Banting diet: Easy lunch box ideas for everyone

Note: Before adopting a lifestyle change, always consult with a medical professional, especially if the change is drastic and you have any underlying conditions. These lunch ideas are for those who know that the banting diet is safe for them.

Lunch boxes have changed a lot over the last few years. Gone are the days of the two-compartment disaster that, more often than not, lost its lid in your school bag.

From cute containers that can be separated to keep things fresh to jars becoming a popular receptacle for everything salads to smoothies, a pack up lunch no longer needs to be boring.

But, if you’re out of ideas, we’re here to help with some easy-to-prep low-carb friendly lunch ideas.

Basil mayo lettuce wrap

Using lettuce instead of bread is a popular option for many who follow the Banting diet. The options vary, but this recipe from Iowa Girl Eats uses bacon and turkey as its source of protein.

You can also try chicken instead of turkey or drop the bacon if you don’t eat pork. The avo is important (remember the lemon juice so it doesn’t go black) as it’s the source of “good fat” to help sustain you for longer.

Banting friendly ‘sosaties’

Everything is better on a stick. While these are a far cry from your usual braai sosatie, sticking your favourite bits and pieces on a stick is simple and opens up a wealth of options.

Whether you want some nicely cubed mozzarella with bits of cold meat or something a bit more veggie friendly like avo, feta and butternut (just watch the carbs in this one), you can let your imagination run wild.

Sometimes also called “roll ups”, these morsels are easy to eat on the go and won’t go all over the place. Just ditch the bread in the picture… unless it’s your homemade low-carb version, of ourse.

Frittata

An old favourite of banters is the quiche without a crust… you know, a frittata. Like with the sostaties, this option comes in many different shapes and forms.

Zucchini and feta, chicken and bacon, cheese and tomato… whatever you desire, it’s yours.

Cucumber ‘sushi’

If you like cucumber, this is a treat. Hollow out a cucumber and fill it with whatever goodies you like.

Cheese, meat, veggies… whatever. The easiest way to clear the inside is to cut the cucumber into portions and use the front end of a peeler to get the middle cleared out. Don’t waste that juice, though. Whizz it up in a blender with some mint and low-carb friendly fruit and ginger for a refreshing drink.

For some inspiration on how to make this, check out this recipe.

Pack a picnic

Engage your padkos desires and load up the lunchbox with banting friendly tapas.

From little frikkadels with a tzatziki dip to cheesy banting ‘pops’ or crisps and nuts, if your lunch box is made up out of well defined compartments, get the nibbles prepped on Sunday and have lunch sorted all week.

Broth

Winter’s coming and if you invest in a good thermos flask, you can perk up your banting lunch box treats with a glug of the good stuff without worrying that it’ll have turned to cold jelly by the time you’re ready for your break.