Whether you’re a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, you need a handful of easy, healthy, on-the-go lunch ideas that you can turn to on the busiest of days!
No matter your situation, as a mom, you’re likely getting pulled many different ways — and keeping up can be a struggle. From taking care of your home and children to grocery shopping and attending sports activities, your commitments may seem never ending.
And yet… you don’t want to compromise on nutrition, even when you’re crunched for time. We get it — and we’re here to help. Read on to get our top five nutrition-packed, on-the-go lunch ideas that can keep any busy mom fueled during a long day.
Veggies & Hummus
Veggies and hummus are an excellent option when you’re on the run and need a quick lunch (or snack). This is also one of the best on-the-go lunch ideas because you can use many different combinations of ingredients, which means you won’t get sick of it within a week!
There are numerous types of vegetables that pair nicely with hummus, such as cucumbers, snap peas, and peppers. You can also use carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower, which are three of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. But, all garden veggies will provide you with natural sources of vitamins and minerals.
Veggies aren’t the only option for variety: Try switching up your hummus! With flavors like ranch, pumpkin, chipotle, and creamy garlic, hummus and veggies will never get old or boring! And as a plant-based food, hummus is packed with flavor and many nutrients, such as iron, folate, phosphorus, and vitamin B6.
If you want to get extra creative, you can make your own hummus ahead of time, then store it in small tupperwares to take on the go.
To make your veggies and hummus into more of a meal, spread the hummus between two slices of bread and cram a stack of veggies inside. Bam: You’ve got an almost-instant lunch that’s packed with nutrients, fiber, and protein to keep you full and running for hours. Bonus points if you use a roll or pita pocket — now you’ve got an on-the-go lunch idea that you can hold in one hand!
Lettuce Wraps
Speaking of one-hand on-the-go lunch ideas, here’s another: Lettuce wraps are great for all busy moms. They are easy to make, convenient, and healthy. A simple lettuce base (use iceberg, bibb, or Boston!), packed with some of your favorite, healthy ingredients makes an excellent on-the-go lunch idea.
These wraps can be made with an array of ingredients to suit anyone’s taste buds. You can pack them with pretty much anything: We like some thinly-sliced flank steak with fresh mango salsa. The thin steak will only take a minute or two to pan fry, and you can find a delicious premade mango salsa at your local grocery store.
Protein Bowls
When thinking of on-the-go lunch ideas, don’t skip out on protein bowls. Defined, a protein bowl is simply the happy marriage of your meal’s starches, proteins, and veggies all in one. The base is usually the carb: pasta, rice, quinoa, or another grain. Next, add your veggies, then layer your protein on top and, if you’d like, tie it all together with a sauce or dressing.
Not only are protein bowls packed with vitamins and nutrients, but they can also fit anyone’s diet. If you are a strict vegan, you may opt for more chickpeas, black beans, and tofu. Vegetarians can benefit from the same ingredients, but with added options, such as cheeses and hard-boiled eggs. Carnivores of course can add chicken, steak, or any other meat that pleases their pallet.
The key is balance: When each of those components (starch, veggie, protein) are present, those translate to the three macros: carbs, protein, and (hopefully) healthy fats. Combined, these three will work together both to provide your body with healthy energy and to keep that energy going for several hours to come.
Green Salads
Salads are always a great go-to for busy moms looking for on-the-go lunch ideas. They are convenient, healthy, and fast — and they don’t have to be boring.
While many still love the long-time favorite of simple mixed greens with cucumber, tomato, and carrots, many more choose to elevate their salads in ways that are quite literally innumerable. Some even call combinations of jello, pretzels, and Cool Whip a salad — but we won’t get into that.
Instead, let’s focus on the base definition of a salad: some kind of veg with some kind of dressing. Even better, if you’re going for a salad that’s your whole meal, add some healthy carbs and a protein source. Green salads are quite similar to protein bowls, but they’re more focused on the green aspect: lettuce, rather than a starch, is usually the base.
There are countless salads you can put together, and if you’re short on inspiration, just look up simple salad ideas.
Don’t count out a nice chef’s salad of greens, meats, cheeses, hard boiled eggs, and bacon. To keep this on-the-go lunch idea interesting, you can definitely mix it up with different types of lettuce and toppings.
A nontraditional veggie-based salad is certainly another way to go. Some nice grilled corn with tomatoes, feta or ricotta cheese, and scallions is yet another awesome on-the-go lunch or snack to please any busy mom. Need protein? Add grilled chicken, chilled peas, or toasted chickpeas.
Modballs: Our Favorite On-the-Go Lunch Idea
Modballs are one of the best on-the-go lunch ideas: They’re completely natural and filled with an abundance of nutrients, and they contain 85 high-energy foods that will boost any busy mom’s energy!
This clean, chemical-free snack is packed with fruits, veggies, seeds, and nuts. Each pack of three has a total of 15 mg of energy boosting caffeine — which comes naturally from chocolate. Each pack also contains over 3 mg of iron, a healthy serving, and 12 grams of protein.
Unlike sugary sweets, Modballs are convenient, easy to grab on the go, and free from the sugars and processed ingredients found in candy bars. You’ll get the energy you need without the crash and burn effect.
For moms looking for healthy and fresh on-the-go lunch ideas, Modballs are the perfect balance of nutrition, energy, and never-boring flavor that will fit into any schedule!
The next time you are feeling that midday drag and need a quick, on-the-go lunch idea, you don’t have to sacrifice your diet and nutrition for the convenience of unhealthy food — shop ModBalls today to stock your pantry the healthy way.