Back to School / Work Healthy Lunches
Because it doesn’t have to be so hard to eat healthy at work / school!
I work at the other end of the world in RDP (ok I’m being a bit of a drama queen), but in traffic it really is pretty far. Finding healthy lunches in the area is not an easy feat. In fact- it’s so hard to find a healthy lunch in the area, that I usually end up packing one. I am so envious of people who work in Griffintown, Downtown, the plateau, or the Mile End, who have tons of options for healthy lunches right around the corner!
I want to shine a spotlight on two lesser known lunch spots where you could grab or order a healthy lunch near work! And for those of you like me, desperate for a healthy lunch option when surrounded only by (delicious) pizza, pasta, and cannoli in RDP – read on as I suggest some healthy lunch ideas for you too! And don’t forget to hit up the other 2 on the weekend!
Açai bowls, salad bowls, burrito bowls, oh my! You could find just about every kind of bowl you have ever dreamed of at VertU Bar Santé on St. Viateur. They also make smoothies, juices, and have ready-made items as well just in case you’re in a rush! Not to mention, the space has a super modern and zen look AND there’s a little terrace where you could enjoy your lunch in the sun. An all around perfect lunch spot.
2. La Bistrote
As I’ve already mentioned, I can’t make it out to Griffintown for lunch during the week, so I headed to La Bistrote on a Sunday- and Sunday at La Bistrote means brunch! I checked out the lunchtime menu as well and there were tons of healthy options from soups, to salads and sandwiches. If I worked nearby, you would find me lunching at this adorable spot on the regular. You also need to give their scrumptious brunch a try.
3. Do-It-Yourself-Bowls
For those of you like me- either looking to save money, or who work too far from healthy restaurants, Do-It-Yourself-Bowls (or containers…) are an easy prepare-ahead alternative. Spiralizers are one of THE greatest inventions of all time and if you don’t have one yet, I highly recommend you invest in one! I love the texture it adds to salads. If you don’t have a spiralizer, don’t worry, I will sometimes use a peeler or mandolin to thinly slice vegetables for a fun alternative to cut-up veggies.
Spiralize some carrots, zucchini, cucumbers, and beets on a Sunday and put in the fridge to use in lunches during the week! While you’re spiralizing, cook some quinoa or brown rice to keep in the fridge as well.
The quinoa or rice will be the base of your bowl (or container), followed by some of the spiralized vegetables, top with a protein (chicken, a sliced hard boiled egg, turkey, tofu, or tempeh), sliced avocado, and a small container of salad dressing (or a dragon bowl sauce – like this one) for an easy and filling lunch! The options are endless, so taste test and find the perfect bowl for you!
Whether I’m going out, or making a lunch, I always try to eat healthy while at work / school. It really helps me focus, increases my productivity, and allows me to splurge a little more in the evening and on weekends :). What are some of your favourite lunches? Comment below!
