Slim Pickins & Packing Your Lunch
It was slim pickins for breakfast this morning. We are out of everything! 
But, being out of everything usually means that no food went to waste! 
Somehow, I managed to scavenge a healthy breakfast of oats, frozen berries, ground flaxseed meal, and a big ol’ scoop of Barney Butter. Fresh berries are always great to have on hand, especially for instances like this when you have no food!
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With a multi-vitamin and a fish oil supplement…
Lunch Preview
It was also slim pickins in the lunch department. For today’s lunch, I came up with a can of Organic Lentil Soup, some wrinkly grape tomatoes, an orange, and a Luna bar. Not a bad lunch, but I’ve had better. Personally, I’d much rather pack my own lunch than purchase it.
Bring Your Lunch
Bringing your lunch to work (or school) is an easy strategy to save money and cut calories from your diet.
Making meals at home gives you control over calories and fat as well as the quality and kind of ingredients that you use. It’s the little things that add up, like high calorie and fat condiments and cooking methods. For instance, a typical take-out sandwich can have as much as 200 calories worth of mayo on it (Shape, January 2009)! Yikes! Making your sandwich at home with light mayo or even a lower calorie condiment like mustard can cut 100-150 calories!
The money that you save on homemade lunches will also add up fast. “We spend about $6.50 a day on lunch,” says Harry Balzer, vice president of the NPD Group, a marketing research company. If you do the math, a daily $6.50 lunch means $130 per month and almost $1700 over the course of the year! Yowsahs! If you take your lunch to work a few times a week, both your figure and finances will thank you!
Tips for Homemade Lunches
- Bring leftovers from dinner for lunch. Pack them for lunch when you are cleaning-up from dinner.
- Make it a wrap! Use a whole wheat or other flavored wrap to make a veggie-packed sandwich for lunch. Wraps are easily transportable, and the add-in possibilities are endless!
- Plan ahead. On Sundays, I will chop-up carrot sticks or a big cantaloup, portion-out plastic baggies full of cereal, and plan potential meals and snacks for the upcoming week.
- Have the right gear. Buy some sturdy and travel-friendly containers as well as a cute lunch bag. The right lunchware makes life so much easier. Plus having nice things keeps me motivated to prepare nutritious lunches. My lunch tote is a simple one from Crate and Barrel.
Easy Lunches
- 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 1 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter, 1 sliced banana, 1 container of low-fat or Greek yogurt
- 2 cups mixed greens + lots of veggies, 2 ounces of chicken, tofu or 1/2 cup canned tuna, 1 serving of whole grain crackers, 1/2 cup of fresh berries, piece of quality dark chocolate
- 1 veggie burger, 1 whole grain English muffin or bun, 1 slice cheese, sliced tomato, onion, cucumbers, spinach, etc, 1 piece of fruit
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup fresh fruit, carrot sticks, 1 homemade muffin or piece sweet bread
- 1 cup lentil soup, split pea, or vegetarian chili, 1 serving of whole grain crackers, carrot sticks, 1 piece of fresh fruit
- 1 whole wheat pita, 1/4 cup hummus, sliced cucumbers and peppers, 1 container of Greek yogurt with cereal and/or honey
- 1 slice leftover homemade pizza, small garden salad, Larabar (or other similar bar)
- You can also search “Lunch Preview” on my blog to find additional ideas.
Final Day to Enter
Question of the Day
Are you a “lunch bringer” or “lunch buyer”? If you’re a “bringer,” what’s your favorite lunch to pack?
Lori — February 26, 2009 @ 7:30 am
I work from home, so I pretty much am always a bringer LOL!
Although my fridge looks like yours right now.
coco — February 26, 2009 @ 7:30 am
I’m definitely a lunch bringer, because it’s easier (than walk to buy food), it’s healthy, it saves time (I spend less time by eating at office than going out for lunch) and lastly it saves money.
VeggieGirl — February 26, 2009 @ 7:30 am
Time for you to go food-shopping!!
**I’ve been a “lunch bringer” my whole life!!
FoodsThatFit — February 26, 2009 @ 7:32 am
I always pack my lunch. I leave my wallet at home so I am not tempted to change my mind and buy something. My favorite lunch is spaghetti squash with marinara sauce a Laughing Cow wedge and a Gardenburger Portabella burger, heat through and mixed togehter! So good and all you have to do beforehand is cook the spahghetti squash!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) — February 26, 2009 @ 7:34 am
I LOVE to pack lunch. It makes me feel healthier and more satisfied!
Sarah — February 26, 2009 @ 7:49 am
My name is Sarah and I am a lunch bringer. haha…
Always have been. My favorites are always the leftovers from the night before (homemade pizza with carrot sticks, leftover mac and cheese with a side salad, etc.) but for a special treat, I’ll make homemade sushi (REALLY easy to make!).
And, of course, I absolutely love you almond butter n’ banana sandwich idea. That’s one of my regulars because I just love it so much.
Andrea (Off Her Cork) — February 26, 2009 @ 7:53 am
When I worked outside my home, I was always a lunch bringer! I actually don’t understand wanting to eat lunch out everyday. It’s a lot of money and I get tired quickly of eating restaurant food.
Emily — February 26, 2009 @ 7:54 am
I always bring my lunch…saves $$ and time! I posted a similar note today!
Anna — February 26, 2009 @ 8:04 am
I’m a teacher with a non-negotiable 40 minute lunch (someone has to pick up the kids!), so I always bring my lunch. But, I would bring it even if I had more time. My favorite thing to do is make a big pot of soup on Sunday and eat it throughout the week.
JE — February 26, 2009 @ 8:18 am
I bring my lunch for all of the reasons you mention! Like Anna above, I also make a large batch of soup to eat through the week.
Leah — February 26, 2009 @ 8:23 am
I always bring a lunch to work with me! Even when i was young my parents always sent me with a packed lunch to school. Great ideas you posted!!
jenn — February 26, 2009 @ 8:23 am
off topic, but i was just watching the today show and they were talking about this http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29393995/ (the video with that article isnt what was on the today show). But anyway, the woman that was talking said that women should be only eating 1200 calories a day, even active women to maintain your weight. doesnt that seem pretty darn low? i dont count my calories ever, but i am pretty sure im eating more (probably alot more) than 1200 cals a day, and i workout for 45 minutes 5-6 times a day and not trying to lose weight.
jenn — February 26, 2009 @ 8:24 am
woah, i meant week, not day. oops.
MizzIndependent — February 26, 2009 @ 8:28 am
Definitely a lunch-bringer. My favorite has to be any leftovers.
Kate — February 26, 2009 @ 8:32 am
cool thanks for these tips! And your breakfast looks beautiful even if you were low on ingredients!
EmLit — February 26, 2009 @ 8:34 am
Thanks for the great tips! I’ve been mostly a buyer in the past, trying to transition to bringer, and these lunch ideas will definitely help me put together something that’s healthy!
Lisa — February 26, 2009 @ 8:35 am
I’m def a bringer. I like to keep it pretty simple my fav lunches are a soup and sald combo!
Amanda — February 26, 2009 @ 8:36 am
I am a 100% lunch bringer (unless I make plans to meet a friend for lunch at a restaurant). My staple lunch is roasted sweet potatoes with rosemary and sea salt. I roast them at home and the put in my lunch container. I then pop the container into the microwave at work to reheat them. Delicious, filling, healthy, and inexpensive!
Lauren — February 26, 2009 @ 8:37 am
I bring my lunch about 50% of the time, and buy it the other 50%. When I bring lunch, I usually have grilled vegetables in a high-fiber wrap along with a piece of fruit, or an eggwhite sandwich with reduced fat cheese and turkey bacon on a multigran Enligsh muffin accompanied by a salad. I vary my lunch occasionally, but these two options are my favorites.
When I buy lunch, I typically get a make-your-own salad with grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, a little bit of goat cheese, and balsamic vinegar. Or, I’ll get a reduced fat/reduced calorie flatbread sandwich from Cosi (the feta and roasted veggie one is really good, with good nutritionals). If I’m very pressed for time, I sometimes resort to a protein bar (I try to get ones with very little sugar and at least 18 grams of protein, like ThinkThin), and have it along with an apple or orange.
Catherine (FOOD SNOB) — February 26, 2009 @ 8:38 am
I always bring my lunch, too — and I eat up all of my leftovers this way!
I agree that a fabulous lunch bag makes it more enticing to pack things up every day!
Lauren — February 26, 2009 @ 8:46 am
Jenn, I wanted to respond to your comment–1,200 calories a day is very low (the bare minimum) and not advisable for anyone who is active. If you work out most days of the week for 45-minute stretches, you can easily eat anywhere from 1,700-2,2000 calories, depending on your individuals needs and health objectives. I don’t count calories, but I hardly *ever* go below 2,000–I run 6 miles or more almost every day, and could not possibly function with fewer calories! I think it’s highly irresponsible for any health professional to espouse the ‘value’ of active women eating 1,200 calories a day. For the vast majority of women, that number is just too low, and will ensure that they won’t be getting the nutrients they need.
Lauren — February 26, 2009 @ 8:46 am
Um, I meant 2,200 calories, not 22,000
Amy — February 26, 2009 @ 8:50 am
I always bring my lunch. It’s such an easy way to save money and eat healthy. My favorite lunch is kashi crackers w/ seriously sharp cheddar cheese, a piece of fruit, and some veggies. It may not seem like much but it’s satisfying and tasty. I don’t like sandwiches very much so this is a good way to get in grains and dairy.
kristi — February 26, 2009 @ 8:50 am
I am a total lunch bringer! My favorite thing to bring for lunch is kind of borning but I love to make a good pb and j or a good turkey sammy with lots of lettuce and mustard. For other things in my lunch, you will always find a fruit and a veggie and some sort of sweet treat like a granola bar or a cookie. I have a huge sweet tooth so it is a must!
Ricki — February 26, 2009 @ 8:54 am
Your refrigerator is immaculate!! I wouldn’t dare show the inside of mine. . .!!;)
Audrey — February 26, 2009 @ 8:54 am
honey wheat english muffin with a french onion laughing cow, 2 slices of turkey and some honey mustard..mmm and usually carrots and cottage cheese. i allow myself to buy lunch once a week just because i work around so many good lunch places i would be crazy not to but somehow i always end up at falafel king..haha
Colleen — February 26, 2009 @ 8:57 am
I go home for lunch every day – it’s so nice!
EL — February 26, 2009 @ 9:01 am
I am a lunch bringer!
1. pbj on an english muffin
2. plain yogurt, apple butter, and Kashi Heart to Heart
3. hard boiled eggs and cottage cheese
4. veggie wrap with hummus
Matt — February 26, 2009 @ 9:04 am
I’m a lunch bringer! It’s cheaper and I’m poor!
I like that oatmeal bowl by the way!
Meg — February 26, 2009 @ 9:04 am
Great tips! I am a lunch bringer! I also have a stash of oats up at work for days when I don’t have time for lunch and need to grab something quick!
Michelle Hisae — February 26, 2009 @ 9:09 am
Oh, I’m a bring-lunch-everyday kinda girl! If I didn’t, I’d be broke! My fave? Peppered turkey, avocado, spinach and laughing cow cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread. Yummm. Paired with a piece of fruit, and I’m golden!
Tina — February 26, 2009 @ 9:11 am
@jenn: Yes, it does! Personally, I would pass out only eating 1200 calories a day! I think people should do what works for them. I eat 1800-2200 (or more!) calories per day, and I have maintained by weight for almost 5 years.
Amanda — February 26, 2009 @ 9:12 am
I am a lunch bringer, but meet a friend for lunch about once a week (when it’s warmer, we actually bring lunch and meet at the park!) My new favorite lunch to bring is a wrap made with the spinach flat out wraps. I wrap it in alum. foil and it feels like I went out to buy something! I am also trying to cut costs, so I’m giving up Starbucks for Lent – eek!
Betsy — February 26, 2009 @ 9:15 am
I’m so fortunate to live close enough to work so I can walk home for lunch everyday. If I didn’t, though, I would definitely pack! When I used to live near D.C. I interned at a Smithsonian museum and would buy lunch at Union Station – which cost around $9/day. I got over that pretty quick!
Jessica — February 26, 2009 @ 9:20 am
I am always a lunch bringer! I am glad to read this post becuase I want to try to switch up my lunches. I bring the same thing all of the time, I need some variety!
My go to lunch is a big bowl of baby greens, carrots, cucumbers, tomato, peppers (red yellow green),sometimes beets, sometimes mushrooms. Topped with dried cranberries, balsamic vinagrette & either cottage cheese or peanuts. It us super yummy!
Then I always have some kind of bar and piece of fruit later in the afternoon.
Maggi — February 26, 2009 @ 9:21 am
Lunch-bringer here… Started doing it years ago when i wanted to buy a house and realized that I could be building a down-payment with the money I saved from buying lunch.
I’m not sure I have a favorite, per se, but I do bring a lot of soup. It’s just easy, convenient, full of veggies and filling.
Lee (seelivelee) — February 26, 2009 @ 9:22 am
in college, i eat in the cafe 4/7 days of the week. all other days, i eat in my room: peanut butter on WW, yogurt and an apple. never fails!
(at the college cafe i make a grilled turkey & cheese or eat a veggie burger!)
Dori — February 26, 2009 @ 9:28 am
I try to be a lunch bringer but it is hard with all my restrictions. I remember back in the day I would buy a $10 salad almost every day for lunch – how ridiculous!
jenna — February 26, 2009 @ 9:30 am
I loved pack lunches b/c it means you don’t have to waste time deciding what to have or where to go for lunch. I really do not like eating out in general, it’s very time consuming and usually the food is just meh. I think its great that you listed different options for packed lunch! I think some people get in a rut of packed luches and usually end up going out for lunch b/c they don’t want pb&j AGAIN!
Mara @ What's For Dinner? — February 26, 2009 @ 9:32 am
I always bring leftovers for lunch, and its gotten to the point where my coworkers are eager to see what I had for dinner last night by what I bring for lunch!
jenn — February 26, 2009 @ 9:33 am
that’s what i thought! i can’t believe they would be giving advice like that on the today show.
Amelia — February 26, 2009 @ 9:33 am
Eek! That’s what my fridge is starting to look like too. I never know where all the food goes!
I’m a lunch bringer. My favorite thing is wraps. So easy! I used to buy lunch but that meant shelling out about $10 a day, which adds up SO fast!
Steph — February 26, 2009 @ 9:38 am
this is silly, but i just bought that lentil soup at whole foods a week ago, but i haven’t tried it yet. hahah
http://www.IamBee-Steph.blogspot.com
Leah — February 26, 2009 @ 9:42 am
I pack breakfast/lunch/snacks at least four out of the five work days. My favorite lunches are usually when I pack leftovers from something amazing I made the night before.
For instance today I have baked cod, rice pilaf, and steamed broccoli/cauliflower with a banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookie (thanks for the recipe!) for dessert. I am going to absolutely KILL my lunch today after my insane spinning class at noon!
Leanne — February 26, 2009 @ 9:46 am
I always pack a lunch because it’s such a money saver, plus I think I can pack way tastier food then I will find anywhere on campus. My favorite is an Ezekial tortilla with hummus, and veggies, with a piece of fruit and string cheese on the side. Really satisfying and yummy!
Ashley — February 26, 2009 @ 9:46 am
Lunch Bringer for sure. I bring my lunch everyday. I enjoy knowing exactly what I’m eating everyday. I try to change it up every week but I usually have a sandwich, side snack and a piece of fruit.
Sarah — February 26, 2009 @ 9:49 am
I am so lucky because I live literally a 4 minute walk away from work. I go home everyday to make lunch and rarely eat lunch out. Why? I like to save money. I want to know what’s going into my food. And it’s also my favorite part of the day. (It’s fabulous down time and a chance to get away from my desk.) A lot of my coworkers skip lunch (which seems like a really bad idea) or go to the dining hall (it’s pretty cheap but the food’s not that great in my opinion).
Sarah
Meghann — February 26, 2009 @ 9:49 am
I am lucky enough where I have the opportunity to drive home for lunch, but whe I do have to eat lunch in the office (like today) I pack it up. I HATE wasting money and calories by going out to eat. I like to have control of my food and wallet.
Kati — February 26, 2009 @ 9:50 am
I love bringing a healthy lunch to work! Most of the time it’s leftovers from dinner- easy and cheap!
Michelle — February 26, 2009 @ 10:00 am
Hey Tina! I think you did pretty darn good for a “not having anything in the fridge” kinda day!! Kudos to you
I’m definitely a bring-your-own-lunch kinda girl. I love making whole wheat wraps stuffed with refried beans (a can goes a long way with lunches!), greens, salsa, cheese, and tomatoes! Soup is always a healthy option too!
Have a great day, it’s almost the weekend!!!!
Michelle
Hallie — February 26, 2009 @ 10:04 am
Leftovers are my favorite lunches, but I also bring big salads. My coworkers always comment on my healthy lunches, but lately I’ve been trying to bring heavier foods because a giant salad and some fruit can still only by 250 calories (hello, volume eating!) and I find myself raiding the snack drawer two hours later unless I bring more filling meal items.
I work in a touristy area, so I bring my lunch because it’s healthier but also WAY cheaper. Every once in a while I’ll go out to eat, and it’s lovely because it’s a treat.
Mari — February 26, 2009 @ 10:11 am
Thanks for the tips! I am lucky though because my boss usually treats me to lunch, well my pockets are lucky, not sure about my waist line lol…but I do try to make healthy choices when we order out, to the point that the people picking up the phone hate me “Can I have grilled shrimp but with no oil and don’t send me ANY bread” ha
BTW has anyone tried Trader Joes Lentil Soup??? I want to buy it but would like some reviews before I purchase it, thanks! =)
Nicole — February 26, 2009 @ 10:17 am
I am a lunch buyer, but I NEED to change to a lunch bringer!!!
Missy (Missy Maintains) — February 26, 2009 @ 10:24 am
I bring my lunch almost every day! It saves so much money. I always bring turkey and hummus wraps, tuna and goat cheese wraps, or Morningstar Farms burgers. Maybe once every 2 weeks I treat myself to an outside lunch!
brandi — February 26, 2009 @ 10:29 am
I’m a bringer, too.
We try to limit eating out to once/twice a week just because of $$. We’re on a pretty tight budget, and it’s so much cheaper and better for you to pack your own food.
I love packing leftovers when I have them, or wraps/sandwiches with parts of dinners.
I usually try to make 1-2 things on the weekend just for lunches in case there aren’t any leftovers, too, plus prep veggies/fruit, etc.
Victoria — February 26, 2009 @ 10:36 am
We always bring our lunches, and it is nearly always soup – so convenient to make on Sunday and have the whole week.
alli — February 26, 2009 @ 10:39 am
i ALWAYS pack my lunch! when i make it the night before, i cram as many fruits and vegetables i can with big salads and lots of color. this way, when i’m tired at night or rushed for dinner, i know i covered my nutritional bases already!
Yasmin — February 26, 2009 @ 10:39 am
Those are some great ideas for lunch! I always bring my lunch because I am a teacher and have a 25 minute lunch break. I practically inhale my food! Look at my blog to get some ideas for lunches. Thanks! itsawrapteacher.blogspot.com
rhodeygirl — February 26, 2009 @ 10:40 am
I bring my lunch every day, even though my office pays for everyone’s lunch every day! it is just so much healthier and satisfying to have a good homemade meal every day!
my favorite lunches:
huge salads with leftovers on them (chicken, veggies, etc)
and low carb wraps with good quality turkey, cheese, and avocado!
K — February 26, 2009 @ 11:12 am
I’m DEFINITELY a lunch bringer! It’s to the point where I bring food to every event I go to – I’d much rather know that I have a healthy lunch packed while I’m out than have to rely on a restaurant to make something vegetarian.
AlliJag — February 26, 2009 @ 11:32 am
love the colorful breakfast!
Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday — February 26, 2009 @ 11:39 am
I am a lunch bringer but I also partake of the staff lunch salads at work. I bring leftovers, a wrap or veggie burgers and couscous.
Diana (Soap & Chocolate) — February 26, 2009 @ 11:47 am
Definitely a whole(grain)-hearted bringer. And the funny thing is, I used to be so jealous of coworkers buying their lunch every day (I work in Union Sq. NYC so there are great eats around), but once I equipped myself with some proper lunch gear and a tote, I was totally invigorated! I got more creative with what I brought, knew exactly what was in it, and enjoy every bite knowing I’m doing something good for myself. It rarely crosses my mind to get take-out, and when I do every couple months or so, it’s a big deal! And I make it count.
kristin point — February 26, 2009 @ 11:47 am
Bringer, my fav is smoked salmon sandwich with laughing cow lite cheese wedges and spinach on toasted whole wheat sprouted bread, yumm! I also love annies terriyaki bowl with added tofu (not enought protien otherwise).
When I ate meat my fav is turkey sandy with hummus, avocado, sprouts and cheese on whole wheat toast.
Katie — February 26, 2009 @ 11:57 am
I am definitely a bringer! Today is a salad of leftovers with hummus, roasted sweet potatos with some goddess dressing…..Another good options for the person in a rush is the frozen Amy’s meals. I love the veggie meatloaf and have one of the indian meals in my freezer ready to try!
bobbi — February 26, 2009 @ 12:03 pm
I wrote about your Yoga challenge today:) I am so a lunch bringer! I love the list thanks!
Holly — February 26, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
I LOVE to bring my lunch! My favorite things to bring are leftovers.
Quiche, grilled chicken, and soup are my faves.
sue — February 26, 2009 @ 12:11 pm
i love when my fridge gets empty like that too for the same reason (nothing went to waste) and it also means i can overload the cart next shop. i work from home but i kinda miss having a packed lunch waiting for me.
Adi — February 26, 2009 @ 12:15 pm
Bringer! If I’ve packed a great lunch, I look forward to it all morning… it’s actually a highlight of the day.
Rose — February 26, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
I bring lunch almost every day – it’s totally worth it. I save so much $$ and eat much healthier.
Wish I had time to do your contest
Sara — February 26, 2009 @ 12:31 pm
I love your ideas/tips for bringing a lunch. I’m totally a lunch bringer. I was raised that way. My mom or dad would always make me a tasty lunch to bring to school and now that’s what I do as an adult. Plus, I’m cheap. I’d rather save money and bring my own food than go out and spend money. I could buy clothes with that money instead!
My favorite lunches are fruit/yogurt, pb&j or turkey sammies.
Lisa — February 26, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
Bringer! Today I had a flatout wrap with turkey, cheese, bbq and veggies. So much better than the cafeteria options!
Rachel — February 26, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
I’m out of everything too! So I didn’t bring a lunch today and now I feel guilty, but in a good, motivating
. I usually bring a giant salad in a big container and whatever other extras I have on hand. Now, I’m off to read the rest of the comments!
Aimee — February 26, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
Bringer and my husband is too. I know I always will enjoy a lunch I bring, but I don’t always enjoy what I end up getting when I eat out.
lauren (athlEAT) — February 26, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
I love packing my own lunch, especially because growing up my parents packed my lunch every day. But, there are days when I am not able to do it, so I would say that I buy my lunch out no more than once a week.
Kelly — February 26, 2009 @ 1:22 pm
I’m jealous of how clean your refrigerator is. Try as I might to widdle it’s contents down mine is always too full.
Diana — February 26, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
I am a lunch BRINGER for sure! I always bring …
-Yogurt with Fruit
-Cottage Cheese mixed with Veggies
-The Simply Bar
-The remainder of my morning smoothie
-A piece of Fruit (either a banana or an apple usually)
I eat all of these like little snacks throughout the day. I rearly sit down and eat the full lunch at once. I start the snacking process at around 11:00 and finish around 4:00.
-Diana (Strawberry Shortstuff)
AD — February 26, 2009 @ 1:43 pm
BRINGER for sure!
In fact – I often get jealous looks and comments on my lunches from co-workers who just spent $9 on a greasy sandwich.
Favorite lunch to bring:
- THE BIG SALAD: Mixed veggie salad with everything in it: cheese, protein (chicken, turkey or avocado), nuts, raisins or craisins. I’ve never been a big fan of salad dressing so I often eat my salads dry, but with so much in them, they usually don’t need dressing!
Danielle — February 26, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
I definitely am a lunch bringer. I’m a big fan of leftovers, and gigantic salads to use up some produce.
Catie — February 26, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
I bring lunch almost every day! My favorite packed lunch is probably soup (I’m really into V8 soups at the moment) and a small/half wrap or sandwich. I recently got a reusable sandwich holder than unwraps into a place mat. Its so convenient and green! Check them out: http://www.wrapnmat.com
Shelby — February 26, 2009 @ 1:51 pm
I’ve always brought my own lunch, it’s just way better than the gross stuff they sell at school. Thanks for all the ideas! My favorite is to take any leftovers, slap it between bread, and eat! YUM.
P.S.
Love that bowl!!!
Natalie — February 26, 2009 @ 1:59 pm
I’m definitely a bringer!
My lunch of choice is…
Turkey
Laughing cow light
Hummus
Sliced peppers
Jen — February 26, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
I eat lunch at home about 95% of the time
Great lunch ideas!!!
Pearl — February 26, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
I usually try to bring lunch than buy..
Leng — February 26, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
I am definitely a lunch bringer. I hate buying food when I know that I have healthier and cheaper food at home. I normally like to pack foods that are easy to eat and don’t require cooking or could be eaten cold. Lots of my leftovers from the night before are frequent in my day too.
Sarah (Tales of Expansion) — February 26, 2009 @ 4:42 pm
i always bring my own lunch … especially now that i’m in grad school with a full-time unpaid internship! i usually make enough food on sunday to keep me going through the week, and now my coworkers have started to pick up on my budget-consciousness and actually bring lunch FOR me whenever they have extra, haha.
Erin F. — February 26, 2009 @ 6:03 pm
Definitely a bringer! A turkey sandwich on lite wheat bread, a low-sodium v8, and a yogurt are in my bag everyday, along with a couple pieces of fruit and some carrots for snacking. It’s inexpensive and keeps me on a good routine.
Kristin — February 26, 2009 @ 6:13 pm
A bringer! I like to buy in bulk different kinds of healthy soups at Costco Wholesale. Right now, I’m really liking the Amy’s Lentil and Minestrone soups which I pair with toast and a laughing cow cheese wedge. This seems to be the most filling lunch I can find and by buying in bulk I’m saving money. I let myself buy lunch out once during the work week, which is usually a veggie sandwich or salad bar.
Meghan — February 26, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
What a great post! I am a bringer and while I don’t always love making my lunch, I am getting more creative and loving lunchtime!Its generally more environmentally friendly too, less packaging!
Bev — February 26, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
I’m a lunch bringer : ) I try and packed leftovers or try to cover all the food groups that I need for the day. your fridge is soooooo clean. Come over and clean mine Please !
Sarah — February 26, 2009 @ 8:22 pm
I’m a lunch bringer. One of my attorneys today commented on how yummy my food smelled and then asked me if I do dinner leftovers – yep I do! Dinner leftovers are my favorite to bring to lunch! I need something filling at lunch to power me through my evening workouts.
Marianne — February 26, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
I’m a total lunch bringer. It’s just too expensive to eat out for lunch every day, and generally speaking, I make better food. Plus I live alone, so it’s the only way to make sure my food doesn’t go bad.
I can’t say I have a fave lunch to bring. I like everything!
Caroline — February 27, 2009 @ 1:01 am
I’ve tried that lentil soup before–much cheaper than the Amy’s variety!
I am def a lunch bringer–I love getting to pack my lunch! I really like to pack good ol’ hummus and veggies.
Lara — February 27, 2009 @ 6:17 am
That’s what my fridge looked like yesterday, too! I always find that it forces me to be creative (or just go out–yikes). Such cute photos of you and Mal in the above post!
Melissa — February 27, 2009 @ 11:09 am
@Dori: Sadly, I do that quite often. I hate to be lazy, but schleping containers back in forth in my bag on the subway drives me nuts because they take up my whole bag.
But I love the ideas!
Busy Saturday and Oat-gurt – Carrots ‘N’ Cake — February 28, 2009 @ 8:26 am
[...] really wanted a nice, big cup of coffee with my oats this morning, but since we are completely out of food, including milk, I opted for a mug of Earl Grey tea with a little agave nectar. Surprisingly, I [...]