
| Nutrient | Per Lunch Serving | Afternoon Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 400-550 kcal | Optimal midday fuel |
| Protein | 30-45 g | Sustained satiety |
| Complex Carbs | 35-50 g | Steady energy release |
| Fiber | 8-12 g | Blood sugar stability |
| Healthy Fats | 15-25 g | Brain function support |
| B Vitamins | Excellent source | Energy metabolism |
| Iron | Good source | Prevents fatigue |
*Nutrition optimized for midday energy. This lunch provides the perfect balance to fuel afternoon productivity without causing drowsiness or energy crashes.
🎯 Lunch Success Strategies
- 🥗 Balance is Everything: Your lunch should include protein (palm-sized portion), complex carbs (fist-sized), healthy fats (thumb-sized), and lots of vegetables (2 fists). This combination provides steady energy release and prevents blood sugar spikes that lead to afternoon crashes.
- 🚫 Avoid Heavy Carbs: Large portions of pasta, white rice, or bread can spike blood sugar and then crash it, causing drowsiness. Choose complex carbs in moderate amounts—quinoa, brown rice, or sweet potato paired with plenty of protein and vegetables.
- 💧 Hydration Matters: Dehydration causes fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Drink at least 16 oz of water with lunch and keep water accessible throughout the afternoon. Set phone reminders if you tend to forget.
- ⏰ Timing Your Lunch: Eat lunch between 12-1 PM to maintain consistent energy levels. Waiting too long causes blood sugar drops and poor food choices. Eating too early may leave you hungry before dinner.
- 🥤 Skip the Soda: Sugary drinks cause rapid blood sugar spikes followed by crashes. Even diet sodas can trigger hunger and cravings. Choose water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water with lemon instead.
- 🧠 Brain-Boosting Additions: Include foods rich in omega-3s (salmon, walnuts), antioxidants (berries, dark leafy greens), and B vitamins (eggs, lean meat) to support cognitive function during afternoon work tasks.
📦 Meal Prep Mastery
- 🍱 Bento Box Method: Use divided containers to keep components separate until eating. This prevents soggy vegetables and maintains optimal texture. Pack dressings and sauces separately in small containers.
- 🥗 Salad Assembly Strategy: For meal prep salads, layer ingredients strategically: dressing on bottom, hearty vegetables next, grains/proteins in the middle, and delicate greens on top. Shake before eating.
- ❄️ Freeze for Freshness: Some lunches freeze beautifully—soups, grain bowls, and casseroles. Make big batches on Sunday and pull out one portion each morning. They thaw during the morning and are ready by lunch.
- 🌡️ Temperature Matters: Invest in a good insulated lunch bag with ice packs, or store lunch in an office refrigerator. Food safety is crucial—keep cold foods cold (below 40°F) until eating.
- 🔥 Reheating Right: If reheating at work, add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to prevent drying out. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Let stand 1 minute before eating.
- 📝 Rotation System: Prep 2-3 different lunch recipes weekly to prevent boredom. Monday/Wednesday one recipe, Tuesday/Thursday another, Friday something different or leftovers from dinner.
- 🥄 Pack Smart Extras: Keep office supplies stocked: salt, pepper, hot sauce, napkins, and utensils. Having these essentials means your lunch is always ready to enjoy.
❓ Lunch Diet Questions
😴 Why am I tired after lunch?
Post-lunch fatigue typically results from eating too many refined carbohydrates, eating too much overall, or not drinking enough water. Large, carb-heavy meals trigger insulin spikes that can cause drowsiness. Focus on balanced portions with adequate protein and vegetables. Also ensure you’re sleeping well at night—lunch doesn’t cause tiredness; it just reveals existing fatigue.
🥪 Is it okay to eat the same lunch every day?
While convenient, eating identical lunches daily may limit nutritional variety and lead to boredom that triggers unhealthy choices. Rotate between 3-5 different lunch options weekly to ensure diverse nutrient intake and maintain interest. However, if you genuinely enjoy the same lunch and it meets nutritional needs, consistency can simplify meal planning.
⏰ What if I can’t take a full lunch break?
Even 15-20 minutes away from your desk makes a difference for mental health and productivity. Quick lunch options like pre-made mason jar salads, protein boxes, or bento boxes require minimal prep time. Eating at your desk while working isn’t ideal, but if necessary, choose meals that don’t require utensils and can be eaten slowly in small bites.
💰 How can I save money on work lunches?
Meal prepping lunches saves $50-100+ monthly compared to buying lunch daily. Cook once, eat 4-5 times. Use leftovers creatively—tonight’s roasted chicken becomes tomorrow’s salad topping or grain bowl protein. Buy ingredients in bulk and prep on weekends. The time investment pays off financially and health-wise.
📺 Recipe by: MOMables – Laura Fuentes
🎬 Posted: 2024-03-13 16:15:00 | 🆔 Video ID: 7ShSlBDDfEA
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