5 Lunch Basics You Need to Know

I love absolutely adore packing lunches for work. I believe this love actually stems from my childhood. When I was growing up my parents prided themselves on the fact that I never had to brown bag it. Which meant my lunch was always in the hands of the cafeteria and as we all know can be iffy at best. I remember how ecstatic I was when middle school rolled around and I had the option of enjoying a salad bar. After all of these years, I find my imagination sparked as the ability to take my own lunch to work unfolds before me.

ONE

The very first thing I learned about brown bagging lunches was the importance of leak-proof containers. I decided to take some soup one day and I quickly learned my container wasn't. My recommendation, know beforehand your container is leak proof or check it before you leave home.

TWO

Spend the extra money of an insulated lunch box. Avoid soggy sandwiches and warm yogurt. Invest in one and always find your lunches kept at an enjoyable temperature.

THREE

Always pack a little something extra, just a little snack. It will come in handy if you get stuck at work or find that you're a little more hungry than you anticipated. Here's a secret that I have never told anyone, on my writing days I actually have to pack two lunches to keep going. My body for some reason just needs the extra calories.

FOUR

Packing your lunch also gives you freedom. The freedom to take your lunch outside, to enjoy a moment away from the office. It's a great moment to walk away and clear your mind. If I have to buy lunch out I lose this moment because time is spent ordering and picking up my lunch. I enjoy when my lunch break is more so just a moment to stop and relax. A stress-free break from work.

FIVE

The most valuable and important tip I can share with you is to remember to change it up. Don't take the same thing every day. The advantage of taking lunch is that the menu choices are all about you and what you love to eat. I love mixing ours up. One day it might be soup and another day maybe it's a cucumber salad. Don't get me wrong we pack sandwiches, but I also love to have pitas and fruit. Fruit is my weakness. I tend to pack one or two pieces every day. I do try to mix it up with a banana one day, an orange the next and raspberries the day after that.

​I would love to hear your favorite lunch recipes.
​Leave your links in the comments and maybe we can get a roundup of lunch recipes together.