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Do your homework -

Reusable containers will become your new best friends! You can batch-cook dishes to heat up at work if that's an option, or use them to transport preprepared salads.

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Learn to compartmentalize -

Lunch boxes with separate compartments will allow you to bring sweet and savory lunch treats without an unpleasant mingling of flavors. Getting it right can help you step away from the fast food menu!

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Super salad jars -

Invest in a few mason jars, and you can bring all manner of mighty salads to work. This Mexican-inspired salad combines protein-rich beans with layers of olives, salad, and hummus.

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Presentation skills -

Your office lunch can be a beautiful thing. These chicken, rice, salad, and tzatziki dishes can be prepared the night before and stored in the fridge.

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Gorgeous grains -

Salads get a bit of a bad rep, but they don't have to leave you hungry by mid-afternoon. Grains such as wheatberry (pictured), barley, and quinoa make a substantial base for a hearty salad that takes just minutes to prepare the night before.

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Delicious greens -

There's no reason not to get your fix of superfoods just because you're away from home. This wheatberry salad is loaded with lentils, herbs, and finely-chopped kale as well as broccoli.

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Detox dishes -

If you committed to a healthy eating regime at home, desk dishes can do the job, too. This raw kale and quinoa salad adds feta cheese and walnuts to give it a taste kick as well as a protein boost.

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Noodle bowls -

Instant ramen noodles can be prepared at work with just a kettle and your handy sealable jars. Throw in some seasonings, preprepared vegetables, and Sriracha for a warming comfort meal that takes almost no time to prepare.

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Pita pockets -

Shake things up a bit in the bread department. Pita bread makes a fantastic pocket for stuffing with any ingredients you like. Falafel, hummus and salad is a tasty option.

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Twists on the classics -

You can use your pita bread to put a spin on classic sandwich fillings, like tuna salad. Be sure to add plenty of fresh crunchy vegetables to add vitamins as well as flavor and texture.

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Mix and match -

Don't have time to go shopping? You can use up tasty fridge leftovers such as roast chicken and salad, and scour the pantry for suitable lunch ingredients like rye crispbreads. Time and money saved!

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Leftovers are absolutely okay -

Even if you don't get around to batch cooking, leftovers from yesterday's evening meal often taste even better eaten cold the next day.

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Embrace quinoa -

Many people are uneasy about reheating rice, but quinoa is safe to reheat and eat. It's also packed with all manner of nutrients, making it an excellent lunch option.

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Get the balance right -

Store-bought lunch can have all manner of questionable ingredients, but by making your own lunch you can ensure you make sensible choices. Hard-boiled eggs, nuts, fresh fruit, and salad can all go into your 'al-desko' lunch.

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Get creative -

If you know you'll need a physical and mental pick-me-up at lunch, invest a little love in making your lunch. Fresh, crunchy, and colorful ingredients like bright berries and radishes can add a real spark to salads filled with energy-boosting nuts and fresh leaves.

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Pasta salads -

If you're having a pasta meal the night before, cook a little extra. You can make an easy pasta salad for work with the help of a little smoked tofu, chicken, or bacon. Add a side of tomatoes and cashews for color and crunch.

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Rice salads -

Rice can make an excellent salad base, too, and the beauty is that these taste extra good if you stir in the dressing the night before and keep in the fridge (just don't add any salad leaves until you're about to eat).

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Hearty chickpea salads -

Chickpeas are cheap, substantial, and taste great eaten hot or cold. A chickpea salad with cooked, crunchy green veggies, sweet potato, and falafel will power you through afternoon meetings.

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Wrap it up -

Wraps are super simple to prepare, to carry to work, and to eat! Turkey salad is a fresh, healthy option that will taste absolutely delicious. Switch to smoked tofu pieces for a veggie option.

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BLT to go -

Big on BLTs? You don't need to spend time or money queuing at the sandwich shop. Make a BLT wrap the night before and enjoy at work with a dash of smug self-satisfaction.

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Don't forget dessert -

Colorful rainbow salads can come in both sweet and savory versions. Layer up grains and colorful salad ingredients for your 'main,' with fresh fruit and yogurt layers for 'dessert.'

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Get dressed! -

Dressing for the office can apply to your food as well as your clothes. Bring your vinaigrette in a separate pot and stir in just before serving to avoid soggy salads.

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Three bean salads -

Cold, cooked beans are another super ingredient for salads. Add chopped veggies, optional cheese or tofu, and enjoy a protein-packed lunch. Bread or pita on the side will add an easy source of carbs to see you through the afternoon.

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Homemade poke bowls -

Poke bowls look pretty, taste great, and are surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Stock up on favorite poke ingredients like salmon, avocado, and whatever else you fancy. Layer it over rice, and presto!

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Super soups -

Soup can be wonderfully soothing, and it can be substantial, too. Make a hearty minestrone with lots of pasta and beans, and reheat in the office microwave to enjoy with a hunk of crusty bread.

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Filling frittatas -

This oven-fired omelet tastes delicious hot, but perhaps even better cold. You can add all manner of ingredients– spinach, potato and feta are good–to the egg mix, and wrap chilled slices to eat at work.

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Surprising soba noodles -

Delicious soba noodles are gluten-free and pack plenty of protein, making them a tasty and substantial option for a salad jar. Precook the noodles the night before, layer with greens and chopped tofu pieces, and stir a spicy dressing through right before serving.

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Beat the slump -

If you fear the afternoon slump, go for wholegrain breads for slow-release energy. Fruit such as grapes will give you a quick boost that's better for your body than cookies. And don't forget to hydrate!

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Enjoy your lunch! -

In time, you might find that planning and preparing colorful, cost-effective lunches becomes a pleasure rather than a chore. Above all, make sure you're preparing something you will actually enjoy eating!

Sources: (BuzzFeed) (The Washington Post)

See also: Food parts you really shouldn't be throwing away

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