Neglecting your nutritional needs – particularly when you’re working to deadlines and don’t leave the office for lunch – can leave you struggling to get through the day. It’s a vicious circle because you experience a slump, leading to a lack of energy and concentration. The answer? Eat a decent lunch. There are plenty of options on your doorstep. Listen up…

Healthy lunches

Boost your nutrition at midday. Give one of these a try:

LEON

21 locations

With the flavours, variety and natural healthiness of Mediterranean cooking, Leon serves up tasty, nutritional food – fast. Fancy a heart-warming meal? The sweet potato falafel hot box won’t disappoint. Baked, not fried, with lots of herbs and spices, it’s wheat free and gluten free. The courgetti and kale salad made with Sicilian pesto oozes freshness. It’s greens at their best.

FARMSTAND

Covent Garden

Imagine you had the ultimate healthy canteen in your office, with top chefs creating nutritious lunches using quality, organic, locally-sourced ingredients. Farmstand has created this concept for all you health-conscious Londoners. The baked salmon with spicy cauliflower and Jerusalem artichoke is a top choice. Or you can build your own box with meats, fish and divine salads.

POD

22 locations

For Asian food fans, this place is a great find – try the Keralan or Thai curries. Spicing up your afternoon with a little chilli will boost your metabolism and dopamine (a feel-good chemical in the brain) to help lift your mood. If you do exercise after work, try Pod’s gym box. It’s packed with slow release carbs, fibre and nutrients. Add chicken or boiled eggs for an extra protein punch.

THE DETOX KITCHEN

2 locations, plus Planet Organic and Selfridges

You don’t have to be on an extreme cleansing regime to enjoy these lunches. Detox Kitchen offers a choice of healthy and imaginative meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan lunch box options. All meals have been nutritionist-approved and are free of any added wheat, dairy or refined sugars. Choose from a variety of tasty packages.

PLANET ORGANIC

7 locations

Planet Organic is a Mecca for health food enthusiasts and those who champion organic farming. All food served in your lunch box is certified organic by the Soil Association and free from unnatural additives or GMO ingredients. If you’re looking to up your intake of raw, plant-based, vegan and vegetarian foods to create a bit of balance, then Planet Organic is a perfect lunch pit-stop.

Healthy lunchtime tips

Avoid digestion: Find a quiet place; chew each mouthful at least 15 times.

Choose good carbs: Wholegrain carbs such as brown rice, chickpeas and lentils contain fibre which keeps you feeling full and helps sustain energy levels.

Don’t skip it: Missing lunch can lead to a blood sugar imbalance – so you’ll soon be munching on biscuits to refuel.

Don’t rush it: The faster you eat, the more likely you are to swallow air, which can cause wind, bloating and abdominal pain.

Discover London’s top lunchtime eateries by following us on social media @BalanceLDN. Share pics of your fave meals on Instagram, using the hashtag #BalanceEats