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It’s January, which means fad diets have probably taken over your Instagram feed, if not your office’s Slack convos. And maybe you’re even trying one yourself. From Whole 30 to Paleo, diets are trending, which proves that this month is all about a healthy reset.
That doesn’t mean sticking to a diet is always easy, however. Whether you’re just starting out or have been a vegetarian for years, here are the best lunches to whip up when you have a busy week and are tempting to give up and order delivery. Each of these mouthwatering recipes is a breeze to make and will help you stay on track all month (or year) long.
*V = Vegetarian; *P = Paleo; *W = Whole 30
Mushroom Shawarma * V
This one-pan recipe by Crowded Kitchen comes together in just 30 minutes. (Psst: Skipping meat saves a ton of time.) Mushrooms are the main alternative, but it packs all the traditional seasonings, like smoked paprika, for that fire-roasted flavor.
No-Bean Instant-Pot Chili *P, *W
Food Faith Fitness ditches the beans for a wholesome bowl of tender ground beef and a simmering mix of chili powder, garlic, onion, and roasted tomato. If you want this low-carb recipe to be truly Paleo, just make sure your beef is grass-fed.
The New Caesar Salad *V
Loaded to the brim with fresh produce, such as Tuscan kale, lots of avocados, and sweet cantaloupe, Half Baked Harvest’s twist on this classic lunch dish is far from a standard sports bar salad. The kick is all in the dressing, which is a mix of tahini, almond milk, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and nutritional yeast.
Whole Roasted Cauliflower *W
Cauliflower is all the rage these days, especially when featured in whole roasted form. Minimalist Baker’s rendition features only five ingredients and is served with a refreshing side of chimichurri. Simply omit the maple syrup for a Whole 30–friendly meal.
Superfood Bibimbap With Crispy Tofu *V
Nothing says detox quite like a superfood bowl, and Half Baked Harvest’s version is about as indulgent as they come. Skip out on the grains to make this Korean-inspired dish Whole 30 compliant.
Sweet Potato Waffles *P
Going Paleo doesn’t mean cutting out all your breakfast favorites. A Saucy Kitchen’s take on eggs and waffles is the healthy, low-calorie meal your mornings were missing.
Radicchio and Roasted Delicata Squash Salad With Fried Sage *W
When kale and lettuce can only go so far, switch things up with Brooklyn Supper’s utterly delicious radicchio and roasted squash salad instead. Skip out on the maple syrup in the dressing (you don’t really need it anyway) for a Whole 30–approved take.
Paleo Broccoli Shrimp With Zucchini Noodles *P
Make use of the season’s best ingredients with The Almond Eater’s refreshing take on a zucchini noodle bowl, featuring sautéed shrimp and radishes.
Paleo Cod Lettuce Wraps *P
Taco Tuesday gets a healthy spin with this wholesome take from The Almond Eater. Topped with Cajun seasoning and an avocado dressing, these tacos are about as satisfying as it gets.
This story was originally published on January 6, 2019. It has been updated.
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