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DH's lunchbox ideas needed!

28 replies

MadamPomfrey · 20/02/2024 22:23

I make mine and my DH's lunches for work every morning. We have our set tasks in the morning - he gives the kids breakfast and gets them dressed while I get myself ready and make lunches, just to pre-empt the "he should make it himself" comments!

My problem is that he is quite fussy with what I make him, NOT because he doesn't like lots of things, but because of the practicalities of eating it.

So, he has an active, outside job - walking 3 hours a day, and driving in his van for 4 hours a day. There is no lunch break where he can stop and enjoy his food - it is eaten on the go at traffic lights and one handed while driving, as he is always rushing to finish on time to make nursery pick-up. He doesn't like sandwich fillings that can drop out easily e.g. deli fillers from sainsburys I tried for ease, or ham & coleslaw because of it dropping all over his lap.

He would be happy with a ham and cheese sandwich every day and be done with it, but I make us the same lunch for ease and I want some variety! I'm happy to accept that I may have to make us different lunches though.

Also because he has an active job I want him to have more than just one sandwich, but if I put crisps in then it's 50/50 whether he will eat them as they're "not healthy".

Any ideas for lunches incl. relatively healthy extras that can be eaten on the go would be much appreciated! Thank you!

OP posts:
MadamPomfrey · 20/02/2024 22:27

Oh and I meant to say as he has no way to heat anything up, he doesn't like taking leftovers as doesn't like eating them cold!

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 20/02/2024 22:30

Would he eat foods out a food flask?
My dcs use them so they have hot food at lunchtime.
I also make a little tub of fruit for dh and dd and they can snack on them too

TheLadyIsAVamp · 20/02/2024 22:32

This could be me and my other half, he now has cheese and pickle or tuna mayo and sweetcorn sandwiches. He's happy with his boring repetitive lunches. Whereas I have lovely very varied soups, salads, rice and pasta dishes flatbread and pittas etc. It works because I make his onr night and mind the following.

dinmin · 20/02/2024 22:33

Lentil chips or flavoured rice cakes instead of crisps?
pot of crudites, olives, cheese cubes
egg mayo or hummus/cheese/salad leaves in a wrap or sandwich cut into pieces? Or cream cheese - something that will stick the rest together
hard boiled egg he can munch on?

Candleabra · 20/02/2024 22:33

Honestly - I’d give him a ham and cheese sandwich.
It’d be less trouble to do that and make something nice for yourself. There are no economies of scale if a lunchbox requires this much planning due to fussiness.

Nomorecoconutboosts · 20/02/2024 22:35

Would he enjoy something like milk/milkshake/drinking yogurt/smoothie? Easy to drink on the go.
If he enjoys ham and cheese continue with that - and a couple of days make yourself something different?
as an alternative to ham, thick sliced chicken. I cook 2-3 in the air fryer at a time - add some flavour such as lemon and black pepper.
nuts as an alternative to crisps?
prepped fruit or something like a banana that isn’t messy to eat

Mumberblock · 20/02/2024 22:35

Things like samosas, pasties, sausage rolls, stuff in pastry! Can make batches a freeze and get out when needed.

karmakameleon · 20/02/2024 22:36

For the children I use pita bread to stop the sandwich filling falling out. Could that increase your options?

Nomorecoconutboosts · 20/02/2024 22:36

Salad in a box prepped in chunks for ease of eating. chicken, cheese, halved eggs, olives. Packet of crackers etc etc

Ghuunvg · 20/02/2024 22:37

Quiche, pizza, pasties

justanothermanicmonday1 · 20/02/2024 22:37

Wraps or sliced pittas and some fruit that's easy to eat like grapes, raspberries, strawberries etc x

Ducksurprise · 20/02/2024 22:38

Burritos. But with normal fillings, wrapped well (see YouTube) they are the perfect one handed food and can be filled with anything

pizzaHeart · 20/02/2024 22:48

i would go for cheese and ham sandwich and vary types of ham, cheese, bread. It’s what I do at our house as DH and DD both don’t like fillings on a sandwich.
You can also put filling in a container and give him a roll for bread at least for time to time.

AdaColeman · 20/02/2024 23:12

Omelette in a bread roll?
Samosas?
Sausage roll?
Scotch egg?

Snacks...hard boiled eggs, stuffed vine leaves, cubes of cheese, chunky cut salad items radishes cucumber cherry tomatoes.

ApiarySentinel · 20/02/2024 23:33

Wraps with Protein:
Chicken Caesar Wrap: Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla.

Turkey Club Wrap:
Turkey slices, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado wrapped in a flour tortilla.

Veggie Hummus Wrap:
Hummus, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, bell peppers, and mixed greens wrapped in a spinach tortilla.

Pasta Salad:
Whole grain pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese tossed in a vinaigrette dressing.

Quinoa Salad:
Quinoa salad with diced vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, chickpeas or grilled chicken, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

Homemade Protein Bars or Energy Balls:
Oats, nuts, seeds, and a sweetener like honey or dates shaped into bars or balls for easy snacking.

Stuffed Pita Pockets:
Whole wheat pita stuffed with grilled vegetables, falafel or grilled chicken, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce or hummus.

Mason Jar Salads:
Layered mason jars with salad ingredients like leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and grilled chicken with dressing on the side.

Hard-Boiled Eggs with Veggies and Dip:
Hard-boiled eggs paired with baby carrots, celery sticks, sliced bell peppers, and hummus or Greek yogurt-based dip.

Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups:
Turkey breast wrapped around cheese sticks or cucumber spears, paired with cherry tomatoes or grapes.

Trail Mix and Fruit:
Custom trail mix with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips, served with a piece of fresh fruit like an apple or banana.

Greek Yogurt Parfait:
Layers of Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries with optional honey or cinnamon for extra flavor.

@MadamPomfrey Hope these Help

ApiarySentinel · 20/02/2024 23:37

Bean and Cheese Burrito:
Spread refried beans on a tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, add diced onions, and roll it up. You can also add diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or avocado slices for extra flavor.

Turkey and Avocado Burrito:
Layer slices of turkey breast and avocado on a tortilla, sprinkle with a bit of shredded cheese, and roll it up. Add lettuce, tomato, or salsa for additional freshness.

Hummus and Veggie Burrito:
Spread hummus on a tortilla, add thinly sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, shredded carrots, and lettuce. Roll it up and enjoy a refreshing and healthy option.

Peanut Butter and Banana Burrito:
Spread peanut butter on a tortilla, place sliced bananas in the center, drizzle with honey, and roll it up. This sweet and savory option is great for a quick snack or breakfast.

Tuna Salad Burrito:
Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, diced celery, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Spread the tuna salad on a tortilla, add lettuce leaves, and roll it up for a protein-packed meal.

Mediterranean Veggie Burrito:
Fill a tortilla with hummus, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Add a sprinkle of oregano or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Cream Cheese and Turkey Burrito:
Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, layer with slices of turkey breast, and add spinach leaves and sliced bell peppers. Roll it up for a creamy and satisfying option.

Nutella and Banana Burrito:
Spread Nutella on a tortilla, place sliced bananas in the center, and sprinkle with chopped nuts or granola for added crunch. Roll it up for a delicious dessert or snack.

Egg Salad Burrito:
Make egg salad with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and diced pickles. Spread the egg salad on a tortilla, add lettuce leaves, and roll it up for a protein-rich lunch option.

@MadamPomfrey Hope these Burrito's Help

caringcarer · 20/02/2024 23:39

A Scotch Egg
A pepperoni sticks
A banana
Cheese roll in brown bread.
Bag of quavers.

ODFOx · 21/02/2024 00:03

A well rolled wrap can be filled with veggies, lean meats and carbs and won't fall apart if rolled neatly and tightly. He'll be able to eat them as easily as a Yorkie (the only other food that I'm aware that lorry and van drivers hold on one hand while driving). Otherwise, sandwiches with healthy flat fillings seem best; have you considered egg as a binder: so all the healthy veg in a frittata or omelette inside a sandwich so it can't collapse. Possibly along side the cheese or ham. Swap crisps for popcorn and a handful of nuts and grapes.

PotatoFan · 21/02/2024 00:06

Satsumas, unpeeled and separated in advance and he can eat on the go, get the kids ones so no pips

MadamPomfrey · 21/02/2024 19:01

There are so many useful ideas here, thank you all so much!

OP posts:
MadamPomfrey · 21/02/2024 19:02

I had never ever heard of an omelette/frittata as a sandwich filling but that's been suggested a couple of times, what a good idea! I will try all of these suggestions until I have a good amount of options that I can rotate I think!

OP posts:
MadamPomfrey · 21/02/2024 19:03

@ApiarySentinel thank you for putting those lists together, much appreciated!

OP posts:
FawnDrench · 21/02/2024 19:27

Savoury muffins - loads of different options for these.
Soreen / fruit loaf and topping
Cheese scones
Fruit scones
'Healthy" Flapjacks

RedPanda2022 · 21/02/2024 20:46

DH and I similarly divide and conquer different tasks so I usually make his lunch. His job isn’t as active but his days are very long so he needs lunch plus extras. I sometimes do nut butter sandwiches, quick but easy nutrition and gives some variety. We like good quality peanut butter and also cashew butter.
It is the ‘extras’ I struggle with variety for - avoiding too much chocolate/crisps etc - I do

  • dried fruit - just the ones he likes
  • nuts - ditto
  • Scone with jam (much lower fat than many a cake)
  • malt loaf (ditto)
  • Small bars of dark chocolate (I get Lidl ones which are v good value)
  • less healthy but Pepperamis

Large filled wraps can make a nice change.
also some dips with flatbreads - I have just put pots of Houmous/other dip from supermarkets plus flatbreads into a box with few crudités and dh really enjoys the change.

ODFOx · 21/02/2024 22:12

I asked DH ( who eats my lunches every day) and he said to 'let the poor man buy his own garage sandwich and a pork pie'.
.....Which I'm interpreting as I get an extra 10 mins in bed every morning! Whoop!

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