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It is a familiar feeling at work when lunch is done, but you again start to look for something to munch on by four, realising the lunch did not do its job. Although it looked like a box full of meals, it did not actually fill you. That is not because you ate less, but because what you packed did not keep you full for long enough.
A good lunchbox should keep you full without feeling bloated throughout the day. It should not make you feel lazy by mid-noon or leave you looking at the watch till evening chai. The right mix of grains, protein, and fibre works like a slow-burning energy, releasing energy slowly while you stay attentive and feeling comfortably full.
These lunchbox ideas will keep you if you have a long day at work, long meetings or classes till late. They are easy to pack, simple to eat, and fulfilling enough to keep the hunger away until dinner time.
Stuffed Paratha With Curd
This is the kind of lunch that will keep you full without feeling too heavy. Whole wheat paratha gives you energy, whereas paneer adds to the protein that digests slowly and keeps hunger pangs away. The vegetables give fibre, so you do not feel too heavy or tired later while working. It remains moist and tastes more satisfying when paired with a bowl of curd. It’s filling without being too oily, which means no mid-afternoon cravings or sudden hunger pangs or crashes at your desk or in class.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Lemon Rice
Lemon rice is not just satisfying, but it’s smart lunchbox food. Rice gives constant energy, peanuts add to the healthy fats and protein, and vegetables help in slowing down digestion. The mild tang that it gets from lemon keeps the dish light, so you do not feel too heavy after eating. Peanuts do most of the work of keeping you full, letting you stay satisfied till evening without having an urge of snacking again at tea break. The best part is that it tastes good even at room temperature, making it ideal for long days.
Chickpea Veggie Salad
This meal option for lunchbox may look light, but it keeps you full for longer than you can think. Chickpeas are filled with protein and fibre, and they digest slowly and keep you full for longer. To make it more delightful, add chopped vegetables for crunch and volume, and a basic lemon-olive oil dressing to make it enjoyable. Unlike other leafy salads that leave you hungry soon after, this one feels like a complete meal.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Curd Rice
Curd rice is light, calming, and extremely filling. The combination of rice and curd delivers carbs and protein together, which helps keep the energy level constant. To make it more fibrous, pair the salad of carrots and cucumber with it, whereas the tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves improves digestion. It’s light on the stomach, so you don’t feel bloated or tired afterwards. It is the kind of lunch that keeps hunger away, without making you look for snacks an hour later.
Moong Dal Chilla Rolls
Moong dal chillas are filled with protein and are light, making them ideal for lunchboxes. Stuff the saute vegetables with a little mint chutney, it feels like a proper meal, not a settlement. Protein keeps you full for a longer duration, whereas the soft texture makes it easy to eat anywhere. These rolls do not break, do not turn soggy, and feel enjoyable even if kept at room temperature. They are particularly great if you want something fulfilling but without feeling heavy or sleepy later.
(Image credit: Freepik)
