Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1538838
Be prepared. Prepping your food over the weekend is the secret to avoiding the hectic morning hustle. Create a weekly menu with three to five dedicated lunches. After grocery shopping, wash your ingredients, chop produce, cook grains, or make a large batch of food to portion throughout the week. Assemble your lunch the night before and put it in a hard-to-miss spot. Stock up on storage supplies. The right container can make all the difference when it comes to keeping food fresh and preventing spills, squishing, and messes on the go. Find a lunchbox that suits your style and get organized with: • Insulated containers designed to keep food hot or cold • Bento boxes with compartments for food and cutlery • Stainless steel containers that are durable and simple to clean • Glass containers that are microwave-safe and free of toxins or chemicals Think outside the lunch box. Eating the same thing day in and day out can dull your drive to prepare. However, making meals at home gives you an opportunity to test new recipes and get creative in the kitchen. If something catches your eye on social media or you get a suggestion from a friend, don't be afraid to throw it into your rotation. You can also mix it up with fun themes like Meatless Mondays or Wrap Wednesdays. Practice food safety. Food safety rules still apply to lunches. Perishable foods should go in the fridge or stay chilled until you're ready to eat. To maintain the correct temperature, include at least two cold sources—like frozen gel packs or frozen bottles of water. Hot foods need to stay hot, too. Use a thermos or another insulated container and leave it closed until lunchtime. Dress it up. A packed lunch doesn't have to be boring. Dress up your meals with condiments, just like at a restaurant or at home. Keep pre-packaged sauces and condiments handy, or put your own into containers. You can even store non-perishable items like hot sauce and spices in your desk drawers, or consider adding communal condiments to the office fridge. Take breaks. Incorporating lunch packing into your daily routine is great—and so is taking a break to treat yourself. An afternoon bite with coworkers at your favorite deli or a trek to a popular café could be the reset you need to renew your lunch-making motivation. WHAT TO PACK IN A WORK LUNCH PROTEINS • Grilled chicken • Egg salad • Turkey chili • Black or brown beans • Tuna salad CARBS • Pasta salad • Brown rice • Quinoa • Tortilla wraps • Noodle bowl VEGGIES • Cucumber sandwich • Celery and hummus • Cherry tomatoes • Kale chips • Edamame • Bell peppers SNACKS • Popcorn • Granola • Nuts • Fruit WHAT TO PACK IN A SCHOOL LUNCH PROTEINS • Mini meatballs • Chicken soup • Fish sticks • Grilled chicken nuggets CARBS • Lasagna • Macaroni and cheese • Peanut butter and jelly sandwich VEGGIES • Baby carrots • Snap peas • Broccoli • Cauliflower • Celery SNACKS • Trail mix • Chips • Meat stick • Pretzels • Fruit • Beef jerky • Mini candy bars • Graham crackers