14 Easy High-Protein Lunch Ideas For Athletes

Our high-protein breakfast blog post was such a hit that my team and I gathered a few of our favorite high-protein lunch ideas to keep you well-fueled for your day-to-day activities and training. Whether you need 15 grams of protein for a light meal or 30 grams of protein for a post-workout recovery lunch, we’ve got you covered.

Why Protein Matters for Lunch

Meeting protein goals is a common challenge that most athletes face. Endurance athletes, including runners, triathletes, and cyclists, have increased protein needs due to the physiological demands of training. It can be daunting to meet these needs at each meal, particularly without planning and prepping ahead. While it may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.

Protein is crucial for muscle repair, recovery, and overall performance. It helps repair microscopic muscle tears that happen during exercise, aiding in faster recovery and reduced soreness. Eating enough protein at lunch can improve brain function and keep your energy up. This helps avoid the afternoon slump that often happens from changing blood sugar levels.

Additionally, a high-protein lunch helps regulate appetite by increasing satiety. When you include protein-rich foods in your midday meal, you’re more likely to feel full for longer periods, reducing cravings for unhealthy snacks later in the day. This is particularly beneficial for those with weight management or body composition goals.

For endurance athletes, consuming 20-30 grams of protein per meal is optimal for fueling performance and supporting muscle adaptation. Mixing protein with healthy carbs and fats gives you steady energy. This helps you stay productive and energized all day.

We want your sports nutrition goals to be fun and flexible. Fortunately, we have many easy high-protein lunch ideas that can be planned and prepped in less than 10 minutes.

Routine Matters

Whether you work out in the morning or later in the day, lunch is a critical meal. A healthy lunch helps you recover after your morning workout. It also gives you energy for a workout later in the day.

Skipping lunch can lead to an afternoon slump, leaving you fatigued, sluggish, and prone to overeating later. To maintain stable energy levels, reduce cravings, and keep you full, aim for 20-30 grams of protein per meal. This ensures you’re fueling properly to sustain performance and endurance.

FREE Athlete Grocery Shopping Guide

Struggling to get the right foods in your grocery cart? Use this link to get my FREE Athlete Grocery Shopping Guide. It has a full list of foods to buy and tips on how to choose the right items.

High-Protein Lunch Planning and Prep

Before diving into meal ideas, clean out your pantry and reference our meal prep guide. For a well-balanced meal, include protein, carbs, healthy fats, and fiber (fruits and/or veggies). Here are some staple ingredients to keep on hand:

Protein, of course:

• Greek yogurt and cottage cheese
• Poultry: rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, nitrate/nitrite-free deli turkey, turkey bacon, sausage
• Tuna or salmon (canned or packet)
• Plant-based proteins: tofu, tempeh, seitan
• Eggs and liquid egg whites
• Beans and lentils (canned work great!)
• Protein bars and powders

Carbs, our favorite:

• Whole-grain bread, bagels, English muffins, pita bread, tortillas
• Whole-grain crackers
• Brown or white rice, quinoa, barley (microwavable options available!)
• Oats, pancakes
• Potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams
• Tortilla chips

Healthy fats, to keep you satisfied:

• Olive oil, avocado
• Nuts and nut butter
• Seeds (flaxseed, chia, pumpkin seeds)
• Olives, hummus

Fruits and veggies:

• Fresh, frozen, or canned
• Pre-cut veggies and bagged salad mixes for convenience

Condiments and flavor:

• Salsa, barbecue sauce, teriyaki, soy sauce, hot sauce, pesto
• Spices: cinnamon, paprika, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin

If you have a sensitive stomach, fiber intake may need adjustment before workouts to avoid bloating.

High-Protein Lunch Ideas

1. Bean Burritos

Whole grain tortilla filled with Greek yogurt, canned beans, and topped with red onion: ~20g protein. Serve with whole grain tortilla chips and veggies.

2. Turkey Sandwich

Whole grain bread with 1-2 oz deli turkey, 1 oz cheese, and mustard or horseradish: ~20g protein. Add crunchy red onion for extra flavor.

3. Open-Faced Tuna Melt

Whole-grain English muffin with 1 small packet of tuna or salmon and 1 oz gouda cheese: ~24g protein. Mix avocado for healthy fats and broil for 2 minutes.

4. Pita Pizza

Whole wheat pita with spaghetti sauce, 1 oz turkey pepperoni, and veggies: ~20g protein. Broil or air-fry for a crispier texture.

5. Brunch for Lunch

Sweet potato hash with ½ cup black beans and sliced vegan sausage: ~20g protein. Breakfast isn’t just for mornings!

Reference our high-protein breakfast blog for more of our favorites.

6. Charcuterie Box

Sliced deli ham, 1 oz Swiss cheese, whole grain crackers, hummus, grapes, veggies, and ¼ cup dried edamame: ~22g protein.

7. Egg Salad

2 boiled eggs mixed with ¼ cup Greek yogurt and mustard, served on greens with brown rice crackers: ~24g protein.

8. Brown Rice Bowl

Salad mix with 4-6 oz rotisserie chicken and microwavable brown rice: ~32g protein. Add red onion and your favorite dressing for extra zest.

9. Pesto Chicken Bowl

Microwavable quinoa, 4-6 oz rotisserie chicken, and 2 tbsp pesto: ~32g protein. Pair with grilled veggies or bagged salad for a balanced meal.

10. Grain Bowls with a Twist

Build-your-own grain bowl with brown rice, quinoa, grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, and a zesty vinaigrette. Aim for at least 30 grams of protein per bowl!

11. Adult PB&J

Whole grain bread with 1 tbsp peanut butter, ¼ cup ricotta cheese, and mashed raspberries: ~20g protein. A sophisticated twist on a childhood favorite.

12. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Chickpeas, feta cheese, red onion, cucumber, and quinoa tossed with a lemon vinaigrette: ~22g protein. Perfect for meal prep!

13. Savory Oatmeal Bowl

Oats cooked with egg whites, topped with avocado, turkey bacon, and shredded cheese: ~25g protein. A great alternative to traditional oatmeal.

14. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers filled with ground turkey, brown rice, black beans, and salsa: ~28g protein. Bake for a delicious, nutrient-packed meal.

Plan and Prepare Ahead

To sustain performance as an endurance athlete, protein-rich meals should be a priority in your meal planning and prepping routine. Ensuring meals contain at least 15 grams of protein will keep you energized and prevent the dreaded afternoon slump.

High-Protein Lunch Ideas FAQs

1. How much protein should I eat at lunch?
Most athletes should aim for at least 20-30 grams of protein at lunch to optimize energy and muscle recovery.

2. Are grain bowls a good option for a high-protein lunch?
Yes! Grain bowls are versatile and easy to customize with protein-rich ingredients like chicken, beans, and tofu.

3. What are the best protein-rich vegetarian lunch options?
Some great choices include bean burritos, egg salad, and quinoa-based grain bowls with tofu or tempeh.

4. Can high-protein lunches help with the afternoon slump?
Absolutely! A protein-rich lunch can stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you full, reducing fatigue and cravings.

5. How can I make meal prep easier?
Stock up on convenient staples like rotisserie chicken, canned beans, and microwavable grains to make lunch prep quick and easy.

Get Personalized Support

If you need help creating a customized nutrition plan, our 1:1 nutrition coaching program may be the perfect fit for you. Our team of expert sports dietitians can help you enhance performance with a personalized approach. Visit our services page to learn more and apply today!