Easy Work Lunches You’ll Actually Look Forward To

Let’s be real—packing a lunch for yourself can feel like just one more thing on the never-ending to-do list. But moms deserve a good lunch too! With the right ingredients on hand and a solid glass bento box, you can throw together a balanced, delicious meal in minutes. No sad desk lunches here!

Why I Love Glass Meal Prep Containers

If you haven’t jumped on the glass container train yet, here’s why they’re a game-changer:
✔ Keep food fresh without weird smells or stains
✔ Let you see exactly what’s packed (no surprises)
✔ Are microwave-safe if you need to heat something up

The Struggle of Packing (and Eating) Lunch as a Teacher

Back when I was an elementary school teacher, lunch was basically a 15-minute race against the clock. I barely had time to sit down, let alone enjoy a meal.

That’s when I started packing simple, no-fuss lunches in a bento box—something I could grab in seconds, eat quickly, and actually enjoy. Even now, I still rely on the same go-to combos to keep lunch easy and stress-free.

Lunch #1: The No-Cook Protein Box

This one is my go-to when I need something quick, balanced, and packed with protein. No cooking required!

🥚 Protein: Hardboiled eggs + a meat stick
🥕 Veggies: Cucumber slices or bell pepper strips
🍎 Fruit: Grapes or apple slices
🥑 Extras: Hummus or guacamole for dipping
🍪 Carbs: Simple Mills crackers (or whatever you love)

How to Make It Super Easy:

Hardboil eggs ahead of time (I like to do a batch while I’m already in the kitchen).
Wash and cut your veggies when you bring them home so they’re ready to grab.
Portion out crackers into little snack bags to make mornings even easier.

Lunch #2: Roasted Sweet Potato & Turkey Box

This one is perfect if you want something a little heartier but still super simple.

🍗 Protein: Sliced turkey (or rotisserie chicken)
🍠 Carbs: Roasted sweet potatoes (make extra at dinner!)
🥬 Veggies: Cut cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, etc
🥜 Extras: A handful of nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for flavor

*Pictured: hardboiled eggs, meat stick, simple mills crackers, sliced cucumbers, blueberries, almond butter date with pumpkin seeds. Simple and satisfying :)*

Make It Easy:

Roast a tray of sweet potatoes while making dinner and save a few for lunch, or roast whole sweet potatoes
Use pre-sliced deli turkey for zero extra effort.
Store washed fruit and veggies in clear containers so you can see what’s ready to use.

Quick Tips for Stress-Free Lunches

✅ Prep little things ahead of time. You don’t have to meal prep full lunches—just having washed veggies or cooked eggs ready makes all the difference.
✅ Think mix-and-match. If you have proteins, carbs, and veggies prepped, it’s easy to throw something together.
✅ Use a glass bento box. It keeps everything fresh and makes your lunch feel way more fun.

Packing a good lunch doesn’t have to be complicated! Just keep it simple, have a few staples ready, and give yourself something to actually look forward to eating.

What’s your go-to work lunch?

Easy Lunches You’ll Look Forward To