Better Than Drive-Thru: 11 Grab & Go Nutrisystem Lunches

When the day gets away from you, it’s easy to let hunger get the best of you. The drive-thru is known for its convenience and instant gratification. But is it your only option?

In a large study funded by the National Institutes of Health, a strong relationship was found between consumption of fast food and a risk of obesity. That’s probably because a seemingly small meal containing a hamburger and fries can contain around 800 calories. Add a soda and it’s like you’re consuming a day’s worth of calories, fat and sodium in just one sitting!

It’s not just your waistline at risk. A Harvard report in 2010 showed a higher risk of diabetes and stroke with regular fast food consumption. And the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics published data in 2003 that showed frequent consumption of fast food correlated with lower intakes of vitamin A and C, dietary fiber, milk, fruits and vegetables.

It’s quite simple: Every meal you consume that is not well-balanced takes away an opportunity to consume the nutrients your body needs.

Quiz: Do You Know Your Fast Food Facts?

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Luckily, there’s a suite of meals perfect for your busy day. There is a large selection of fast Nutrisystem lunches with flavor to hit every craving. Each dish is ready to go and perfectly portioned to deliver a well-balanced lunch with the nutrients you need to keep your weight loss on track.

Here are the 11 fast Nutrisystem lunches significantly better than drive-thru! Just click on the name or image of the Nutrisystem lunches to see more information or purchase.

1. Double Chocolate Caramel Bar >

When lunch time sneaks up on you, grab a satisfying meal in a pinch. Nutrisystem’s Double Chocolate Caramel Bar packs easily in your bag for fast lunches in a rush. Silky, chewy caramel pairs perfectly with crunchy chocolate crispies. Did we mention there’s semi-sweet chocolate pulling the whole meal together? Eat chocolate for lunch and feel good about it! Seven grams of fiber and 10 grams of muscle-building, stomach-filling protein will keep you on track until your next meal. Be sure to add in a fresh salad or veggies if you can! For more information, or to purchase, click here. >

2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar >

A protein packed bar that also tastes good? Nutrisystem’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar is just that. Peanut butter, sweet crispies and real whole chunks of dry roasted peanuts combine in a sweet milk chocolate coating to bring back memories of candy bars at recess. When you’re on the go and craving something sweet, you don’t have to feel guilty about it! Enjoy every bite of this purse-perfect lunch filled with 11 grams of protein and six grams of fiber. For more information, or to purchase, click here. >

3. Chewy Trail Mix Bar >

Trail mix isn’t just for the outdoorsy types. Trail mix can make the perfect fast lunch! Chocolate, nuts and fruit create a well-balanced on-the-go meal perfect for your busy day. It features salty cashews, crunchy almonds and rich peanuts with sweet raisins. With the Trail Mix Bar, you can enjoy creamy milk chocolate too—all while filling your belly with 12 tasty grams of protein to keep you on track for weight loss success. For more information, or to purchase, click here. >

4. Classic Tuna Salad >

So you have a little time, but not a microwave? Pack your tuna salad and it’s ready to go! Eat it with a delicious whole grain roll or throw it on top of a bed of greens. Spices and herbs can really make this lunch gourmet. The Nutrisystem Tuna Salad is packed with onion, pickles, spices and water chestnuts. It’s a classic favorite with a twist. Tuna is not only a great source of protein (it packs in a whopping 13 grams!), but it’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, too! The American Heart Association recommends eating fish with heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids twice a week. So serve it up! For more information, or to purchase, click here. >

5. Chicken Noodle Soup >

Pack your lunch the night before and have a quick and easy soup waiting to get you through your day. Nutrisystem’s Chicken Noodle Soup takes deliciously tender chicken and pairs it with noodles and flavorful chicken stock. It’s comfort food classic that’s ready in a pinch. Enjoy with a side salad for a quick and easy alternative to a fast food soup and salad combo. 10 grams of protein will keep you satisfied and aid you on your weight loss journey, taking all the guess work out of the day! For more information, or to purchase, click here. >

6. Strawberry Yogurt Flavored Bar >

Being prepared is half the battle. Throw a delicious Strawberry Yogurt Flavored Bar in your bag and you can check preparation off of your to-do list. When hunger strikes midday, you can forgo the fast food lane and reach in to your bag for a super satisfying sweet take on lunch. A crispy center will give you the texture your mouth craves, while decadent yogurt and strawberries create a sophisticated flavor your mouth will water over. Each bar has six grams of fiber. 10 grams of protein are just a bonus for keeping your muscles happy and stomach content. With all this sweetness, it’s hard to believe this lunch is diabetes-friendly, too! For more information, or to purchase, click here. >

7. Spicy Kung Pao Noodles >

Skip the mall food court and Chinese takeout meals. Loaded with fat and sodium, they don’t compare to Nutrisystem’s Spicy Kung Pao Noodles. Asian-style noodles will satisfy any craving. A new fast favorite among the Nutrisystem lunches may emerge as spicy soy sauce adds depth to this spicy noodle bowl. Under 200 calories and loaded with 10 grams of protein, this meal is easier than takeout and a smart option that will leave you guilt-free. For more information, or to purchase, click here. >

8. Classic Hamburger >

While your coworkers may be heading to the drive-thru, you can feel good about having a healthy and satisfying meal ready in seconds with the Nutrisystem Hamburger. It’s the king of fast lunches! An all-beef patty sits perfectly on a whole wheat bun—the perfect combination to provide a well-balanced meal full of protein. The rest is up to you. Add condiments and veggies to make it your daily special. The drive-thru never looked so mouthwatering! For more information, or to purchase, click here. >

9. Southwest Fiesta Melt >

When everyone wants Mexican food, you can be ready to satisfy your craving with a Southwest Fiesta Melt from Nutrisystem. This melt is ready in seconds and conveniently frozen to allow you to stock up. Get all the spice you crave in this blend of brown rice, black beans, sweet corn and satisfying cheese. The delicious whole grain crust will help you meet the recommended daily requirements of fiber. Full of fiber, this is one of our favorite fast lunches for weight loss. For more information, or to purchase, click here. >

10. Four Cheese Melt >

Pizza meeting? Bring your own and save the guilt for another day! Nutrisystem has a delicious Four Cheese Melt that is ready in seconds. A blend of Parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella cheese will keep your pizza craving away. Perfectly seasoned tomato sauce and whole grain crust will be the envy of the lunch room. You won’t even know you’re packing in 14 grams of protein. This handheld pizza pocket is sure to keep you satisfied and on your way to your weight loss goals. For more information, or to purchase, click here. >

11. Fudge Graham Bar >

There’s something magical about the combination of crunchy graham crackers, soft marshmallow and satisfying chocolate. Nutrisystem has taken the classic s’more and put it into a convenient on-the-go bar for delicious, decadent and fast lunches. Enjoy 14 grams of protein in this heavenly bar to keep your weight loss goals on track. It’s diabetes-friendly, too! For more information, or to purchase, click here. >