I’m back with the second edition of the Empowered Women Series. Each month, I will feature one of these women through my new “The Empowered” series where they will share their brilliance in their field. This month, I am excited to share on the go lunch ideas for teachers with one of my barre besties, Kayte Fry. We met while lifting, toning, and burning at Pure Barre and hit it off after realizing we both had *extreme* resting barre face. She makes the best grazing boards, always has an encouraging word, and the best head of hair!
Hi! I’m Kayte Fry of Southern Fryed Bliss. I am a former higher ed professional turned hospitality enthusiast and stylist with a heart for gathering people around the table. I love helping others grow confidence in the kitchen by sharing inspiration for cooking simple recipes, curating themed grazing boards and fun bites, and creating delicious and nutritious lunches for yourself or the ones you love.
Speaking of—whether you’re working from home, heading to an office, or spending time in the car driving to and from meetings (like our girl Meghan!)—lunch is one of those things all of us look forward to. It gives us the energy we need to get through the rest of the day, and perhaps provides a halfway check-in point on our way to happy hour 😉 or home for the evening.
I don’t know about you, but I am often tempted to make a run to the drive-thru when I start to get hungry midday. Chick-fil-A sauce is one of my love languages. And even though there are some healthier options these days, it can add up on the wallet fast and sometimes leave us feeling not so great. I am here to encourage you: prepping delicious, filling, no fuss lunches can be fun and easy. Below I’m sharing some simple hacks along with three creative meal ideas for you to start incorporating into your {lunch} menu rotation today.
On the Go Lunch Ideas for Teachers with Kayte Fry
First, here are a few go-to products I use for lunch preparation and storage.
I love these two-compartment containers because they help with portioning, are easy to clean (dishwasher safe), stack/store easily in the cabinet and are relatively inexpensive (I found these at Walmart). They also come in a pack of five—just the right amount needed for make-ahead lunches for an entire work week.
These Igloo re-freezable ice blocks are bees’ knees. They are thin—so won’t take up too much space in a lunchbox—and last all day. I buy them at Dick’s Sporting Goods or you can find them on Amazon. This is a great lunch bag as well!
I also love these mini plastic containers with lids—they come in a pack of ten from the Dollar Tree. I use them for nuts, hummus, salad dressings, other condiments and more. Plus, they fit perfectly in these meal containers.
And now for the good stuff. Here are three quick, easy and nutritious lunches, perfect for busy work days or taking on the go wherever your busy day leads you. These ideas are simple and will keep you full and happy. I’d encourage mapping out what you want to make, trying to line up ingredients (i.e. using a rotisserie chicken to make multiple options), prepping them on a Sunday night, and storing in the fridge so you can grab and go each day of the week.
Charcuterie Snack Lunch (i.e.: Adult Lunchable)
I am here for anything charcuterie! Contents: fontina cheese, uncured peppered salami, garlic hummus with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning, Milton’s Gluten-Free Everything crackers, marcona almonds (love buying these in bulk from Costco), Persian cucumbers (sliced lengthwise), and blueberries. Since this is a snacky lunch add in a Lara bar for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Grilled Chicken, Hummus & Avocado Wrap
This wrap is so flavorful and filling. Spread hummus and smashed avocado onto your favorite tortilla or spinach wrap. Then, top with chicken—rotisserie or pre-made grilled strips for ease—shredded carrots, and butter lettuce. Roll up and cut in half. Serve alongside pita chips, a snack pack of fresh mozzarella, and grapes.
Chicken Salad Salad with Avocado
I live for some good chicken salad. You can find details for my recipe over on @southernfryedbliss, or you can make your favorite (or even purchase it premade from the store). Place a big spoonful (or two) atop of some butter lettuce and serve with fresh strawberries, half of an avocado—with EBTB seasoning on top to add a little flavor—and some olives for a fun touch.
Which of these on the go lunch ideas for teachers are you dying to try? Let me know in a comment below!
