Buying lunch can be really convenient during a busy work day, especially if you are surrounded by restaurants or make use of food delivery options. However, if you’re operating on a budget or simply trying to live a healthier lifestyle, buying your meals can really prevent you from achieving your goals. Packing lunch is the perfect solution but for some this may be a lifestyle challenge.
We’ve got some tips to make this a bit less difficult.
- Meal Planning
This step begins with your grocery shopping. When prepping your list, think of the meals you’re likely to want during the week and base your shopping around that. Ensure that you consider how often you want to switch up your meals and shop to suit.
The second step to meal planning means deciding when you’re going to cook. If your work schedule is Monday-Friday, use your weekend to cook at least one of your meals and prepare enough to last for at least two days of your working week. That makes it easier to choose a midweek date to cook your second meal. If you’re fortunate enough to have a weekday off, utilize that time to cook up a storm.
Bonus Tip: Tailor your cooking time to your schedule. If you love rising early, then dedicate that time to cooking before your day officially begins. If you’re a night owl, cut your Netflix time in half and hit the kitchen for your cooking time.
- Keep it simple
Most of us aren’t chefs, so making complicated dishes not only wastes time but increases the likelihood of cooking an unappealing mess. The key to success for us basics is simplicity. Pies, steamed vegetables, boiled foods like rice or quinoa and baked meats which mostly take oven time, make it easier for you to cut down on kitchen time, and guarantees you more frequent success.
Bonus Tip: The internet is your friend! Select your favorite app or website and explore recipes which are highly rated in order to spice up your menu if you’re getting bored.
- Use flasks instead of containers
For those of us on the go, lack of accessibility to microwaves can make it difficult to take a packed lunch daily. Investing in a flask allows you greater mobility and keeps your food warmer for longer periods.
Bonus Tip: Invest in a metal flask. These are especially easy to clean and won’t hold the stains that plastic containers do over the long term.
- Treat yourself!
If you’re having difficulty giving up your purchased lunches, use them as treats. Reward yourself for a hard week’s work or perhaps monthly if your budget is a bit tight. You can also reserve these meals for business lunches outside of the office or special occasions if your workplace is hosting a celebration or award.
Jameela Hollingsworth, Owner of HR Boss, is a contributing writer to the CaribbeanJobs.com Blog.
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