Home > Meal plans

30-day meal plan for lunch

Make lunch exciting with the 30-Day Meal Plan for Lunch. This plan provides a variety of delicious and easy-to-prepare lunch options. Enjoy flavorful and satisfying meals that make your midday break something to look forward to.

Get grocery list
meal plan icon
complete meal plan
meal plan icon
FREE SHOPPING LIST
review icon
Article reviewed
people
30-day meal plan for lunch photo cover

Meal plan grocery list

  • Chicken breasts
  • Ground beef
  • Salmon fillets
  • Eggs
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Bell peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Avocados

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Oranges
  • Grapes
  • Brown rice
  • Quinoa
  • Whole wheat pasta
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Black beans
  • Lentils
  • Greek yogurt

  • Cottage cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Lemons
  • Almonds
  • Whole wheat bread

Save this list
Share this list
fact-checked review
Article reviewed

Meal plan overview

Make your midday meals exciting with the 30-Day Meal Plan for Lunch. This plan provides a variety of nutritious and delicious lunch recipes to keep you energized throughout the day. From fresh salads to hearty sandwiches, you'll find plenty of options to enjoy.

Each day offers new lunch ideas that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. This plan makes it simple to enjoy a healthy and satisfying lunch every day.

Foods to eat

  • Whole Grain Wraps: Use them with lean proteins and veggies for a quick, healthy lunch.
  • Salads with Protein: Adding chicken, beans, or tofu to salads can make a filling and nutritious meal.
  • Homemade Soups: Vegetable, chicken, and lentil soups are warming and packed with nutrients.
  • Fresh Vegetables: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes make great lunch sides.
  • Fruit Smoothies: Blend your favorite fruits with yogurt or milk for a refreshing drink.
✅ Tip

Prep salads in mason jars to keep ingredients fresh and avoid soggy greens.

Foods not to eat

  • Fast Food: Burgers, fries, and other fast foods are typically high in calories, fats, and sodium.
  • Sugary Desserts: Avoid cookies, cakes, and other desserts that add unnecessary sugars and fats.
  • Packaged Snack Foods: Many of these are high in unhealthy fats and preservatives.
  • Soft Drinks: These are packed with sugar and can add empty calories to your meal.
  • White Bread: Lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grain options.

Main benefits

Adopting a 30-day meal plan for lunch can improve workplace productivity by ensuring you have nutritious meals that sustain energy levels throughout the day. It eliminates the need for unhealthy takeout, promoting better health. The plan can introduce new flavors and cuisines, making lunchtime more enjoyable. Additionally, it can be tailored to fit specific dietary needs, whether for weight loss, muscle gain, or dietary restrictions.

graph image
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

To keep lunch nutritious and satisfying, consider these substitutions:

  • For a lower-carb option, lettuce wraps can replace whole wheat bread in sandwiches.
  • To boost protein, quinoa can replace brown rice in bowls and salads.
  • For a heart-healthy fat, avocado slices can replace cheddar cheese in sandwiches and salads.
  • To reduce sugar intake, vine-ripened tomatoes can replace balsamic vinegar in salads.
  • For added fiber, chickpeas can replace black beans in salads and wraps.

How to budget on this meal plan

For a 30-day lunch plan, consider making sandwiches or wraps with cost-effective fillings like eggs, beans, or canned tuna. Preparing lunches in bulk at the beginning of the week can save both time and money. Invest in reusable containers and avoid pre-packaged, single-use items. Incorporating soups and salads, which are often inexpensive and easy to make in large quantities, can also help your budget.

Download the grocery list for FREE

  • ✔️ Add and remove items
  • ✔️ Sort items by store aisles
  • ✔️ Share the list with your partner
Get grocery list
phone picture with a shopping list

Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Here are some healthy lunch snacks to keep you energized:

  • Vegetable sticks with hummus
  • Greek yogurt with honey and granola
  • Whole grain crackers with avocado
  • Smoothie made with spinach, banana, and almond milk
  • Hard-boiled eggs with a side of fruit
  • Mixed nuts and seeds
  • Apple slices with almond butter
What should I drink on this meal plan?

For lunch, consider drinking water with a splash of lemon or cucumber, unsweetened iced tea, and a smoothie made with fruits and vegetables for additional nutrients. Herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile can aid digestion, and a glass of milk or fortified plant-based alternatives can provide essential nutrients.

How to get even more nutrients?

For a nutritious lunch, focus on balanced, nutrient-dense meals. Choose lean proteins like grilled chicken, fish, or tofu, seasoned with herbs and spices. Include a variety of colorful vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, and carrots for essential vitamins and minerals. Add whole grains like quinoa or brown rice for fiber and energy. Finish with a serving of fresh fruit or a mixed fruit salad to add natural sweetness and additional nutrients. This approach ensures a well-rounded, nutrient-packed lunch.

Meal plan suggestions

30-day meal plan for lunch

Day 1

  • Lunch: Grilled Chicken Salad with Spinach, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Balsamic Vinegar Dressing

Day 2

  • Lunch: Beef and Black Bean Burrito Bowl with Brown Rice, Bell Peppers, and Avocado Slices

Day 3

  • Lunch: Salmon and Quinoa Salad with Mixed Greens, Carrots, and Lemon-Garlic Dressing

Day 4

  • Lunch: Lentil Soup with Whole Wheat Bread and a Side of Sliced Oranges

Day 5

  • Lunch: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with a Side of Grapes

Day 6

  • Lunch: Pasta Primavera with Broccoli, Bell Peppers, and Mozzarella Cheese

Day 7

  • Lunch: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadilla with Cheddar Cheese, served with a side of Sliced Apples

Repeat this plan 4 times

Download the FREE grocery list for this meal plan

Like this meal plan?

Get grocery list
picture showing a phone with a shopping list

Want to learn more?

⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.