When you don't plan ahead for your workday lunches, it's easy to fall into the routine of snacking on unhealthy vending machine options, or resorting to less-than-optimal fast food choices. While most people aspire to pack their own meals, packing lunch before you head off to work can seem an arduous task. Lighten your workload with these 10 prepare-ahead brown bag lunches. Simply throw everything together the night before work, pack it up in your paper bag of choice, and enjoy a few extra minutes in the morning to prepare for the day ahead.

1. Broccoli-Shrimp Stir Fry 

Cook up a big stir-fry filled with fresh veggies and protein for dinner and enjoy the leftovers all week long. If broccoli isn't your favorite veggie, substitute it with snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or any of your go-to veggie options.

2. Black Bean-Quinoa Salad with Basil-Lemon Dressing  With the most protein of any grain, quinoa is a great ingredient to include in your lunch. Toss this quinoa salad on a bed of greens for extra nutrition.

image via Jan Smith

3. Carrot Fettuccine with Mushrooms and Red Pepper 

Don't let the name fool you, this carrot fettuccine is easy to create and is one of our favorite lunchtime recipes.

image via popsugar.com

4. Avocado Chicken Salad 

With potassium, heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and fiber, avocados are filled to the brim with nutrients. Whip up a batch of this chicken salad for a delicious lunchtime meal.

image via Family Fresh Meals

5. Grilled Veggie and Hummus Wraps  To make this Mediterranean-inspired wrap, we recommend preparing the filling in advance and packing it separately from the rest of your meal. When lunchtime comes around, spread hummus over your wrap, add your toppings, and enjoy!

image via Cooking Light

6.  Smoked Turkey Sandwich with Paprika Mayonnaise 

Upgrade your normal turkey & cheese sandwich with this adult version. By using whole-wheat bread and being generous with your vegetable fillings, a ho-hum meal becomes just a little bit more nutritious.

 

7. Ham Sandwich with Sweet and Tangy Slaw 

If you prefer a ham sandwich to turkey, this recipe is filled with crunchy vegetables and fresh flavors. Pack your bread separately and build your sandwich at work to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

 

8. Chicken Wraps 

Cook up a large batch of chicken and veggies the night before work and pack a few large lettuce leaves in your container. When lunchtime rolls around, heat up your filling and wrap inside the lettuce leaves for a crunchy and satisfying meal.

9. Eggplant Pizza

While pizza should never be standard fair in a health-conscious meal plan, this pizza uses whole-wheat pita pocket rather than pizza dough and is topped with eggplant, tomato, and onions (or you favorite veggie combination). Prep this pizza the night before work and heat it up during your lunch break.

10. Mason Jar Chickpea, Farro and Greens Salad 

If you like to throw everything together in one container and walk out the door, mason jar salads are the way to go. By adding heartier items like grains, chickpeas, and olives, you're more likely to feel satisfied.

image via popsugar.com Lunchtime doesn't need to be a stressful part of your day. Plan ahead to prepare healthy options that will keep you fueled and energized as you knock out the rest of your workday. Be sure to check out our Pinterest page for more of our favorite lunchtime recipes!