lunch

Up to 10hrs/week training

Pasta Lentil Bolognese

Bolognese is a rich ragu that simmers for hours, coaxing flavor from aromatic vegetables. Plant-based, lentil bolognese honors its roots with steady (thankfully quicker!) preparation that gets its rich flavor from caramelized vegetables. Lean Endurance take;

  • Soluble fiber is a powerful natural appetite suppressant, helpful in leaning out and reducing total daily calories when needed.

  • The scrub-brush effect of fiber helps clean out bacteria and other buildup in your intestines, and reduces your risk for colon cancer.

  • Fiber helps keep you regular. A high-fiber diet helps you have soft, regular bowel movements, reducing constipation.

  • Studies have found that eating soluble fiber reduces the levels of hunger hormones produced by the body

  • Pasta is an important part of the athlete's diet. While the body burns fat and protein, it must first convert them into carbohydrates, making the body work harder. Whole grain pasta typically contains less sugar than white pasta, which can also help athletic performance.

Up to 10hrs/week training

Avocado and Egg Lunch Tacos

Tacos are a crowd favorite, no matter the time of day. This balanced meal gives you enough carbohydrates to fuel your energy in the morning, plus lots of fiber and protein to keep you full longer. It’s also easy to double or triple this recipe if you are needing calories and are hungry! Lean Endurance take;

  • Benefits of a High Fiber Breakfast. ... Fiber helps the body stay fuller longer and helps to control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

  • In addition, eating a high fiber diet is a useful tool for weight-loss because fiber expands in the stomach helping the body feel full and an individual to eat less throughout the day.

  • Its a great food combination that sets up your active lifestyle and or training.

Up to 5hrs/week training

Chickpea and Cauliflower Curry

Bright and beautiful curried veggies look even better when you serve them with orange-hued sweet potatoes instead of the usual rice. Sweet potatoes are full of fiber and colorful antioxidants, and they’re the quintessential autumn veggie. Lean endurance take;

  • Combined with regular exercise, viscous fiber can reduce your rate of fat deposition and absorption in your body

  • Dietary fiber consumption after a workout may not be the best, since it could lead to stomach cramping and bloating and slows down the rate of nutrient absorption. Your body demands nutrients and fuel to replenish your cells with energy, repair damaged tissues and cool your body temperature after an intense workout.

  • Other options are better if you have just completed a workout; Consume a meal high in carbohydrates and proteins as soon as you can -- within 45-120 minutes -- after your workout.

  • The best sources of viscous fiber are from legumes and oats, while non-viscous fiber sources can be obtained from whole-wheat bread and pasta, fruits and leafy vegetables.

  • Men can consume between 16 to 18 grams of fiber and women consume 12 to 14 grams per day.

Up to 5hrs/week training

Quick Black Bean Chili Over Lime Couscous

Looking for a high-protein meal? Look no further than this recipe, which gives you 20 grams of vegetarian protein per serving, plus tons of fiber to keep you full. Contrary to popular belief, chili doesn’t need to simmer for hours to deliver great flavor. This plant-based black bean chili takes a quick sauté and it’s ready to ladle over the lime-sparked couscous, making a great packable lunch or easy dinner. Lean Endurance take;

  • Beans and legumes have a number of health benefits, including reducing cholesterol, decreasing blood sugar levels and increasing healthy gut bacteria.

  • Beans and legumes are the fruits or seeds of a family of plants called Fabaceae. They are commonly eaten around the world and are a rich source of fiber and B vitamins.

  • They are also a great replacement for meat as a source of vegetarian protein.

  • Legumes are edible seeds or pods — such as black beans, chickpeas, peas, and even peanuts — that grow from certain plants. They make a good exchange for red meat because they contain many of the same nutrients, but fewer of the drawbacks. Too much red meat in the diet has been linked to numerous harmful health effects.

Up to 5hrs/week training

Cold Chicken Soba Noodle Bowls With Ginger-Carrot Dressing

Move over ramen, there’s a healthier Japanese noodle on our radar. This Japanese-inspired noodle bowl is packed with protein thanks to rotisserie chicken, edamame and soba — nutty-tasting buckwheat noodles. Lean endurance take;

  • The noodles are gluten-free, contain 6–8 grams of protein per 2-ounce serving and 3 grams of fiber, which helps slow the speed at which carbohydrates are digested, so you’ll eat less and feel full longer. Buy 100% buckwheat flour noodles for the healthiest result and best flavor.

  • Miso is another functional food in this dish — it is both a prebiotic and a probiotic, which helps the healthy bacteria in your gut.

Up to 5hrs/week training

High-Protein Chicken Salad

If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast, make this high-protein chicken salad as an easy lunch option. Lean shredded chicken is combined with creamy yogurt, crispy apples and sweet grapes for a tasty, tangy combo. Serve between 100% whole grain bread and you have a satisfying, packable lunch. If you’d rather go low-carb, you can sub in a side salad instead of the bread. Lean endurance take;

  • Greek yogurt is a great substitution for mayo which is high in saturated fat.

  • Examples of foods with saturated fat are:

    • fatty beef,

    • lamb,

    • pork,

    • poultry with skin,

    • beef fat (tallow),

    • lard and cream,

    • butter,

    • cheese and

    • other dairy products made from whole or reduced-fat (2 percent) milk.

-5hrs/wk training, Up to 5hrs/week training

Roasted Cauliflower Salad + Fruit bowl

This Roasted Cauliflower Salad is nutritious and filling! It works great as a light lunch or dinner. You get a healthy serving of spinach (one of our favorite superfoods) while the lentil sneaks in some protein and added flavor. Added with fruit for a higher energy (workout) day and you are rolling along. Lean Endurance program tips;

  • High in fiber to help your body work to burn more calories

  • Filling, to keep you sustained longer.

  • Healthy, loaded with fruits and veggies.

  • May not be the best choice however before a workout of any intensive nature.

Up to 10hrs/week training

Asparagus Pea Pasta Bowl

Enjoy a refreshing pasta salad bowl for lunch that’s loaded with tender asparagus and peas. This pasta bowl has kicked-up flavor from a combination of lemon, feta and dill. For a vegan-friendly version, substitute the butter with olive oil, and omit the feta cheese. Reasons to time and chose this lean endurance meal;

  • Loaded with green goodness and high fiber. Greens with vitamins and minerals and fiber for fullness.

  • Perfect for lunch if you are doing a late day workout or are replenishing from a lightly carb depleting session in the morning.

  • Go lean! Use sparingly any oils or butters

  • Use whole wheat bowtie’s for even greater meal calorie burning breakdown from digestion.

Up to 10hrs/week training

Strawberry Salad Wrap

Sweet strawberries, crisp cucumbers and romaine lettuce come together in this strawberry salad wrap for an easy, grab-and-go meal ready in 10 minutes! For a protein boost, try adding diced chicken breast, sliced boiled egg and/or black beans.

  • Perfect for a lighter lunch on less intensive training days.

  • Add a protein such as salmon, chicken, egg, or black beans to satiate.

  • High in fiber for extra caloric daily energy burn.

  • Balanced in total macro nutrients.

Up to 10hrs/week training

Tomato-Mozzarella Lunch Bruschetta

You’ll relish this lunchworthy bruschetta featuring fresh tomatoes, creamy avocado and tangy balsamic over crispy baguette. This vegetarian friendly recipe is super satisfying because it’s chock-full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil and avocado!

-5hrs/wk training, Up to 5hrs/week training

Grilled Green Bean Salad With Szechuan Dressing

Serves: 4 | Serving size: 3/4 cup (75g) beans, 1 1/2 tablespoons sauce

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 177; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 3mg; Sodium: 276mg; Carbohydrate: 14g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 6g

-5hrs/wk training, Up to 5hrs/week training, Up to 10hrs/week training

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos

Nutrition Information

Serves: 4  |  Serving Size: 2 tacos with avocado (no additional toppings)

Per serving: Calories: 436; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 127mg; Carbohydrate: 71g; Dietary Fiber: 17g; Sugar: 13g; Protein: 15gNutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1196mg; Vitamin C: 53%; Iron: 25%; Calcium: 10%