I recently started a job that only offers a half hour lunch plus two quick breaks. For (2) meals at work I seem to be running into the same issue for meal preparation. I have limited time and only a microwave available to me. Given the situation, I don’t know what to bring to eat.
Beef or chicken just doesn’t reheat well in the microwave and I am not a huge fan of fish. Can anyone share travel/work meals that are fairly simple and can reheat well in a micro? I would really appreciate any input. (I would eat ‘cold’ meals as well)
Funny you should ask! I have the same problem when traveling for work. I have a fridge and micro in my room but meal prep all needs to be done at home. I like to make turkey chili. It is best if you can grind your own turkey breast - processing plants grind everything but the beak. If that is not possible be sure to use the leanest breast meat available. Most butchers will grind meat for you. Kidney beans are a great source of fiber and protein (and taste good too!) Crushed tomatos and a packet of chili seasoning - or make up your own to taste. Cook the meat then dump it all in a crock pot. Divide into single serving containers and freeze. Stir fry is another good make ahead meal. Tuna salad is something I make often too.
I use mostly FF mayo - adding about 1/2 T of Light mayo (tastes WAY better), onion celery, egg white and my new favorite find Smoked Paprika. Have it in a pita or use giant lettuce leaves for roll ups. You could do this with diced chicken too. Raw almonds are a staple for snacks. Hard boiled egg whites. Lots of ways to get your protein on the go…
Well, I’m stuck at work from 9-5, plus the travel time of the train makes me gone from my house from 8-6, so I hear where you are coming from.
Before I leave for the train I make a protein shake that consists of tablespoon of EVOO, tablespoon of PB, Grow! Whey, 5g creatine and 7.5g BCAA. I guess the creatine and BCAA are optional. I usually drink this before I leave, but I guess you can bring it with you.
For “lunch” I bring 1/2 cup cottage cheese, a sugar free jello, a cup of almonds, and I make myself a whole wheat wrap. You can find the wraps I get at costco, there really good (17g carbs, 7g being fiber so net 10g, maybe 1g of fat and like 110 cals, you can’t go wrong.) I put some grilled chicken, lettuce, slice of turkey maybe, red peppers, some black olives, oil and vinegar, etc. whatever you want I guess. I heat that up in the mic during my lunch break and eat the other things on my “breaks”.
Chili is a great idea. I would love the classic chicken, potato and salad I see mentioned so often, but again, reheating chicken in a micro just doesn’t leave the meat tasting very good. I have also been using the tuna & whole wheat sandwich w/ salad as a staple. Relatively good meal, easy to make and doesn’t need heating.
Thanks for the input. I think unfortunately there is no getting away from it being tough to bring meats to work. They just don’t reheat well. I wonder if there is a method of microwaving or food combining that keeps chicken from getting rubbery and dry in the micro?
[quote]pikehunter wrote:
Thanks for the input. I think unfortunately there is no getting away from it being tough to bring meats to work. They just don’t reheat well. I wonder if there is a method of microwaving or food combining that keeps chicken from getting rubbery and dry in the micro?[/quote]
Besides the taste, its always a struggle to choke down some dry meat quickly, either because it is overcooked or because it is canned. Same trouble with beef jerky.
I get a 15 minute break at work and a 1 hour lunch. For the 15 minute break I usually rely on microwaveable pre-cooked sausage patties or cheese and some kind of deli meat. At least those items can be eaten fairly quickly. I’ll munch on some lettuce, celery sticks, or spinach plain. Occasionally I’ll get fancy and pour some dressing on one of those and make a “salad”.
Smoked Herring!!! (Kippers)1 can:
130 cals, 16 gm protein, 8 gm fat(2s,2p,4m). Taste awesome with a little hotsauce.
They run about a buck 50 so i just get 2/3 and some veggies.