Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, store up more energy or just treat your body right, protein-packed lunches can give you and your metabolism a much-needed midday boost. But between carb-loaded sandwiches and salad fatigue, it can be hard to find a lunch with the right macronutrients that doesn’t cost upwards of $20 or put you in a food coma for the rest of the day.
With that in mind, we checked menus all over town to put together a selection of a few protein-heavy options for your midday meal. Below are our suggestions.
Meat stuffed plate
Albasha Greek & Lebanese Restaurant
In the immortal words of Parks & Recreation’s Ron Swanson: “There’s a hot spinning cone of meat in that Greek restaurant next door. I don’t know what it is, but I’d like to eat the whole thing.” Greek and Lebanese restaurants in Baton Rouge offer plenty of protein options, including this plate from Albasha that features grape leaves, cabbage, squash and bell pepper all stuffed with meat.
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Meatball pho
Dang’s Restaurant
Pho, Vietnam’s classic noodle soup, makes one very satisfying hit of protein with its meat- and marrow-based broth and many cuts of meat to choose from in your bowl. Order up some meatball pho and skip the noodles if you’re keeping it low carb.
Sashimi sampler
Hello Sushi
As we drag our heels toward the hotter summer months, some cool sashimi sounds better than ever. Hello Sushi offers a $15 sashimi sampler with fresh, raw slices of assorted sashimi with lean proteins such as tuna or salmon.
Quinoa chowder
MJ’s Cafe
For the vegetarians among us, a protein-packed lunch is still possible. MJ’s Cafe specializes in meat-free dishes, including this savory quinoa chowder made with quinoa, potatoes, scallions, spinach and feta in a veggie broth. Fun fact: quinoa contains eight grams of protein per cup.
Chargrilled catfish
The Chimes
Though The Chimes is certainly a go-to for business lunches, it’s hard to steer away from proteins that aren’t deep-fried or sandwiched between poboy buns. Head to the grilled section of the menu for chargrilled catfish, which brings more than 11 grams of protein per fillet.
Ideal stir fry
Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine
If you can lay off the tortilla chips and margaritas, it’s easy to power through a low-carb and high-protein lunch at Mestizo. This Mexican take on a Chinese staple serves up your choice of shrimp, chicken or steak sautéed with broccoli, zucchini and green bell peppers on a bed of spinach.
Western omelette
Louie’s Cafe
There’s no rule that you can’t have an omelette for lunch—especially when it’s one of the best sources of protein you can cook in a skillet. Louie’s serves breakfast all day, meaning you can order up a Western omelette made with eggs, bacon, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and Colby cheese in the middle of your work day.
Let us know your suggestions for great protein-packed dishes at local restaurants in the comments section!
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