For example, packing the leftovers of a black bean, brown rice and salsa dinner casserole, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, into a reusable container that can be microwaved at the office. Add some carrot, celery, and pepper strips for a hearty and satisfying lunch.
To take this idea a bit further, try cooking in bulk. On the weekend, make a big pot of chili, soup, or rice and beans and freeze into individual portions that are ready to take to work in a flash.
Convenience foods can also make quick and easy lunches. Canned soups and frozen meals can be inexpensive, especially if you stock up when they’re on sale, and all you have to do is grab one when you’re running out the door. Pair these portion-controlled items with a side salad or piece of fruit to provide enough calories to keep you feeling full.
To prevent brown bag lunches from getting boring (and to resist going out so frequently) try some of these strategies:
1. Add Dipping Sauces: baby carrots aren’t really exciting until you add garlic hummus or some sweet Thai chili sauce, for example. Dipping sauces can give some life to tons of things, from fruits and veggies to pre-cooked shrimp and grilled chicken.
2. Mix Up Sandwich Toppers: don’t get stuck in a sandwich rut. Try a variety of budget-friendly toppers such as large banana pepper rings, pickle slices, fresh cheese, sprouts and fresh basil.
3. Garnish Your Soup: if you regularly bring in a thermos of soup to work, spice it up by tossing in a few chopped scallions, homemade croutons or a dollop of yogurt to give it a creamy texture.
4. Include Fun Snacks: small containers of homemade trail mix, sandwich bags of bargain pretzels that you buy in bulk and custom-season in the oven, or even a couple of homemade cookies will give you something to look forward to at lunch or during a coffee break. Anything to break up the monotony of your sandwich and apple combo will make that brown bag a little less boring.
5. Make Meals Ahead of Time: try occasionally making large batches of entrees that freeze well. Put things like lasagna and chicken pot pie into single-serving Tupperware dishes and put them in the freezer. Then just grab one on your way to work for an easy, frugal freezer meal.
5 Ways To Liven Up Your Lunch was originally published on blackdoctor.org
