Quick-Fix Lunches

Need some ideas for preparing speedy yet satisfying meals to bring to the office?

Look no further. Check out these best time-saving tips. They're quick, creative and make saying "no" to those leftover muffins and doughnuts in the boardroom a piece of cake.

Stock up. Buy precut vegetables or prepare your own and store them in the fridge (keep in plastic bags or containers, and add a touch of water to vegetables like carrots and celery to retain crispness). Then you'll have easy, last-minute additions for wraps, salads and sandwiches.
Plan for leftovers. If you're having baked chicken on Monday night, cook a few extra breasts for use in a low-fat chicken salad sandwich Wednesday and a grilled chicken salad on Wednesday night.

Shred away. Already shredded, low-fat cheese adds quick protein to bagged salad mixes and makes homemade pita pizzas a snap to prepare.

Try potluck. Dice up any leftover cooked chicken, meat or fish and cooked or fresh vegetables from dinner to whip up creative "garbage" salads and wraps for lunch during the week.

Keep basics handy. Already cooked rice or pasta stashed in the fridge can be turned into quick, delicious lunches when tossed with cheese, vegetables and your favorite light dressing.