Next step in your ready-for-new-year-and-new-diet: Figure out now what your lunch plan will be.

If you eat out for lunch:

• Research the online menus at your favorite restaurants and figure out what you can eat that’s as healthy as possible. Things to avoid:  sweet salad dressings (Caesar, blue cheese and, to some extent, Ranch are usually safe — unless you’re avoiding dairy — and Greek is usually low sugar or no sugar), anything “glazed” (will have sugar), anything breaded and/or deep fried (wheat and trans fats), fries, chips, an excess of bread or pasta, anything smothered in cheese or cheese sauce. And, of course, dessert and sweet drinks.
• Chain restaurants with generally healthy choices: Chipotle, Jason’s Deli, Panera
• See my post on eating Paleo when eating out. Even if you’re not doing strict Paleo, there are still good tips here for avoiding sugar and carb overload.

If you pack lunches:

If you’re up for some weekend meal prep, take notes from this guy.

If you eat lunch at home:

Figure out a few lunch templates you can work from. I tend to develop two or three favorites and rotate them till I get tired of them, or the season changes. Lots of salads in summer (especially this mayo-less tuna), lots of soup and hash in winter. But there are endless variations! Here’s some inspiration:

• My go-to lunches at home
• My friend Jess’s go-to lunches – no cooking required!
• My recipe for freezer burritos – make a batch on your day off for super easy lunches all week
• Find some Instagrammers to follow for inspiration. Just search #paleolunch, or #cleanlunch. Or follow me! @jana.realfood — I often post what I threw together for lunch that day.

Told you these days would be short and sweet!

Follow me on Instagram for more quick, easy healthy food ideas.