Healthy and Filling Lunch Recipes

Goodbye, Afternoon Slump: These Hero Lunch Recipes Will Keep You Full Till Dinner

January 14, 2018 by Tyler Atwood

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We've partnered with Weight Watchers to share lunch recipes that will keep your wellness plan on track. The brand new Weight Watchers Freestyle™ program now includes more than 200 foods that are zero SmartPoints^®, from skinless chicken and turkey breast, to eggs, fish, seafood, beans, tofu, nonfat plain yogurt, and so much more! Now you can count less and enjoy more.

In the midst of prepping a social media-worthy breakfast and a delicious dinner, we often forget the meal that helps us power through the afternoon: lunch! Instead of reaching for a simple salad, try cooking up a vegetable-packed sandwich or a rich stew that helps you stick to your New Year's resolutions without sacrificing flavor. As an added bonus, we enlisted the help of Cookbook author Alison Roman to show us a twist on the classic niçoise salad. From a spicy chicken fajita bowl to a tuna sandwich with a tasty twist, these crave-worthy lunch recipes are rich in flavor, but not in calories thanks to a plethora of zero Points^® ingredients from the new Weight Watchers Freestyle™ program!

Protein-packed lentils and fiber-filled vegetables come together with a splash of citrus in Alison's tasty twist on the classic niçoise salad. Though the meal may taste rich, its healthy dose of zero Points^® foods including lentils, eggs, and tuna, make it a perfectly portioned meal minus the guilt! Find the recipe here.

Rich, buttery, and full of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a healthy source of protein that tastes more decadent than it really is — and it's now zero Points^®! If you're wondering what to whip up for lunch, look no further than this filling recipe. With a combination of shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, and a spicy and sweet sesame-ginger sauce, this dish will serve up restaurant-quality flavor wherever you eat lunch. Turn up the heat with an extra dash of hot sauce, and get the mouthwatering recipe here.

If you're a traditional tuna sandwich-lover, get ready to meet your lunch soulmate. This satisfying sandwich owes its flavor to fresh, zero Points^® tuna, and a tangy blend of lemon, shallot, and parsley, while healthy slices of whole grain bread round out the meal. Find the revamped classic recipe here.

Sandwiches can be an excellent meal option for staying on track with your health goals while satisfying lunchtime cravings with the help of zero Points^® chicken — and this substantial Thai sandwich will kick your meal into high gear! This sandwich is full of flavor and fiber thanks to a blend of lemongrass, lime, ginger, carrots, cucumbers, and basil. Consider slicing your chicken breasts in half to better fit into your sandwich. Learn how to make the tasty recipe here.

Winter is an excellent excuse for indulging in a savory stew, especially when the ingredients will help keep you full and help you stick to your New Year's resolutions! With a hearty blend of zero Points^® chickpeas, spinach, and tomatoes, this recipe gives new meaning to the phrase "comfort food." Dig in, because a heaping bowlful of this stew is only 1 Point^®(in other words, the perfect lunch for a snow day)! If you crave a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Find the enticing recipe here.

If you're looking for ways to spice up your lunch game, a rich and nutrient-dense fajita bowl is the way to go. By combining brown rice, avocado, and a hefty dose of zero Points^® chicken, you can create a mouthwatering, satisfying, and healthy Mexican meal. Discover the delicious recipe here.

If you're in the mood for something spicy, look no further than Alison's delicious soba noodles with zero Points^® chicken. Thanks to a generous helping of chicken, this pasta dish is a classic to keep in your rotation! Find the tasty recipe here.

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Credits: Photographer: Diggy Lloyd; Art Director: Colleen Lennon; Food Stylist: Julia Choi; Production: Sasha Bar-Tur