Lunches That Are Easy on the Stomach

Lunch time is by far the worst meal of the day for me. I tend to not eat breakfast, unless it's something mild like oatmeal or yogurt. I've been trying to eat healthier, specifically for breakfast, so this week I cooked two scrambled eggs and was sick the entire day! But when lunch comes around while working, I struggle. I panic before I eat knowing my stomach will be in total chaos while I'm stuck at work, and there's nothing worse than having to find time and use a restroom that's not in the comfort of my own home. I know so many of you can relate. It seems like no matter what I eat, my stomach hurts nowadays.

My food triggers

I have found that I can tolerate certain lunch foods better than others. I rarely eat out for lunch. Here's more of the things that set my gut off:

1. Fast-food. HUGE no-no!
2. A salad
3. Pasta
4. Any sort of red meats
5. Fruit (total ugh!)
6. Vegetables (especially broccoli!)
7. Absolutely no beans
8. Chinese food - I suspect it's the MSG
9. Lunch meats
10. Nuts

What can I eat for lunch?

So what exactly do I eat for lunch? Great question. Sometimes I just don't. It's so unhealthy, but I've found that snacking throughout the day works better for me instead of eating a large, hearty lunch. I typically will snack on cheese-sticks, yogurt, granola bars, occasional smoothies, and rotisserie chicken (this is a huge go-to for me!). I'm curious as to if there is reasons behind lunchtime being so awful for people with IBS, but honestly I think fear and anxiety play a major role in this. I wish we didn't have to worry so much! I wish there was a cure! This has been a rough week for me and my IBS, especially after trying to recover from Thanksgiving and all the foods, especially sweets, that I ingested (I knew better!). We all know how difficult it can be to get your gut back on the right track after a flare.

What are some foods that you can tolerate for lunch without being completely miserable? I definitely need new ideas! We're in this together!