How to Pack Portioned Meals for Work
- Tips and How To's
- 02/16/15
- Share
Bringing lunch to work every day offers a variety of benefits, from saving you serious cash each week to preventing the daily stress of picking a lunch location. This practice is also ideal for adults looking to add a bit more nutritious value to their midday meals.
"Americans who eat lunch out spend nearly $1,000 each year."
According to a recent study conducted by Visa, Americans who eat lunch out spend nearly $1,000 each year. Northeasterners are more likely to spend the most money at lunch, while Southerners venture outside of the office more frequently than those living in other regions.
So how do you adapt your lunchtime habits to make this meal both cheaper and healthier? Keep the following tips in mind while you plan out your weekly lunches.
Set - and Keep - a Schedule
At the beginning of the week, write out exactly what you plan to prepare and pack for lunch each day. This way, you have a clearer idea of what to pick up from the grocery store, and you'll feel less compelled to impulsively buy lunch one day of the week. Additionally, if you take the time to lay out what you'll be eating each day, you can portion out the exact vegetables, grains, dairy, fruits and proteins you want to have.
Pack Before the Morning
Whether you pack the night before or you portion foods during the weekend, this is a great way to ensure your lunch is as packed as you want it to be. If you're preparing a large meal on Sunday to bring during the week, use your vacuum sealer to separate portions for specific days. Use a permanent marker to label each portion, making navigating between your stored foods much easier when you start packing.
Think Outside of the Box
The great thing about packing your lunch for work is that you don't have to limit yourself to sandwiches and leftovers. Using your vacuum sealer and its jar sealer accessory, you can bring homemade and perfectly sized lunches in small containers. These can include homemade salad, oatmeal and yogurt in a jar. Alternatively, if you consider yourself to be a master of your slow cooker, you can prepare a hearty dish, then keep it warm at your desk each day with a slow cooker food warmer.
