Between January and April, millions of people will file their taxes. And while this can be a stressful time for the ordinary American, the ones impacted most are the hard-working people who process millions of our tax returns. These four months often mean long days (and nights) without a lot of time to plan meals or focus on eating healthy foods.
Keeping tax preparers (or anyone who works in the tax industry) well-fueled can make those longer hours a lot more bearable. Many firms bring in catered meals to help sustain their staff, and if you’re someone who orders food for the office, it’s important to choose the kind of food that can work all day – and last for those longer days when they burn the midnight oil.
Whether they’re part of the morning crew, the late night staff working overtime, these 10 dishes will keep them feeling full – and grateful – as they churn through this year’s tax returns.
Breakfasts
1. Protein shakes
Protein shakes are a great option for anyone who’s extremely busy, since they deliver much-needed vitamins and nutrients in the form of a quick-to-drink beverage. Since tax professionals and accountants tend to eat less healthily when they’re rushing around during tax season, this could be a healthy alternative to try, and a healthy way to keep their energy up.
2. Yogurt breakfast bowls
Another good option to eat healthily during busy days is yogurt breakfast bowls. These start with a base yogurt such as plain, vanilla, or strawberry. Then add favorite fruits and grains, like strawberries, blueberries, and granola. This is a great dish for keeping workers healthier since fruits may contain fiber, vitamin C, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients. With yogurt, they’ll get some extra probiotics as well.
Lunches
3. Fajita and taco bar
A fajita or taco bar is a good choice to have catered at work because the food keeps well in warming trays and is easy to eat between clients or to snack on when hungry. These are also healthier options than fast food, since each person chooses their own toppings.
Soft and hard tacos take basic sides like guacamole, black or pinto beans, and Spanish rice and turn them into fajitas, burritos, tacos, or other Mexican favorites to eat for lunch, a snack, or dinner.
4. Chicken kabobs
Chicken kabobs are a Mediterranean option for people wanting a healthy meal during the day. Depending on how many kabobs each person eats, they can be a healthy, protein-rich snack, a larger lunch, or a satisfying dinner. Add sides like cucumbers and tzatziki sauce to dress up the kabobs.
5. Garden salads
Garden salads may not seem very filling, but they can be with enough vegetables and the right add-ins. Make garden salads more filling with proteins like beans or eggs. Vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and olives should round out the salad.
Add in carbohydrates with a bag of croutons and favorite salad dressings if desired.
6. Sandwich boxed lunch
For a break in the middle of the day, having your catering team bring in sandwich boxed lunches is a good choice. Order ahead and get everyone’s favorites delivered right on time for lunch hour, and then pack away any extras in the office fridge for snacks or dinner.
Dinner
7. Baked potato bar
A baked potato bar is a good way to get a full meal in as little time as possible. Besides baked potatoes, they may also include meats like pulled pork or tuna, cheeses like cheddar or mixed shredded cheeses, and delicious sauces. A potato can be a full meal, and, best of all, it heats up well in the microwave if someone needs one at an odd time of day.
8. Brisket bar
Brisket is a delicious beef recipe that serves multiple people, making it a great option for the office. It can be spiced in a variety of ways to give it traditional or international flavoring, too. For your brisket bar, you may want to ask your caterer to include sides like rice, gravy, or mashed potatoes.
Snacks and desserts
9. Cookie trays
If your professionals need a sweet treat to get them through the day, a cookie tray is a good option. Cookie trays can be made with a variety of cookies, like chocolate chip, oatmeal, and sugar, so everyone in your office can all find something to enjoy.
10. Vegetable and fruit trays
For a healthier alternative to cookie trays, consider vegetable and fruit trays instead. They’re filling, and they’re highly customizable. Chat with your caterer about the most-loved options, like bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower, and celery, to get a tray everyone in the office will enjoy.
The best part about veggies and fruits is that they keep well when refrigerated and are eaten raw. The crisp freshness pairs easily with dressings or dips and offers a satisfying snack that’s quick to grab.
Eat well this tax season with ezCater
With the right food to fuel your workers, everyone will have more energy and be more focused on the job. They may feel more satisfied and grateful for all the work, too, keeping them coming back for more in tax seasons to come.
If you need help finding good meals to fuel your team this tax season, take a look at food for work options near you from ezCater. We can help you put together a perfect selection of dishes to feed your entire office from day to night.
