I don’t usually cook lunch for Kevin. Since I usually prep my own breakfast and lunch, often while cooking our dinner, throwing more cooking into the mix just doesn’t seem so appealing. However, I do occasionally make the extra effort.
Prepping lunch for Kevin can be a real challenge. He doesn’t seem to eat all that much at home, but it can take quite a bit to fill him up during the day. Of course, filling a man and filling a man with healthy food are two different ballgames.
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He doesn’t complain about my healthy cooking (More quinoa? Yes please!), so when I do make lunch for him, I try to make something that’s both hearty and healthy. Here are a few meal ideas that have gone over fairly well at my house.
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches – These are made in the slow cooker and taste great. They’re a little high in sodium, so perhaps pair them with a banana for a little sodium-offsetting potassium. You could also go for salsa chicken or slow cooker bbq.
- Meatloaf – Meatloaf sandwiches are great, but so are meatloaf muffins. They’re very portable and are packed with lean protein. Either can be paired with veggies, fruit, or a side soup/salad.
- Pasta – My husband is a pastafarian. If you’re pushed for time, pre-made stuffed pastas are great, but if you have a couple minutes to whip up something a little healthier, try whole wheat penne, a little grated parm, spinach, chickpeas, sauce, and cooked pepper/onion mix. The fiber will keep him full for hours!
- Indian One-Pot Wonders – When I’m cooking only for Kevin, I can add extra heat. He likes it spicy, and I think his co-workers get jealous of the aroma.
- Slow Cooked Beef – Kevin loves BHG’s beef in red wine gravy, but he likes just about any slow cooked beef meal. A couple weeks ago I threw in cubed potatoes, carrots, onion, and lean stew beef with paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and low-sodium beef broth. Hearty, indeed!
As you can see, I have a few recipes up my sleeve, but if you have any other hubby approved healthy lunch ideas, please link up in the comments or send ‘em my way!
October 16, 2012 at 6:50 am
Mmmm all of that sounds delish!!I One of these days I’m going to learn how to cook! I think if I do I can get my fiance to eat more healthy! But, typically he cooks around this house which in turn means not always the healthiest of options.
October 16, 2012 at 8:46 am
I usually just make the 4 servings of recipes and we both take them for lunch the next day. Makes cooking and shopping easier.
October 16, 2012 at 8:53 am
I always hear my mom complaining about trying to cook healthy meals for my dad, so I think I’ll try to drag out the single life as long as I can
These all sound really great, though. Men should be more appreciative!
October 16, 2012 at 9:38 am
These are great ideas! And they all sound amazing to me, so I think I’ll make them for myself
October 16, 2012 at 10:10 am
going to have to try that beef and red wine gravy…
xoxo from Trinidad
October 16, 2012 at 11:17 am
Such a relatable post… Jon (my man friend) is a huge “meat & potatoes” & in addition eats like a 5-year old (think spaghetti-o’s, gummi bears, Hi-C, etc.). I try to do heartier versions of recipes with an option for portion control or lighter tweaks so we can do “His & Hers” dinners!
October 16, 2012 at 11:18 am
I love these suggestions. My man doesn’t cook and he is so hard to cook for because he’s allergic to poultry and fish, but is also picky! Thank you for sharing!
October 16, 2012 at 11:38 am
Great ideas that work for both dinner and leftover lunches! I make a lot of hearty soups like beef and vegetable or beef and barley and those usually keep Lee satisfied and they are one of the only dishes that he doesn’t mind eating as leftovers!
October 16, 2012 at 12:09 pm
I love this. As a single gal, I really have no clue about this but have always been curious. At least I have a starting guide if the perfect man ever comes along
October 16, 2012 at 12:28 pm
That tri-coloured pasta looks yum!
October 16, 2012 at 7:46 pm
I am glad I get to pack my own lunch
I’ve been eating out way too much though. Must stop that for my wallets sake.
October 17, 2012 at 8:25 am
pastafarian – that’s new:)
I am definitely going to have to try out some of these, especially the buffalo chicken!