Lunch should be a bright spot in your day, with good, healthy food and some socializing to fuel you up. That's why we're big fans of the midday dine-together, in which members take turns making meals for the group. You get to eat things you wouldn't cook yourself, plus "it elevates your prep game, since you'll want to make a dish that shines," says Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D.N., the author of The Superfood Swap. These tips will keep things organized.
How to Make a Lunch Club
- Get four of your foodiest buds in on it. You'll have more fun with people who are in sync with your tastes.
- Decide on the ground rules. Should every lunch contain vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains? Are vegetarian dishes OK? Maybe even insist on experimenting with differ- ent cuisines. After all, eating a variety of foods will give you more of the vitamins and minerals you need.
- Create a weekly sign-up sheet. Yes, it really is worth it. You'll prevent reps and other lunch crises.
- Change up your location. An atrium, a park… the experience is half the fun. Sharing a meal makes you happy and relaxed, and can also lead to a leaner, healthier body, research shows.
Lunch Club Meal Ideas
Grain Bowls: Start with cooked farro, quinoa, or brown rice, then add chicken, red pepper, carrots, cucumbers, and sesame seeds. Or try salmon, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Mason Jar Salads: Put the dressing on the bottom and then layer vegetables, grains, and proteins. Try lettuce, chickpeas, tomatoes, black olives, and cheese, or spinach, chicken, quinoa, apples, and celery.
Chili: Make a big pot and divide into portions. Bring separate contain- ers of toppings like chopped scallions, cilantro, shredded cheese, and Greek yogurt. (Your friends will love these 15 healthy chili varieties.)
Soft Tacos: Supply all the fixings-chopped bell pepper, red onion, cabbage, tomatoes, chicken, black beans, cilantro, shredded cheese, salsa, Greek yogurt, and corn tortillas-and let everyone go to town.
