Healthy lunch options that will save big money

Life is hectic. It seems there’s never enough time in a given day to do everything we need to do, so shortcuts are a must. And sometimes even the really important things, like eating right, take a back seat.

We’re all guilty at one time or another of running out for a quick sandwich at lunch, only to feel guilty about it later. It’s almost impossible to track your calories and eat healthy when you’re in the habit of eating out even just a few times a week. It’s time to think long and hard about how healthy you want to be. If you can plan to pack your lunches, you will feel the benefits across the board.

One of the biggest benefits of bringing your own food for lunch is the cost savings. We all know that eating at a restaurant is expensive, but consider the impact on your budget over time. Just two meals out a week at approximately $8 each adds up to $84 a month! Just think how many home-cooked meals you could have for that amount!

Here’s how to put the plan into action. Immediately after dinner, pack up any leftovers for a lunch either the next day or later in the week. Go ahead and put it in the lunch bag or box, complete with some fruit and a side item to round out the meal. That makes it easier to snag in the morning. No excuses!

Another tip — keep healthy snacks at your desk (and also at home) in a place that’s easy to access on the go. Fresh fruits and veggies with dips, nuts, whole wheat crackers and cheese are great options. This will keep you from heading to the vending machine when the munchies hit.

When planning dinner meals, try to choose menu items everyone in the house eats. Make at least one big batch of a favorite meal. Weekends are a great time to cook supersize batches of meals for the week ahead. It helps if it’s something simple, like grilled chicken with quinoa. That way you can easily adapt those ingredients into different lunchtime options. For instance, add chunks of mozzarella and romaine, or make it Greek with olives, feta and tomatoes.

Bottom line is get in a rhythm when it comes to packing lunches. Make a list of possible lunches for the week and think ahead. Being ready mentally for your food options makes a huge difference. Find things that you love and continue to build upon those foods.

Not only will you reap the financial rewards, but your body will be a much healthier one for all your efforts!