In this article, I’ll cover the pros and cons of various options that Huel offers for lunch.
So, if you are a workaholic who finds it challenging to take out some time for preparing a nutrition-filled meal and therefore relies on fast food, it’s high time you should give Huel for lunch a serious thought.
Why?
Because it offers multiple affordable, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare lunch meals.
These products come in exciting flavors that can make your evening meal fast and delectable.
So, no more worrying about your work performance decreasing after mid-day because we have got Huel!
Its high protein, high fiber, and micronutrient-rich products like complete protein shake, Hot and savory instant meals or protein bars can refuel your body and brain so that you can effectively hold out until you are done for the day.
So, to know the details of why I consider Huel a healthy and wise choice for your lunch, keep reading.
Is Huel Healthy?
Yes, Huel is healthy.
It has the right balance of the four energy-yielding macronutrients, fats, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber.
Moreover, Huel’s nutritional content is assessed and approved by nutritionists and corresponds to the HHS and FDA dietary guidelines.
Its products are free of soy, gluten, dairy, and lactose which means that you can devour its nutrient-rich instant shakes and bars or tuck in their delicious, convenient meals without the risk of an allergic reaction to the ingredients.
The plant-based formula of Huel is suitable for all, and the vegan ingredients are carefully combined to impart optimum nutritional goodness to the product.
These goodly nutrients include omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), all essential amino acids, phytonutrients polyphenols, probiotics, and prebiotics.
Can Huel replace lunch?
No, even though Huel is a safe and healthy meal replacement, you can’t rely on Huel meals for long.
Powders and liquid supplements can never replace the goodness and healthfulness of a wholesome home-cooked solid meal.
It is best to consume Huel meals only for convenience and to avail a fortified meal that is better than junk food. Or to achieve particular weight goals because it is not a sustainable long-term food.
Dr. Alain Gregoire, who pursued the Huel diet for ten days for a reality show, confessed that he missed the fun of cooking food and sitting with his family for lunch.
Although the majority enjoys the taste of Huel powders, some people have found Huel less satiating and a chore to eat because of its raw and bland texture.
So, it doesn’t seem practical to torture your tastebuds every day by shifting to the Huel lifestyle just because it’ll save you from some cooking.
Why Should You Take Huel for Lunch?
Two reasons that can compel you to have Huel for lunch are convenience and weight loss.
Having Huel for lunch will save you from the fuss of monitoring and calculating your calorie intake during your weight loss journey.
Huel products are carefully put together to provide a calorie deficit meal that won’t weigh you down on essential nutrients.
The high protein, high fiber, and the balanced ‘good fat’ content of the Huel shakes and meals are supposed to keep you satiated for longer and keep those hunger pangs at bay that come with pursuing a calorie deficit.
Setting aside the weight loss benefits. These stats from UK and US show that our generation spends an average of 30 minutes to up to an hour in the kitchen preparing meals.
And the dirty dishes and cleaning up is the next big task that comes with home cooking.
And, Huel microwave-ready healthy food can help you save approximately 5 hours a week from Monday to Friday so that you can focus more on your work and other responsibilities.
The problem of a 9 to 5 job is you will mostly miss out on healthy home-cooked meals or resort to takeouts, deliveries, and junk foods which are expensive and can make you miss out on some essential health elements.
But you don’t need to stress about what to eat during your busy schedules anymore because Huel for lunch is an affordable, nutrient-packed, instant, and delicious option to satisfy your hunger.
The balanced macronutrients can keep you buzzing with energy and prevent micronutrient deficiency.
You can gulp down two or three 200-calorie scoops of their black or white shakes with some ice cream or topping of your choice to stay full for longer.
And if you are running low on time and want to save those 5 minutes on preparing the powders, you have the option to chug down Huel protein bars, snack bars, and ready-to-drink shakes while sitting on your desk.
Related posts:
- Huel with Milk: Can you make Huel with Milk?
- Huel for Bodybuilding: (Good for bulking, muscle gain?)
- Huel for Diabetics: Okay for Diabetics?
Which Huel Products Can You have for lunch?
Huel offers a variety of meal options like complete protein powder, protein bars, and multiple flavors in the Huel Hot and Spicy range.
These products are plant-based packed with 27 vital nutrients and macronutrients that will save your time and provide a quality evening meal.
1. Huel Hot and Savoury
Huel Hot and savory is made from whole food ingredients to provide a nutritious, flavorsome, and instant lunch.
I guess all of us want to go back home when it is past mid-day because the energy from our breakfast gets nearly depleted at this point.
However, the balanced macronutrients ratio in Huel lunch can give you a much-needed energy boost so that you can work with the same vigor without having all your energies exhaust out.
Huel Hot and savory has 117g-120g of plant protein derived from peas, pulses (black-eyed beans), brown rice, quinoa, and flaxseeds to provide a complete amino acid profile, which ensures a prolonged supply of energy.
Then, carbs, the body’s primary energy source, are also contributed by rice and quinoa Protein.
Huel Hot and savoury has all the good fats like omega 3, omega 6, and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) that can optimize your brain function to get work done more efficiently for the rest of the rest day as well.
These ‘good fats’ also help in weight loss.
Most of the junk food you eat for lunch lacks phytonutrients that come from plants.
Contrary to that, Huel Hot and Spicy contain abundant phytonutrients from ingredients like flaxseed and quinoa.
These are lycopene, ferulic acid, lutein, Zeaxanthin, Betalains, etc., that act as antioxidants to reduce stress in our body, promote heart and eye health, and have other benefits.
The Huel Hot and Savoury provide you with delicious meal options like Mac and cheese, Mexican chili, Thai green Curry, spicy Indian Curry, yellow coconut Curry, Tomato and herb, sweet and sour.
Cost : $3.76 per meal.
Pros:
- The preparation time is 5 minutes
- It can be prepared in the microwave or boiled water
- Natural sweeteners are used
- Time and money effective
- Has 26 vitamins and minerals
- Contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Contains Medium Chain Triglycerides from coconut oil
- Has zero cholesterol
- Contains antioxidants, polyphenols, and phytonutrients
- Has three levels of spice low, medium, and high
- Pre-calculated 400 calories per bag
- High dietary fibre with both soluble and non-soluble fibre
- 7 Unique flavor options
- Contains natural seed(Flaxseed, Sunflower, and Coconut) and oats powder
- Contains sufficient quantities of 9 essential and 11 non-essential amino acids
Cons:
- The Mac and cheese flavor contains gluten.
- The onion and garlic may not be suitable for people with digestive issues like IBS.
2. Huel Complete Protein
The predominant ingredient of Huel Complete Protein powder is plant protein made with peas, hemp, and fava.
This combination provides a complete amino acid profile and is loaded with micronutrients.
It also helps promote brain function, and this Huel lunch will help improve your concentration at work.
The curcumin in Huel protein powder can boost your mood by affecting your serotonin and dopamine levels and also helps the body get rid of free radicals. By combing it with piperine, it is absorbed more efficiently in the blood.
Consuming it as lunch can deal with the stress at work more efficiently.
You can consume it in different flavors like chocolate Fudge Brownie, Vanilla Caramel, Strawberry Shortcake, salted caramel, and Banana Pudding.
Cost: $1.25 per serving.
Pros:
- It provides a protein-rich 110 calories per scoop
- It is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free
- Unflavored and unsweetened options are available
- The amount of carbohydrates is negligible
- Macronutrients include a high protein and fibre content
- Has 27 essential nutrients-vitamins and minerals
- Has curcumin and piperine
- Has less than 0.5g of sugars
- Has both essential and branched-chain amino acids
- Has no cholesterol
- It is based on plant protein (pea, hemp, and fava)
Cons:
- Some people find the taste too bland compared to soylent.
- Some people find the grainy texture of powder hard to dissolve.
3. Huel Complete Protein Bars
Although the Huel protein bar is not a proper lunch, it may help you withstand the hunger pangs for some time because it provides you with 200 calories, fulfills 36% of your daily intake of protein, and has a high dietary fiber content.
The Huel protein bar has 26 vitamins and minerals and all four energy-yielding macronutrients:
carbohydrate, fat, protein, and fibers, which will keep you energized so that you don’t slouch off during work.
The antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium regulate stress and can help to improve your productivity.
Huel protein bars have healthy fats, including omega 3, omega 6 fatty acids, and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), less than 0.5g trans fats, and zero cholesterol.
Thus if these bars are consumed at lunch, they will fuel you for work and also aid in weight loss.
For a 9 to 5 job, you need some brain foods to help you sustain the workload. The vitamin and mineral content of the Huel protein bar provides more than 100% of the recommended daily intake.
It is beneficial to consume Huel protein bars in lunch as certain nutrients in them can optimize your work performance. These are vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, improve focus, memory, and brain health.
The protein bars are available in peanut butter, salted caramel, banana pudding, and raspberry flavors.
Cost: $3.13 per bar
Pros:
- A travel-friendly 200 calories snack
- It is based on plant protein (brown rice protein, peanut butter, flaxseed)
- It is gluten-free and dairy-free, soy-free, lactose-free
- Less than 1 percent of added sugars
- Has 26 vitamins and minerals
- Has fewer carbohydrates
- Has good fats like omega 3, omega 6 and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
- Free of cholesterol
- Has high protein and high fibre content-mostly soluble fibre
- Contains all essential amino acids
- Contains polyphenols and probiotics
Cons:
- It contains peanuts and is not suitable for people with peanut allergies.
- Has low carbohydrates and thus, doesn’t contain oats.
Also read: PhenQ vs Huel: What’s Better for Weight Loss?
Everything Else to know about Huel for Lunch
Is Huel good for losing weight?
Yes, Huel can help you lose weight because Huel products have pre-calculated calories mentioned on them.
By replacing your breakfast and lunch with Huel powders and consuming 500 calories less than your normal calorie (2000- 2500 calories) intake, you can lose 1 pound in a week.
Can I eat Huel for every meal?
Yes, you can temporarily replace your breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Huel shakes or Hot and spicy food.
Does Huel make you gassy?
Yes, Huel may make you gassy due to its high fiber content and probiotics.
Can you use Huel to gain weight?
Yes, you can use Huel to gain weight by consuming it as an additional meal for calorie surplus and your daily meals and by snacking protein bars during the day.
Related posts:
Related posts:
- Can you Live off Huel Alone?
- Huel for Breakfast: Can you have it for only Breakfast?
- Is Huel Healthy & Worth it Long Term?
Final Thoughts
To conclude, Huel has you covered on days you don’t want to cook but still want to eat a healthy lunch.
Huel products can provide you with a satiating and energizing formula that will perk you up and relieve your exhaustion at work.
The mentioned calories in Huel lunch can save you the pain of calculating calories of every beef steak or chicken leg that you would have tucked in otherwise.
You can consume Huel lunch during the weekdays to save your time, money, and health.