Healthy Lunch Ideas with Wella Bar

K: We so excited to share today's post with you as something a little different from our norm here at One Swainky Couple! With our Back to School segment still going strong, I thought it would be fun to show a little "lunchbox" inspiration for anyone who packs a lunch! I consistently pack my lunch for teaching and while I'm at it, I usually pack Brandon one as well. These four lunches are truly what we bring on a regular basis. Additionally, we've partnered with Wella Bar on this post and cannot recommend their chilled protein bars enough! It's the perfect addition to any lunch and the bars help you last through a long afternoon at work. 

B: I am a recovering peanut butter addict. I have been known to go to town on a jar with a spoon, devouring a half jar in a few short minutes. I realized I needed to cut back long ago, and Katherine has been supportive through the whole process. I have now been converted to almond butter. Katherine makes a pretty mean almond butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread. It's simple, easy to make, somewhat healthy, and it makes me actually want to eat lunch, so technically a win for everyone. To my delight, Wella Bars utilize almond butter in many of their bars. I was so excited to discover this and have been consistently devouring the almond butter bars in my lunchbox. 

K: I'm a huge fan of this one! I love a good wrap and have been making this for years, all the way back to my college days. Here are the steps, laid out simply: 

1. Choose a tortilla wrap (I use these right here: Mission, Garden Spinach Herb Wraps, 15oz Package (Pack of 4)

2. Spread hummus on the tortilla

3. Put a layer of raw spinach leaves down

4. Place sliced bell pepper on top of the spinach

5. Put your turkey slice down on top of the spinach and bell pepper

6. Add cheese if you want it

7. Roll the tortilla into a wrap (see a tutorial video here). Basically, you just roll halfway, tuck the edges in, and continue rolling. 

Throw in some carrot sticks, a whole grain like Wheat Thins, some cherry tomatoes, and lastly, I packed the Cranberry Crunch Wella Bar with this one (it's so good, it tastes like dessert!). 

B: I have always loved pasta. It has been a staple in my life as long as I can remember. Pasta goes with almost anything, and nearly anything can be added to a pasta salad. For instance, when you are looking through the fridge and all you have are some cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and bell peppers, add them to some boiled pasta noodles, and you have a feast. We will make a large amount of pasta on the weekends, and I will eat on it all week long. Katherine says I am the king of leftovers which I lovingly refer to as "scraps." I actually am all about eating what you already have, and I turn down very little in teams of food, so a good pasta salad with mixed and variable ingredients is a perfect dish for me.

K: Brandon actually used to tease me about this lunch. He laughed when he saw me packing a turkey roll for the first time, saying that wouldn't be enough for him. I love creating this type of lunch that functions more as a little "snack pack", rather than a full blown lunch. Keep in mind, you could add more turkey to get more protein; however, I've found that this is generally enough for me as I tend to eat lighter lunches and go for a heavier breakfast. Once again, Wella Bar for the win because their hazelnut cacao bar has 8 grams of protein packed in it!