WE CAN spend a lot of our time at work so it’s important to remember to eat healthily while we’re there. Make your lunch both healthy and delicious with our tips for healthier lunch choices at work.

Whether you make your own packed lunch or buy it from the canteen or the shops, there’s something for everyone here. Pack in lots of fruit and veg

Include at least two portions with your usual sandwich or jacket potato. Try a bowl of salad and a banana; carrot sticks and a few dried apricots; or a carton of fruit juice and some peaches or pears tinned in juice. Don’t forget your starchy staples

To give you energy that will see you through the afternoon be sure to include some starchy carbohydrates with your lunch. Choosing different breads such as granary bread, wholemeal bagels, wraps or pitta bread, pasta, rice or potatoes will help to give you some variety. Healthy fillers

Use lean meat like pork, beef, chicken or turkey (without the skin) or fish like sardines, mackerel or tuna. Great protein sources for veggies include, low fat hummus, hard boiled eggs, bean pate or unsalted nut butters ( e. g. peanut or almond). For healthy bones and teeth

Include some milk/dairy foods like a yoghurt, fromage frais or milk. Or what about trying a jacket potato topped with low fat cottage cheese and a salad? Opt for low fat varieties whenever possible, e.g. semi skimmed or skimmed milk to keep the saturated fat to a minimum. Up your fibre intake

Choose wholegrain bread, rice and pasta and include salads and dips with beans and lentils to help you to include more fibre in your diet. It’ll help to keep your heart and digestive system healthy and fill you up too, making you less likely to snack on unhealthy foods during the afternoon. Limit fatty and sugary foods Swap your fatty and sugary snacks for fresh fruit - keep it in a bowl on your desk to remind you to eat it. Drink up

Have a drink with your meal, but go for water or unsweetened fruit juice rather than sugary, fizzy drinks. Leftovers from last nights dinner?

If you’ve spent time cooking a healthy evening meal don’t throw away the leftovers. Cooled and stored in the refrigerator overnight, options like pasta or soup make a great lunch for the following day.

Sourced: http://careeradvice.loadzajobs.ie/work-life-balance/healthy-eating/work-life-balance-healthy-eating-working-lunch-4087