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Quick + Easy Gluten-Free Lunch Ideas

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Occasionally, I will attend a function that requires I bring my own lunch. For most folks this means slapping some meat and cheese between two slices of bread. Being gluten-free makes this more of a challenge. That’s why I’ve put together a method for Quick + Easy Gluten Free Lunch Idea

Follow this simple formula for a quick and easy gluten-free lunch. Whether for yourself or your kids heading back to school, these lunchbox ideas will prepare you for healthy lunches all year long. Grab a bento box and pack up these five components for a nourishing on-the-go meal or even an outdoor picnic. Ideas and recipes including gluten-free, paleo, and dairy-free options.

Follow this simple formula, whether for yourself or kids heading back to school. These lunchbox ideas will prepare you for healthy lunches all year long. Grab a bento box and pack up these five components for a nourishing on-the-go meal or even an outdoor picnic. Ideas and recipes including gluten-free, paleo, and dairy-free options.


The Container:

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Follow this simple formula for a quick and easy gluten-free lunch. Whether for yourself or your kids heading back to school, these lunchbox ideas will prepare you for healthy lunches all year long. Grab a bento box and pack up these five components for a nourishing on-the-go meal or even an outdoor picnic. Ideas and recipes including gluten-free, paleo, and dairy-free options.

First of all you need a container that has three to five different compartments sectioned off. I’ve included containers in a variety of sizes, styles and costs that are suitable for adults and children.

(photo source*)

  1. LunchBots Bento Cinco Container
  2. Bentgo Kids Leakproof Lunchbox
  3. Leakproof Lunchbox with 5 Containers
  4. Smart Planet Collapsible Lunch Box

Getting Started:

There is a reason for the different compartments and it follows a simple bento box formula. Bento box lunches are a common Japanese lunch. Typically, they will have rice, fish, or meat plus a pickled or cooked vegetable all artfully arranged in a sectioned-off container.

For my gluten-free version of this I’ve followed a Paleo idea I found here which includes a simple graphic with ideas. Basically, you will need something from all five of these areas:

Protein + Fruit + Veggie + Good Fat + Prepared Gluten-Free Snack = A Simple, Healthy Gluten-free Lunch.

Below, I’ve broken this down for you and given you ideas for each item. This will simplify your shopping trip and make lunch planning a snap.


Protein Ideas:

Follow this simple formula for a quick and easy gluten-free lunch. Whether for yourself or your kids heading back to school, these lunchbox ideas will prepare you for healthy lunches all year long. Grab a bento box and pack up these five components for a nourishing on-the-go meal or even an outdoor picnic. Ideas and recipes including gluten-free, paleo, and dairy-free options.
  1. Gluten-Free Lunch Meat (be sure to check labels)
  2. Gluten-Free Pepperoni or Pastrami slices
  3. Roasted Chicken Slices (did you know that Whole Food’s Roast Chicken are all GF?)
  4. Paleo Mini Meatballs
  5. Meatloaf Muffins (instead of a loaf pan, use a greased muffin pan or cupcake liners)
  6. No-Mayo Chicken Salad 
  7. Avocado Chicken Salad 
  8. No-Crust Pizza Bites
  9. Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
  10. Natural Beef Jerky or Beef Stick (affiliate)

Fruit Ideas:

This one isn’t too hard. Most of us have a few favorite fruits. Below are a few I love.

Follow this simple formula for a quick and easy gluten-free lunch. Whether for yourself or your kids heading back to school, these lunchbox ideas will prepare you for healthy lunches all year long. Grab a bento box and pack up these five components for a nourishing on-the-go meal or even an outdoor picnic. Ideas and recipes including gluten-free, paleo, and dairy-free options.

Vegetable Ideas:

Choose your favorites here, too. I’ve listed some ideas below, but the sky’s the limit, here.

Follow this simple formula for a quick and easy gluten-free lunch. Whether for yourself or your kids heading back to school, these lunchbox ideas will prepare you for healthy lunches all year long. Grab a bento box and pack up these five components for a nourishing on-the-go meal or even an outdoor picnic. Ideas and recipes including gluten-free, paleo, and dairy-free options.
  • Cucumber Sticks or Slices
  • Baby Carrots
  • Sliced Red Pepper
  • Sugar Snap Peas
  • Celery Sticks

Healthy Fats:

This one usually trips people up some. I’ve listed out a few ideas for healthy fats.

Follow this simple formula for a quick and easy gluten-free lunch. Whether for yourself or your kids heading back to school, these lunchbox ideas will prepare you for healthy lunches all year long. Grab a bento box and pack up these five components for a nourishing on-the-go meal or even an outdoor picnic. Ideas and recipes including gluten-free, paleo, and dairy-free options.

Snack Ideas:

Follow this simple formula for a quick and easy gluten-free lunch. Whether for yourself or your kids heading back to school, these lunchbox ideas will prepare you for healthy lunches all year long. Grab a bento box and pack up these five components for a nourishing on-the-go meal or even an outdoor picnic. Ideas and recipes including gluten-free, paleo, and dairy-free options.

Putting it all together:

A while back, The Paleo Mama put together 40 Days of Gluten-Free Lunches. I’ve included the link for a little inspiration.

Bon appétit!


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