I take my lunch to work on most days for two reasons:

1. It’s cheaper

2. It’s healthier

Whether it’s leftovers from dinner or a sandwich or salad — sometimes I’m bored with whatever I’ve brought for lunch. So in an effort to spice up my options and be less stressed I reached out to nutritionist Patricia Bannan, author of “Eat Right When Time is Tight” for some inspiration.

21 Healthy and Delicious No-Cook Lunches

By

Patricia Bannan, MS, RD

No time to cook? Whether you’re brown bagging it, busy at home or dining out, try one of these healthy lunch ideas from my new book “Eat Right When Time is Tight: 150 Slim-Down Strategies and No-Cook Food Fixes.” Nutritious and delicious, they all have 400 calories or less and provide protein and fiber for sustained energy.

BROWN BAG IT

Here are seven lunch options to brown bag and carry with you:

• Tuna hummus dip. Mix together 1/2 cup of canned, drained water-packed albacore tuna with 2 tablespoons of hummus and a splash of lemon juice; eat with slices of celery or cucumber or a few baked pita chips.

• Italian bean salad. Toss 1 can of drained white beans with 1 teaspoon each of balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil and add fresh herbs (e.g, parsley, basil and/or oregano) to taste. Read more