10 lunches that will help you lose weight

Want to lose weight? Don’t skip lunch!

When you’re trying to shed pounds and maintain a healthy eating plan, lunchtime can be a real battle. Snacking on celery and ice cubes isn’t going to do the trick-you might think you’re on the right track to losing weight, but you’ll probably be pumping quarters into the vending machine by 3 p.m. The real weight-loss lunch secret? Eating healthy foods that will fill you up!

To keep your healthy diet on track, try these 10 tasty and good-for-you lunch recipes. Not only will they satisfy your hunger, but they’ll give you a boost of vitamins and nutrients, too. Bon appetit!

Curried Chicken and Apple Lettuce Wraps

This wrap is a play on the regular (and sometimes boring) chicken salad sandwich, but without mayo and with the addition of sweet and crunchy apple and the spice of curry and turmeric.

Get the full recipe: Curried Chicken and Apple Lettuce Wraps

Skinny Tuna Sandwich on Sprouted Grain Bread

This healthy tuna sandwich is flavoured with fennel and lemon juice and garnished with pea sprouts and fresh cucumber.

Get the full recipe: Skinny Tuna Sandwich on Sprouted Grain Bread

Eastern Salad

Based on fattoush (the colourful, crunchy salad served throughout the Middle East), this version adds tuna for extra flavour and protein.

Get the full recipe: Eastern Salad

Kale and Sweet Potato Soup

Naturally creamy sweet potatoes are the perfect base for this hearty fall soup. Nutritious kale adds a slight bitterness that perfectly balances the sweet potato.

Get the full recipe: Kale and Sweet Potato Soup

Couscous and Squash Salad

This quick-to-make salad matches chewy Israeli couscous with super-nutritious squash and walnuts.

Get the full recipe: Couscous and Squash Salad

Stir-Fried Beef with Mango

Colourful stir-fried beef with mango is bursting with fresh flavours and contrasting textures. The dressing is oil-free, so although a little oil is used to stir-fry the beef, the dish is still very light in fat. No extra salt is needed because of the spicy dressing and the saltiness of soy sauce.

Get the full recipe: Stir-Fried Beef with Mango

Vegetable Tajine with Couscous

A tajine is a stew that originated in North Africa and is named after the pot in which it’s cooked. If you prefer a hearty soup, simply add three more cups (750 mL) of vegetable stock and adjust the seasoning. To add some extra protein, top with slivered almonds.

Get the full recipe: Vegetable Tajine with Couscous

Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad

The combination of nutritious quinoa and roasted veggies with a sprinkling of delicious feta cheese will surely satisfy your lunchtime cravings. Pair with a piece of fresh fruit and a cup of green tea for a super-charged, low-cal lunch.

Get the full recipe: Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad

Lightened-Up Creamy Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is often made with a mayonnaise-based dressing. This healthier version from Paul Finkelstein uses low-fat yogurt and fat-free sour cream, which limits the fat in this classic recipe.

Get the full recipe: Lightened-Up Creamy Caesar Salad

Mushroom and Thyme Toasts

Prepare these toasts for a quick lunch paired with fresh fruit. The smooth flavour of the mushrooms is enhanced by cooking them with garlic, herbs and a dollop of tangy low-fat sour cream. The mushrooms taste wonderful piled on top of whole-grain toast spread with ricotta cheese.

Get the full recipe: Mushroom and Thyme Toasts

Quick and healthy dinner ideas

Once you’ve mastered quick and healthy lunches, why not try a few light and tasty dinner recipes? Treat your family to great-tasting food with over 400 healthy recipes, including 90 complete menu plans to help you speed through dinner preparation. You’ll discover how to trim excess fat, reduce your sodium, carbs and calorie intake from your favorite meals. From savory appetizers to delectable desserts, it’s the best way to eat light.

Available now in the Best Health Store.

Related:
• 10 snacks that will help you lose weight
• The truth about calories
• Why you overeat on Mondays