Times are changing and you may find yourself working from home for the time being. My big question as noon approaches, “what’s to eat”?! Even though many lunch outings have been put on pause and shelves are sparse at the store, doesn’t mean that the mid-day meal needs to be cancelled! 
A satisfying lunch not only provides a break from the work grind and fills your belly, but the right choices can help to boost your immunity, too! Check out the easy, immunity-boosting lunch menu I’m making for myself and my husband (who’s working from the kitchen table all week). Most of the base ingredients immunity boosting recipes are staples you can plan ahead and stock in the pantry, freezer or produce bin.
Immunity-Boosting Lunches for Work-at-Home Days
Monday: 
Tuna Avocado Boats: This super easy, lower-carb meal was made last week with canned tuna (the OG pantry staple) and zucchini, but yesterday I only scored yellow summer squash during a chaotic store visit. But, it will work — in times like these, be flexible! Tuna is rightly touted as a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, but it’s also high in zinc, selenium, and protein that are all essential for immune system function. I look for brands that test for mercury levels, like Safe Catch.
Tuesday:
Chuck Wagon Sweet Potatoes: Basically, corn (from frozen bag), can of pinto beans, and salsa mixed together and topped on microwaved sweet potato with a bit of shredded cheese on top. Optional addition of shredded beef or taco meat (I had leftovers in the freezer). Sweet potatoes are chock full of beta carotene (which converts to vitamin A in the body) and assists the immune system in the production of white blood cells, which fight bacteria and viruses. For more work at home meal ideas with sweet potatoes, check out an past post of mine, 25 Tasty Ways to Top a Sweet ‘Tater.
Wednesday: 
Tomato Cauliflower Soup: This paleo and vegan-friendly soup relies on healthy favorites I keep stocked in my pantry and freezer — canned organic diced tomatoes, canned organic coconut milk, frozen organic cauliflower florets and freeze-dried Guacamole Herbs & Spices. It’s super easy to prep in a blender and then heat up, you can have it on the table in 15 minutes and leftovers are great, too! Whoohoo, for this work at home meal, especially on these last few chilly days before spring comes.
Thursday:
Blood Orange & Beet Salad: This colorful salad features blood oranges but regular oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, or any citrus will substitute nicely – the tangy, sweet source of vitamin C is what I’m craving! I’m not saying that vitamin C will prevent or cure any illness, but it does play a role in the making of white blood cells, and thusly is a vital nutrient for a strong immune system. Beets also boast vitamin C, along with folate, potassium, iron and manganese – all important for our wellness. Y’all know I need my protein, and this salad alone needs more – so I’ll pair it with a serving of Greek yogurt.
Friday:
Turmeric Egg-Quinoa Salad: Maybe it sounds weird, but adding cooked quinoa to egg salad gives it a little extra “oomph” in texture and nutrition. Plus adding ground turmeric helps to keep inflammation under control and boost immune cell activity. Season this salad with black pepper, as it helps to improve turmeric’s bio-availability. Serve this work at home meal on a green salad, a bagel or in a wrap of lettuce.
Below are healthy living finds I’m relying on (including my sense of humor) during this unprecedented, unusual time of “social distancing.”
I always have a stash these easy-peasy Savory Garlic and Mushroom QCups from Ellyndale (Now Foods) in the pantry — it’s quick-cook quinoa in a cup! Also available in an unflavored variety, I love both — in 5 minutes I can have a portable meal that also is well-suited to mixing in any extra leftovers, nuts or other toppings I might have. For example, a few leftover bits of steak chopped up and mixed and topping with blue cheese in is AMAZING!
Daily Harvest: When it’s time to eat, but I can’t find time to cook (or am not in the mood) or don’t wanting to eat out because I’m in my PJs already or am “socially distancing” due to the current situation, I rely on one of my proven easy and delicious, clean-eating friends – Daily Harvest.
Farm-frozen, one-step-prep food delivered to your door. From smoothies to oat bowls to soup and harvest bowls, their meals can be made in minutes and can help you stay committed to your healthy eating goals. Items are available to suit most diet types like vegan, gluten-free, Whole30, and Paleo. Use my Daily Harvest coupon code to save $25 — At checkout, use: thefitfork
Look HUMAN always makes me laugh, even on days when nothing seems to be going as I think it should, lol. I’ve rounded up a few items that are looking at the light side of our current Covid-19 situation without dismissing the importance of staying safe. Thousands of other quotes and quips available at LookHUMAN and pretty much everything is available in tee, tank, hoodie, coffee mug, tote and more. Here are the links to the shirts shown:
Rosehip & Almond, Protecting Shea Hand and Cuticle Cream: So much proactive hand washing and anti-bacterial “gelling” these days has my skin and cuticles very dry and in need of repair. The skin under my nails is even “shredding,” once that starts it’s always been hard for me to get the damage to stop. But, this pleasant-smelling cream (from Derma-e a “clean” beauty company that is cruelty-free, vegan, non-GMO and earth-friendly) provides the restorative moisturizing benefits I need – plus works to keep the dryness from happening in the first place.
What are your favorite foods for a better immune system? What social distancing food are you stocking up on?
Pin these lunch foods for a better immune system ideas for later later: 