18 Things To Add To Your Lunch To Make It More Satisfying

One thing I've learned from splitting my schedule between working six-hour stints at a bookstore and working from home: You can't make it through the day on caffeine and a to-do list forever.

Eventually, you have to take time to nourish your body with the right foods.

Here's the deal: Your body needs to consume quantities of three macronutrients1 in order to function properly: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Carbohydrates help the body convert and store energy. Fiber is a type of carb that's special in that the body doesn't digest it. Because fiber doesn't break down into glucose like most carbs, it keeps you fuller for longer. There are a variety of foods that contain fiber, and fiber supplements can also be helpful for keeping you fueled and satiated. (Here are a few that nutrition experts highly recommend.)

Proteins help the body repair cells and create new ones. Because they're complex molecules by nature, proteins take the body a little longer to digest so they also keep you fuller for longer (not as long as fiber or fats but longer than your average carbs).

Finally, fats help the body absorb micronutrients, store energy, and assist in other functions. Their role as a sidekick to the other macronutrients makes them an essential part of your diet.

"In order to make any meal truly balanced, it's recommended to include all three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats," Bouvier explains. And depending on your health goals and stage in life, your body will need a particular combination of these macros throughout the day to keep you in tiptop shape. 

It's easy to get swept up in the day and believe you don't have the time for a nutritious lunch, but even a little something can make a huge difference in how you move through your afternoon.