Alex Shea is a freelance sex and relationships writer based in Texas. She studied Life Sciences at San Jacinto College and has a journalism certificate from the University of Michigan.
Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, MS, RD is a registered dietitian, chef, and writer with a love of science and passion for helping people create life-long healthy habits. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Fordham University, a Grand Diplôme in Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute, and master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University.
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May 22, 2023
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One thing I’ve learned from splitting my schedule between working six-hour stints at a bookstore and working from home: You can’t make it through the day on caffeine and a to-do list forever. Eventually, you have to take time to nourish your body with the right foods.
To get a sense of what those are, we spoke with mindful eating expert Gisela Bouvier, R.N., about what to add to your midday meal so it keeps you full (and not tired) for hours.
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How to build a satisfying lunch
Here’s the deal: Your body needs to consume quantities of three macronutrients1 in order to function properly: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Carbohydrates help the body convert and store energy. Fiber is a type of carb that’s special in that the body doesn’t digest it. Because fiber doesn’t break down into glucose like most carbs, it keeps you fuller for longer. There are a variety of foods that contain fiber, and fiber supplements can also be helpful for keeping you fueled and satiated. (Here are a few that nutrition experts highly recommend.)
Proteins help the body repair cells and create new ones. Because they’re complex molecules by nature, proteins take the body a little longer to digest so they also keep you fuller for longer (not as long as fiber or fats but longer than your average carbs).
Finally, fats help the body absorb micronutrients, store energy, and assist in other functions. Their role as a sidekick to the other macronutrients makes them an essential part of your diet.
“In order to make any meal truly balanced, it’s recommended to include all three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats,” Bouvier explains. And depending on your health goals and stage in life, your body will need a particular combination of these macros throughout the day to keep you in tiptop shape.
Including all three macros may not be doable for every meal, but there are plenty of hours (and meals) in a day to get all of the nutrients you need. Remember that when you design your lunches. It may be easier on some days to make or have a well-rounded meal; others not so much. Snacking in the middle of the day can also help keep you satisfied if you include some nutritious heavy hitters.
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Ingredients to add
Here are the foods Bouvier recommends adding to your lunch to help round out its nutritional profile and make it more satisfying. Keep in mind that these foods often contain more than one macronutrient as well as a host of vitamins and minerals. For example, nuts are an excellent plant-based protein as well as a good source of fat!
Fibrous carbohydrates:
Whole grain or whole wheat bread
Bean-based pasta
Pulses (aka edible seeds of legumes: beans, lentils, peas)
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The takeaway
It’s easy to get swept up in the day and believe you don’t have the time for a nutritious lunch, but even a little something can make a huge difference in how you move through your afternoon. Do your best and give yourself grace as you aim to work some fibrous carbs, proteins, and fats into your next lunch. Bonus points if you eat it away from your computer.
