Our ultimate back to work guide
Are you going back to work after a holiday? We've got everything you need to rise and shine and feel good all day, including on-the-go breakfasts, healthy lunches and easy dinners.
We all love a holiday and it's important that we take well-earned breaks. But sometimes the idea of going back to work after time off can feel a little overwhelming and stressful.
To help you feel prepared, we've pulled together our best ideas for going back to work smoothly. Below, you'll find recipes and tips for sleeping well so you wake up feeling refreshed, breakfasts that will boost your energy, snacks to keep you fuelled all day and healthy lunches for you to pack up to go. We've also included quick yet delicious dinners, so you can have a weeknight meal on the table in minutes, and recipes which make fantastic leftovers for the next day.
Hopefully, this should make it easier for you to eat well and get organised, and help you adjust back at work.
Next, read how to eat for exams, what is burnout? and why am I always tired? Plus, check out our mood-boosting breakfasts, high-protein lunches and easy healthy dinners.
Start your day right
Healthy breakfast recipes
Wake up to a delicious, nutritious breakfast whether it's filling eggs, avocado on toast, porridge or a fruity smoothie to fuel you through the morning. Choosing a nourishing breakfast means you'll benefit from the slow-release energy and won't experience a sugar crash.
How to get to sleep
The key to feeling energised throughout the day is getting a good night's rest. Read our expert guides on the best ways to fall asleep naturally, how to sleep when it's hot and our review of the best sleep trackers for monitoring your shut-eye.
On-to-go breakfast ideas
It's vital that you don't miss breakfast and better for your health if you avoid the sugary cereal bars. Our breakfast-on-the-go ideas are quick and convenient, helping you start the day right. Try make-ahead meals like overnight oats or superfood scrambled eggs which you can make in minutes.
Energy-boosting breakfast recipes
Start your morning with our antioxidant-rich breakfast ideas to lift and support your mood. Our recipes, including these breakfast egg wraps, are filled with fruits, veggies, wholegrains and healthy fats.
The best coffee machines – tried and tested
Can't start your day without a cuppa? Read our review of home coffee makers – we put espresso, pod and bean-to-cup coffee machines through their paces to bring you the best, from budget to blow-out buys.
Stay focused at work
High-protein snacks
Give yourself an extra boost with our easy, protein-packed snacks. Perfect to keep you satisfied between meals or as a post-workout bite.
How to eat for more energy
Are you hitting a wall of fatigue in the afternoon? What and when you eat can have a profound effect on your energy levels. Read our guide to find out how your diet might need a shake up.
Lunch done right
Healthy lunch ideas for work
Pack your lunchbox with a nutritious meal that not only tastes great but is good for you too. Choose from chicken wraps, hearty salad, pasta salads and pittas.
Low-carb lunch recipes
Ready for lunch but don’t fancy a carb-heavy sandwich? Check out our favourite low-carb lunch ideas, all no more than 40g of carbohydrate per serving. These light options will leave you satisfied but won't cause the dreaded post-lunch slump.
The best lunchboxes tried and tested
Save yourself money by bringing packed lunch to work every day with a tried-and-tested leakproof lunchbox. This is an essential bit of kit if you want to eat healthily.
Time for dinner
Quick dinner recipes
Make these quick and easy meals on busy weeknights – try speedy stir-fries, pasta dishes, curries and more, all ready in under 30 minutes.
Traybake dinner recipes
Traybakes are a great all-in-one dinner for busy or lazy nights – not only are they easier to prepare, there's also minimal washing up. Try our selection of delicious meat, fish, veggie and vegan traybakes.
10 dinners that make great lunch leftovers
Make your midweek meals stretch further with our top dinners that taste even better as leftovers for lunch the next day. Enjoy fried rice, potato frittata and and chicken tacos.
15-minute meals
A quarter of an hour and some clever ingredients are all you need for a super-speedy, satisfying supper.
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All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.
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