Lunch Packing Part 2: Tips & Supplies

My Last Post was on Why to Pack you lunch (snacks / meals), so now here are some more tips on the How- tos


Tips:

•  Small steps add up! Packing a meal once a week or packing one snack a day can also make a difference. 

• If you have a desk/ locker etc at work- keep a few healthy items there, this will make it even easier!

• Canned or dried soup
• granola bars

• nuts
• trail mix
• dried fruit
• cereal
• oatmeal

•  Get in the habit:  Pack your lunch and snacks the night before,  saves you the hassle of doing it in the morning

• Freeze left overs in individual portions:  easy to grab and go at a moments notice

• Prep ahead: Don’t have time to pack a lunch every night? Prep part or all of your meal over the weekend.  Check on my post on Healthy Eating for the Busy Person 
•  Portioning veggies and dip into baggies
•  Cut up fruit and make a fruit salad for easy picking
• Prep sandwiches (you can keep bread on the side to keep it from getting soggy)

Considerations about bringing your meals: 

• Food Safety 
• If you bring anything perishable be sure to have an insulated bag and cold pack. Or refrigerate if possible.  
• Ease of carrying: 
• Especially if you are on the run, having a bag that is easy to carry is key! Try one with shoulder straps, or small bags that fit into other bags you already carry.  
• Leak Proof: 
• Invest in good Tupperware. A spilled or leaking lunch can ruin all of your food, or get on your clothes.  
• Some recommendations: Rubbermaid, Lock &; Lock, Pyrex storage 

What You’ll Need:

·      A lunch box/ bag

·      Good leak-proof Tupperware in various sizes

o   Small containers are great for bringing dips and dressings on the side

·      Plastic or Re-useable baggies

o   Try Snack Taxis or Lunchskins

This is my adorable gnome snack taxi!

·      Re-useable water bottle

·      Travel Beverage Mug

I love my BPA free Aladdin cup- it never leaks! 

·      Cold Packs

o   Recommend having two to freeze one everyday 

Frozen water bottles, or frozen yogurt can also be used in an insulated bag   

A Few Lunch Box Recommendations:

·      Thermos Brand:

Trusted name brand with great insulation.

Many different sizes and styles

·      BuiltNY  (BuiltNY.com) 

This company offers a variety of classy totes, laptop cases, lunch boxes, water bottle and wine bottle carriers.

Their bags are soft neoprene material and insulated.

Have accessories such as shoulder straps

·      LunchBots

Take on the Japanese style Bento Box

Can be carried alone or in another bag 

See my love of Bentos Here as well 

Let the Tuesdays Begin!

This semester I am again teaching Exercise Physiology. This time I was lucky enough to have all of my labs scheduled on one day; Tuesdays.

I am very happy I don't have to commute to BU multiple days a week, however, it does mean I have to be here for a very long day.

My labs are at 8am-10am, 12pm-2 pm and 6:30pm-8:30pm. Factor in that I have to get here AT LEAST half and hour early to set up, and it takes about an hour to commute by walking and T to get here = Long Long day.

And consequently, since I am working on budgeting my food money better= lots of food to pack!
I was also STARVING last night when I packed my lunch, which might have lead me to overpack a bit....

Since I passed out so early last night, without accomplishing much prep for lab today, I was up at 5 and hit the road by 6! Consequently, I of course started off with some coffee,( pumpkin spice flavored), with nonfat lactaid milk and splenda.


For breakfast I had a nutrigrain bar on the train ride here, and then after my first lab tucked into some Cheerios and Fiber One, with nonfat, plain yogurt, and a big banana.


I also brought some fruity snacks of a small green apple, and 2 lil' tangerines (which were sooo seedy!).


I had several cups of tea to satisfy the need for warmth, and prevent me from buying a cup of coffee. I am also developing a very sore throat (NOT AGAIN!!) So I hoped that would help a little.


For lunch I brought some of my Vegan Chili, with added whole wheat spaghetti and extra carrots and tomato sauce. It was nice and hearty and warm for a cool day in the lab (outside was actually really nice out today, for January, but inside. burrr.)



I also brought a pack of Lorna Doones - in case a sweet craving struck, but alas I wound up eating them mindlessly when I was on hold with the insurance company instead >___<
I am now finally home at 8:30 pm.... and am considering soup for my sore throat. My body is just exhausted and I can't wait to snuggle and pass out.

Zzzz....