Dining out for lunch is easy, but it's pricey. In some cities, this daily cost may add up to $200 per month—a sum we'd all prefer to have back in our pockets.
So kudos to the natural brands that make brown bagging it affordable, easy, healthy and tasty.
Here are three smart ways we've been doing lunch lately:
Freeze it!
Frozen foods don’t mean unhealthy. Fruits and veggies are chilled at the peak of freshness, so they contain nutrients comparable to fresh produce. Plus, frozen foods don’t require added chemical preservatives because microbes that degrade food can’t survive at 0 degrees. Newest frozen-food manufacturers are paring down ingredients and developing microwave-safe packages for added convenience—just heat and eat.
Try: Evol Fajita Cups
Save it!
Streamline lunch prep by cooking extras for dinner the night before. For example, if you are making penne for dinner, add another ¼ cup pasta to the pot. Before eating, refrigerate the extra pasta in a nontoxic storage container. The best part? Lunch for tomorrow is already set.
Try: ECOlunchbox stainless steel containers
Shake it!
Sometimes you’re too swamped to pack a balanced lunch. Protect yourself from a missed midday repast with a high-quality meal replacement beverage. Look for brands that feature USDA Organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed whey or vegan plant protein and low added sugars.
Try: Komplete Ultimate Meal Replacement Shake Cocoa Fudge
