Upgrading Your Lunch al’desko
Sometimes, staying on top of healthy eating choices can be a challenge, and packing your lunch is no exception. Sure, you can always hit a restaurant or find a place that serves fresh and healthy dishes, but that can put a serious dent in your wallet. Want a surefire way to stay healthy during the week and save some cash at the same time? Try brown-bagging.
BROWN-BAGGING 101
Going out for lunch once in a while is a nice treat, but when you fall into the habit of buying every day, it gets expensive. Regularly bringing lunch is a great way to keep your weekly costs down and it also helps you really stretch your weekly grocery bill.
NO-STRESS LUNCHES
Another great reason to brown-bag is that it negates you from having to decide what to eat when it’s time for lunch. It’s not an easy one – you want something cost-efficient, something relatively fast, and something healthy. These three factors alone can sometimes be paralyzing, especially when you’re already making work-related decisions all day. When you bring your lunch, the decision is already made and you can move on with the rest of your day.
PORTION CONTROL MASTERY
Not having to decide on what you’re going to eat goes hand in hand with how much you want to have for lunch as well. When you bring lunch, you can keep your portions in check. How often do you find that your eyes are bigger than your stomach when it comes to eating out? If you prepack your lunch, your meal size is decided ahead of time and your lunch can be the perfect amount.
MAKE THEIR MOUTHS WATER
But the best part about brown-bagging? Once you master it everyone else will be jealous. You can pack as healthy as you want, you’ll actively be saving money, and you have complete control over your meal. Try incorporating fresh herbs, bright fruit and veg and small but gourmet treats – think, dark chocolate, fancy cheese and primo cold cuts – to have a chef-inspired noonday nosh.