If you are trying to save money and still live a healthier lifestyle, here’s some good news. By making a few small changes to your routine, like setting aside some time to plan and prepare your lunches, you’ll be amazed at the impact on both your health and your bank account. These simple tips will help you pack delicious, nutritious, and budget-conscious lunches.
Keep it simple. There’s no need for elaborate lunches that take hours to prepare. In fact, preparing a packed lunch can take less time than going through the drive-thru! Stick to a simple plan: one protein, one bread item, and one vegetable or fruit. Going back to basics will make it easier to stick to.
Shake things up. It’s important to keep things simple while also allowing room for variety. Eating the same thing every day is a surefire way to get sick of your packed lunch (and find yourself tempted by takeout once again). So don’t stick to the same old, same old. Branch out, try new things, and experiment with new recipes.
It’s all about the container. Trust us on this one: invest in some quality containers for your lunches. You’ll be using these containers every day, and they need to be sturdy. They also have to keep your food fresh until lunchtime. Look for solid, roomy containers that have leak-proof lids for the best bang for your buck.
Prep the night before. Most people have hectic mornings, and if you’re in a big hurry to get out the door, you might forget to make your lunch. If it’s prepped and ready to go the night before, you can just grab and go in the morning. Make things easier on yourself by putting all your lunch food together in the evening. You’ll thank yourself in the morning!
Eat what you like. This one might be the most important tip of them all: you’re not going to eat what you don’t like. So don’t bother to pack something you don’t like! When lunchtime comes around, all the takeout and restaurant options will sound so much more appealing than the unappealing food you packed. So don’t pack bland, boring food!
Cook once, eat all week. If you find that your weeknights are too busy to prepare the next day’s lunch, you could try meal prepping. Meal prepping involves cooking a big batch of something, usually on the weekends, and making it last throughout the work week. Soups, casseroles, and stir-fries are great options for meal prepping because you can make a lot all at once and they reheat nicely.
Now get to packing delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly lunches!
