3 Healthy Lunch Recipes

New year new you right? One of my new years resolutions was to start eating healthier and on a more consistent schedule. I am constantly on the go with school and afterschool activities so finding time to be healthy can come as a challenge, but here are a few of my favorite healthy lunch recipes!

1. California Chicken Avocado Bowl

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Recipe

• Chicken
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders, cubed if using skewers, leave whole if not
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (may sub 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (may sub 1 tablespoon dried)
• The Rice + Veggies + Avocado
• 1 1/2 cups jasmine or basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• 2 red pepper, cut into fourths
• 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt + pepper
• 2 avocados, mashed very well
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
• salt + pepper, to taste
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled (optional)

2. Lunch "Box"

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This isn't really a recipe per say but it's a quick and easy lunch idea, especially when packing for work/school! 

Sandwich

My personal favorite sandwich is a BLT, it's super easy and delicious too! 

• 1 tomato
• 2 slices of bacon
• 2 pieces of lettuce
• mayo
• mustard (optional)

Sides

 Here are some good lunch "side" ideas that are some of my favorites!

• Pretzels
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Avocado
• Pita Chips
• Hummus

3. Paleo Pita Pockets

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I have recently gone paleo in a effort to eat a little healthier and give myself some guidelines, I have to admit that i'm not "full" paleo because I do still eat red meats, but basically I just try to stay away from inflammatories like processed foods and rich sauces/dressings.

Recipe

• ½ pound shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
• 2 avocados, hollowed and cut into small pieces
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon cilantro, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 6-8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 4 slices of thin baby Swiss cheese
• Juice from half a lemon
• 4 whole wheat pita pockets
• 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

1. Cut 1 piece of Swiss cheese into each pita pocket.
2. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt and garlic salt. Set aside.
3. In a medium size bowl, combine avocado, tomatoes, lemon juice, and half of the Cilanto. Set aside. In a skillet, brown the cooked chicken with the olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. While cooking, sprinkle with half of the cilantro.
4. Take off of heat and add ¼ of the chicken to each pita.
5. Top the chicken with a drizzle of the yogurt mixture followed by a large spoonful of the avocado mixture, all within the pita pocket. Can be served cold, or grilled on a sandwich maker/foreman grill for 2 minutes to serve warm.

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Can you tell i'm a little obsessed with avocado? Do ya'll have a lunch favorite? Let me know in the comments!