WEIL Nutrition Corner®

WEIL Nutrition Corner®

Day 2: Upgrade Your Summer Lunches

Minimize the afternoon slump with these upgrades

Dr. Andrew Weil & Diana Weil's avatar
Dr. Andrew Weil & Diana Weil
Jul 28, 2026
∙ Paid

Weil Nutrition Corner® Upgrade Your Summer Plate Day 2: Healthy, Portable Lunches

Welcome to Day 2 of Upgrade Your Summer Plate!

Today, we’re sharing easy swaps to make your lunch healthier. By making your mid-day meal balanced and satisfying, you can help minimize the afternoon slump and feel great all day!

Read on for :

  • Why lunch is important

  • Our handy chart to help you build healthy, portable lunches

  • Fast food upgrades for those days when the drive-thru can't be avoided

  • Lunch recipes including: Smoked Salmon with Caper Yogurt, Barley Salad, and Easy BBQ Bowls

Why Is a Healthy Lunch Important?

Eating well at midday can help to:

  • Sustain energy and focus. A balanced lunch that includes complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein helps stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent mid-afternoon crashes. This supports mental clarity, productivity, and mood, especially important during long workdays or school hours.

  • Support metabolism and nutrient intake. Skipping or skimping on lunch can often lead to overeating later in the day or missing out on key nutrients. A healthy lunch helps fuel your metabolism and promotes overall functioning.

  • Reduce inflammation and support long-term health. A nutrient-dense lunch made with whole foods (like leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats) provides anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect against chronic diseases, support digestion, and regulate hormones.

The below content is for our VIPS - access the recipes, lunch chart and fast food upgrades by becoming a VIP now! WEIL Nutrition Corner® VIPs also get full access to our recipe library, all our guides and meal plans, our Questions From The Corner video series, and more! Save 45% on your annual membership with our summer sale!

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