5 Ways to Simplify Your Healthy Lunch Routine
Image courtesy of @kendradee03
It’s no secret that packing a healthy lunch box can be significantly better for your wallet and your waistline. However, if you don’t have a simplified lunch-packing routine in place, taking your lunch each day can start to feel more like a hassle than a benefit. Before you throw in the towel (and toss several hundred dollars out the drive-thru window) check out these five simple tips for getting organized for a healthy lunch-packing routine.
Plan a Weekly Lunch Menu
One day a week, preferably on your grocery shopping day, plan out your meals for the week. Create a shopping list for the items you need and then go shopping. Post the menu on the refrigerator so there’s no guessing later on in the week about what to pack each day. To make this step easy for you, we’ve created a convenient menu template for you to use each week. It even has healthy menu recommendations to get you started. Download it here for free.
Slice & Dice All At Once
Once your menu is set, you can easily prep certain menu items in advance and store them for easy grab-and-go lunch packing. For example, if you’re planning to have celery and ranch dip for a lunch side or afternoon snack, cut up all the celery for the week and store in an airtight container. Then, grab what you need for the next day and load it in your Bentgo lunchbox. Prepping all your fruits, veggies, and other bite-size snacks at once saves you from having to wash, dice and clean up on a daily basis.
Pack Lunches During Dinner Clean-Up
Getting out the door on time every morning is challenging enough without having to pack your lunch at the last minute. Reduce your morning stress by packing the night before. After dinner is the best time because you’re already in the kitchen for clean-up. If packing lunch the night before increases the likelihood that you will forget your lunch in the morning, stick a "Remember Your Lunch" Post-it® note next to your car keys or on the front door as a reminder. There’s nothing like leaving home and forgetting your lunch to set the wrong tone for your day.
Get Your Little Helpers Involved
Kids love to help out in the kitchen. If your lunch-packing routine includes making lunch for your kids, get them involved. While you’re packing your lunch, set out their items and let them load up their lunch boxes. This is a great way to teach them how to make healthy meal choices and can also help picky eaters feel more empowered during lunch time.
Eliminate Waste and Unnecessary Lunch Supplies
Buying the right lunchware can not only eliminate clutter in your kitchen, it can also make it simpler and easier to pack lunch every day. Bento-style lunch boxes like Bentgo and Bentgo Kids eliminate the need to purchase and pack multiple plastic sandwich bags each day, which is great for the environment and saves you money over time. Plus, with multiple built-in compartments, bento-style lunch boxes encourage portion control and variety.
Try putting these five tips into practice over the next few weeks. We’re confident you can simplify your lunch-packing routine so you’re saving money, time and staying healthy!
We Want to Hear From You!
What other ways do you simplify your healthy lunch routine? Comment below to share your secrets. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for more lunch time inspiration!