We’ve all been there: it’s 12:30 p.m., your stomach is growling, and you open your lunch container only to find yet another soggy sandwich or sad salad. Desk lunches have a bad reputation — but they don’t have to! With a few simple upgrades (and some help from Jow), you can turn your weekday lunch into a highlight of your day. Here’s how to make it happen.
Improve Your Sandwich and Salad Game
Sandwiches and salads are lunch classics for a reason — they’re fast, portable, and endlessly adaptable. But if yours are feeling uninspired, it’s time to level up. Try swapping your usual ham and cheese for a Chipotle Turkey Avocado Sandwich, or mix things up with a Chickpea Salad Sandwich or Zucchini, Avocado & Sun-Dried Tomato Sandwich (both delicious and plant-based). Even a Classic Club Sandwich can feel exciting with crisp lettuce and smoky bacon.
As for salads, don’t settle for a pile of greens. A Lentil & Chickpea Salad is hearty and satisfying, while a Balsamic-Glazed Chicken Salad has a tangy sweetness you’ll love. Craving crunch? Try Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken & Salad or Tasty Taco Salad loaded with spiced ground beef, avocado, and salsa.
Pack Something Fresh
Your main dish is important, but fresh touches make your lunch feel like a meal, not just fuel. Add fresh fruit, crunchy veggies, or a little pot of hummus to your Jow order to round out your lunch. When you shop with Jow, it’s easy to browse your favorite snacks and ingredients and add them right to your cart along with your weekly meal plan.
Invest in High-Quality Reusable Containers
Upgrading your lunch starts with how you pack it. Choose reusable containers that keep hot things hot, crisp things crisp, and sauces where they belong (not leaking in your bag). Stackable bento boxes, insulated thermoses, and jars with separate compartments can make a big difference. Plus, they're better for the environment and a pleasure to use — an everyday luxury that makes your lunch feel more special.
Get Creative
There’s more to lunch than just sandwiches and salads. Grain bowls are a perfect make-ahead option that reheat beautifully and feel exciting to eat. Think: a Fish Taco Bowl with rice, cabbage slaw, and spicy mayo, a Harvest Grain Bowl with Chicken, or a Sweet Potato Falafel Bowl with Quinoa. Room-temperature noodle dishes are also a great option, like a Creamy Tahini Soba Bowl or a Ramen Noodle Salad with Chicken. Use Jow to explore new recipes that match your mood, dietary needs, and schedule!
Don’t Forget the Extras
A good lunch should feel complete, and that means adding a little joy: a piece of dark chocolate, a crunchy snack, or a fizzy drink. These small extras can give your lunch a lift and help you power through the afternoon.
Take Your Time
Lastly, take a cue from the French — lunch isn’t just something to check off your to-do list. Step away from your screen, find a sunny spot if you can, and enjoy what you’ve packed. Even 20 minutes of mindful eating can help you recharge.
Lunch is a daily ritual — why not make it a good one? Shop with Jow today to get started!
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