3 Healthy CBD-Infused Lunch Pack Recipes To Try

CBD is known as one of the most common active ingredients in cannabis or marijuana. Aside from marijuana, it can also be derived from a hemp plant, a close cousin of cannabis, without the psychoactive side effects. CBD from hemp plants contains lower tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes the addictive effects of marijuana. 

CBD is believed to pack a string of health benefits. It may help you reduce your anxiety, lessen inflammation, promote better sleep, and reduce your tobacco cravings. But, always keep in mind that everything in excess is bad. Thus, it’s always best to consult with your doctor first before using any CBD product because there aren’t many studies on this compound just yet.

Due to the stigma surrounding CBD, you’re probably concerned if you can use it. Is CBD legal in Missouri?  Is it legal in other states?  After knowing about the legalities, you’re probably excited to know how you can use and benefit from it. Cooking is actually one of the many ways you can incorporate the said compound into your lifestyle. Having said that, here are some healthy CBD-infused lunch pack recipes:

CBD-Infused Pesto Pasta With Spicy Shrimp 

Are you both a seafood and pasta lover?  This recipe will help you get the best of both worlds. This dish isn’t only healthy, but also scrumptious and refreshing. Try this out for your next lunch pack. 

Ingredients

CBD Pesto:

• 1 tbsp pine nuts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup fresh parsley
• ½ cherry tomatoes
• 4 tsp of CBD oil 
• 2 medium garlic cloves 
• A pinch of salt
• Pepper to taste

Shrimp Pasta:

• 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
• 1-2 cherry tomatoes
• 1 lb asparagus, 2-inch per cut
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste 

Procedure

1. For the pesto: wash the leafy greens first with cold water and put all the pesto ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the consistency becomes smooth. Transfer the pesto sauce into a small bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. 
2. For the shrimp pasta: boil water in a large pot over medium heat. Add the uncooked penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions. 
3. Prepare a dry rub for the shrimp by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. 
4. In a saucepan, heat butter with olive oil over medium heat until melted. 
5. Dip both sides of the shrimp to the dry rub before putting them in the pan. Once added, squeeze lemon juice and cook until shrimp turns pink on both sides. 
6. Wash the asparagus and cut it into two-inch pieces. Add them to the pasta for the last three minutes of cooking time. Drain and set aside. 
7. Add the pasta and asparagus to the shrimps. Sauté for about a minute and remove from heat. 
8. Mix in six to eight tablespoons of pesto to the pasta before putting it in your lunch box. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle shaved Parmesan cheese. 

Roasted Veggie And Couscous Salad With CBD

This recipe is easy to make, and it’s also a filling and healthy vegetarian option. You can also eat this with a protein of your choice. 

Ingredients

1. ½ butternut squash, skinned
2. 1 red and 1 yellow pepper, halved and deseeded
3. 4 garlic cloves with skin on
4. 2 courgettes, thickly sliced
5. 2 tbsp of olive oil
6. 2 tsp of CBD oil 
7. 1 tsp cumin seed
8. 1 red onion, thickly sliced
9. 1 tbsp harissa paste
10. 250g couscous
11. 50g whole blanched almonds
12. 300ml hot vegetable stock
13. 1 lemon, zested and juiced
14. 20g mint, chopped

Method 

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Cut the peppers and squash into bite-sized pieces. Put all the vegetables into a baking tray. Add garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp CBD oil, and seasonings, then mix. Roast for 20 minutes. After that, add the onions, harissa, cumin, and almonds. Roast again for another 20 minutes. Cool and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, pour hot stock into the couscous. Cover and set aside for 10 minutes. Mix and fluff it up with a fork. 
3. In a bowl, mix the lemon zest and juice with the remaining olive oil. Squeeze the garlic from the skins, then mash and fold with the roughly chopped mint. Transfer the roasted vegetables, then toss with the couscous. 

Avocado Ginger Rice Bowl With Infused CBD

Do salads and noodles not satisfy you?  Are you opting for a dish that’s easy to make, but healthy at the same time? Well, this vegetarian rice bowl is for you. 

Ingredients

1. 150g short grain brown rice
2. 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
3. 4-6 radishes, quartered lengthwise
4. 1 tsp of CBD oil 
5. 1 ½ tbsp tamari or soy sauce
6. 1 tsp of apple cider
7. 4 tbsp mixed seed (sunflower, pumpkin and sesame)
8. 1 small ripe avocado
9. 3-4 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

Method: 

1. Put the rice and 1 cup cold water in a saucepan that comes with a lid. Bring to boil. Once it’s bubbling, clamp on the lid. Lower the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes. Then, turn off the heat, with the lid on, and let it stand for another 5 minutes. 
2. While the rice is cooking, use a vegetable peeler to shave the ginger into thin strips.
3. When the rice is cooked, transfer it into a mixing bowl. Add tamari or soy sauce, the CBD oil, and the cider vinegar to the bowl, and toss with a fork to combine. Add the ginger shavings, radishes, and mixed seeds. Stir until all the ingredients are incorporated into the rice. Put the chopped coriander last. 
4. Put the dish in your lunch pack and top it with avocado, which is sliced into gondola shape or chunks. Sprinkle the remaining coriander on top, then close the lid of your lunch box. This is the vegetarian option; you can always add a protein of your choice. 

Final Thoughts

CBD is often related to marijuana that is known to have addicting effects. But CBD sourced from hemp plants is starting to gain traction because it can give your health benefits without the side effects. It’s believed to improve insomnia, lessen chronic inflammation in your body, reduce anxiety and tobacco addiction.  

To start, incorporate CBD into your dishes gradually. It can be overwhelming at first because you don’t have an idea how much is considered excess. Consulting with a doctor first is one way to do that. Another is observing how your body will react to it. Start with small doses before increasing the concentration.