5 Healthy Lunches You Aren't Eating

Think a snack-free afternoon is impossible? Not if you eat one of these nutritious meals.
Andrea Duclos

Veggie Burgers That Are Always There for You

Whether you serve them on a bun or over a bed of lettuce, plant-based patties are a satisfying and good-for-you vegetarian meal. This simple recipe uses a can of chickpeas as a base (they’re surprisingly high in fiber, which is key to giving you that slow-burn satiety that keeps cravings at bay), and there’s also corn, peas, fresh herbs and carrots. The fresh-tasting burgers freeze well, so you can always keep a stash on hand.

Get the recipe: Chickpea Patties

Jonny Valiant

A Quick-Cook Meal with Surprising Depth

This chia-spiked lentil soup will keep you feeling sated all afternoon. A cup of the legumes has 48 grams of protein), while chia seeds can give you the energy to power through (they contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, antioxidants and calcium). The savory stew comes together in under an hour but tastes rich, thanks to the flavors of cumin, coriander and turmeric.

Get the recipe: Lentils with Chia Seeds

Amber Locke

A No-Greens Salad That’s Still Really Green

Tender, protein-packed edamame can boost any salad, but the young soybeans are the star of this plate. The dish also includes avocado pieces speckled with poppy seeds and matchstick carrots (here, purple, yellow and orange varieties), so there’s a nice balance of textures. This multicolored array would be terrific with a citrus or creamy dressing, such as this spicy, lemony one or this miso-based one.

Get the recipe: Edamame Bean Salad

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A Totally Unexpected Pasta

You’ll swear there’s heavy cream, or at least a generous amount of cheese, in this dish—but the thick and truly filling sauce actually gets its heft from avocado. The superfood also adds loads of nutrition (such as cholesterol-blocking good fat, potassium, folate and more, some of which may serve to enhance satiety). And if you’re worried about it tasting like a bowl of guacamole-coated noodles, fear not: The other ingredients are basil, garlic, lemon and pine nuts, which give the plate a more Mediterranean than Mexican vibe.

Get the recipe: Creamy Avocado Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts

Ashley McLaughlin

The Indian-Spiced Salad with Many, Many Options

Chickpea salad is unexpected yet so delicious, especially this version, which is lightly flavored with curry—just enough to give it character without overpowering the dish. And there are plenty of options for serving this fiber-packed (read: it’ll make you feel full!) salad, from scooping it into leaves of Boston or bibb lettuce, to stuffing it into a whole grain pita or eating it with crackers. One more reason to love this dish: It keeps in the fridge for three to four days.

Get the recipe: Curried Chickpea Salad

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