Achieving a productive work life is all about balance! In addition to staying active and drinking plenty of water, eating nutritious meals throughout the day will help you beat the dreaded midday slump. If you have a busy schedule, consider whipping up an easy recipe after work that makes great lunch leftovers for the rest of the week. Not only is it filling, pasta is an easy meal to store and tastes great heated up or cold. To really free up your schedule, consider cooking up a large batch of noodles and use it as the base for a variety of pasta dishes.
When meetings and deadlines start to add up, you need as much time as possible to stay active. Packing leftovers removes the need for lunch prep, so you can spend your mornings going for a run or a bike ride. If you’re pressed for time during the lunch hour, fill up on a healthy pasta and use KINETIC at lunch for a group exercise class, like Fitness on Demand or yoga. You’ll work up a sweat and get that much-needed energy boost to make it through the day.
During the busy workweek, there is always temptation to reach for quick energy fixes like sweets or coffee, but packing a lunch ensures that nutritious options are always on the menu. In fact, studies have linked moderate pasta consumption to a lower body mass index. From tomatoes and spinach to chicken and seafood, there’s no end to the toppings when it comes to pasta recipes. This variety keeps lunchtime exciting and will help curb cravings for less-than-healthy indulgences.
If you’re in the market for simple dishes that will keep you satisfied during a busy workweek, check out our go-to, healthy pasta recipes!
1. Summer Eggplant Pasta with Red Pepper and Tomato is a perfect example of a simple and delicious dish that can be prepared in a snap. This recipe incorporates whole wheat pasta and plenty of fresh veggies, so you can keep lunchtime light, healthy and flavorful. In this recipe, there is sautéed eggplant, Kalamata olives and bell peppers into the mix, but kale, spinach and capers make excellent substitutes. Just be sure to add lots of lemon juice to give your pasta a bright and zesty finish.
2. It doesn’t get much easier than throwing all of your ingredients into one skillet! Bon Appetit’s recipe for Rigatoni With Brussels Sprouts, Parmesan, Lemon and Leek is a healthy, vegetable-based dish that is easy to prepare. Start with sautéing your Brussels sprouts, leeks, and garlic, into a skillet with some olive oil and top with lemon zest for flavor. Then cook the rigatoni in a large pot until al dente. To finish things up, combine the pasta with your vegetables and let it simmer for three minutes.
3. For a dish that is both comforting and good for you, try this Roasted Vegetable Pasta. Rich in flavor, this lively spin on a classic puts bold flavors in the spotlight with roasted asparagus and zucchini. Simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, fresh basil leaves take this pasta to the next level.
When you’re on-the-go, the last thing you want to think about is meal prep! Perfect for maintaining that coveted work-life balance, a healthy pasta lunch will keep you satisfied while making room in your schedule for an energizing workout. Now, grab some parmesan, pull up a chair, and, remember, there’s always time to work smart and live well!
