If you’re looking to save a few bucks or just want to stay away from fast food during the lunch hour, then bringing your own lunch to work is a great alternative to eating out. But bringing your own lunch doesn’t necessarily mean that what you’ll be eating is instantly healthy. While pre-packaged food and microwaveable meals are the most convenient choices, they might not be right for you. While you don’t have to eat salad and soups everyday, making different choices when packing your lunch can make the difference.

1) Bring a balanced meal – that means you’ll need appropriate portions of lean protein, carbohydrates and fiber. Remember, you’re not even halfway through the day. You have to make sure that you’ll have plenty of fuel so you can power through until you clock out. Sandwiches made with wholegrain breads that have meat, plenty of vegetables and a slice of cheese compacts most of what you need in one handy meal, but don’t think that’s your only alternative. You can have a combination of beans, rice, pastas, hard-boiled eggs, fruit and even a serving of cereal, just to keep things interesting.

2) Make healthier choices – instead of packing chips, bring some carrot or cucumber sticks. Substitute fruit (fresh or dried) for candy bars. A handful of nuts can be an afternoon snack.

3) Drink water – it has no calories, no fat and is always good for you. Instead of reaching for that can of soda (diet or otherwise), just have a glass of water (and it’ll be free, if you just drink straight from the watercooler).

4) Keep dressings and condiments to a minimum – if you’re having a lean turkey sandwich with lots of lettuce, don’t slather it with mayonnaise; in fact, chuck the mayo altogether and use mustard or drizzle the bread with a little bit of olive oil.

Remember: Bringing your own food means you’ll have control over what it is you put into your body. Just make healthy choices and substitutions, and soon you’ll be a brown-bagging expert!

Labels: Healthy Ideas, Tips