Baggin It

I've been making a huge effort to always prepare a lunch at least a day ahead for work. Whether its leftovers or something I make just for lunch I find that if its done the day before thats what works best for me. Not only am I saving money but I'm also eating better. I also find I'm enjoying my breaks more. I dont have to wait in line at the food court and hope my food doesnt take too long as I only have a 30 min break. I get to spend more time relaxing in the staff room and feel more energized when I go back to the grind of the pharmacy. I really want to keep this up.

Whats your favorite brown bag lunch?

I've Been A Bad Dolly

Since I've worked at the pharmacy I've been a very bad Dolly when it comes to packing lunches. I used to be such a great lunch packer. Why is that?

Previously everywhere I've worked did not allow me the option of buying a lunch. I basically had to bring one or starve. It really motivated me to be on top of having food at home that would pack easily. Now... I never make the extra effort and its costing me big time!

Its been eating away at me how much I've been spending on food. At a time where I'm deciding to take hold of my health and finances I'm ruining it all by eating out every day. I'm going to be honest, I am spending more than just lunch money. I also usually by a smoothie in the morning, and some snacks at work. This is on top of buying lunch. I don't even want to guesstimate the amount I spend monthly. I know I should and stop putting blinders on but I'm so angry at myself.

Part of it is an attachment to the people working where I buy these things. I love the food court ladies and I'm sure they love me and the dollar signs above my head. I've worked in this particular mall a few times in the past so I know other workers very well and I like the social interaction.

Another big part is laziness, and being unprepared. Oh, and then there's the fact that work is stressful and sometimes I just want to get the F out of there and relax. Sometimes I even eat before work because I was rushed getting out the door and the bus causes me to be a half hour early.

Things have got to change. I'm wasting money in a big way at a fast rate. This is going to be one of my goals for February. It's time to get back on track.

Packing a Lunch

At my last two places of employment I've had to bring a lunch with me because there is not usually an alternative. Its been a great experience for me. It's got me all ready and trained to take this good habit to my next job. Taking a lunch isn't always the easiest option but with some planning ahead it can be healthier, cheaper and less stressful than grabbing something locally to eat.

Bf and I always take at least once grocery shop a week. I like to eat a lot of fresh produce and so we don't mind taking the odd stop in to pick up a few things. One thing that is manditory is if its a Sunday night and there is no "lunch stuff". That never flies in this house. We will go to the store Sunday night no matter what to make sure there are lunch alternatives in the house before the busy work week begins.

BF usually goes home for lunch so he buys lunch meat (well not lately with the Lysteria scare) and makes a sandwich. I on the other hand have to bring a lunch so I purchase fresh fruit, snacks and a case of soda. I pack a lunch with variety.

Usually I start with what I'm going to eat as the main lunch. This is usually a left over meal in tupperware. Then I add a drink for lunch, usually a soda. Then I pack a little something to "compliment" the lunch like a small bag of chips (I divide a big back of chips ($1) into plastic bags). I'll also pack at least two pieces of fruit and then a granola bar or some rice cakes. Add a water bottle and you're all set. I like to work physical labour jobs so I have to make sure I eat well through out the day. When I've worked office jobs I usually take a bit of a smaller lunch because I wasn't as hungry.

If you want to start packing a lunch every day you'll definitely want to purchase some good quality plastic wear to bring things in. I use really small plastic ware for things like yoghurt, dressing or snacks. It's good to have a variety of sizes.

Another good tip is to always put something in your lunch you really enjoy. It's not good to pack yourself a lunch and then be bored with it, toss it and get something else at the cafeteria. Don't force yourself to eat things or you'll cheat or stop packing a lunch because it will bore your taste buds.

A big one is pack your lunch the night before. If you really want to get organized you can divide things up into plastic baggies and plastic wear right after grocery shopping so you're all set up for snacks and things for the whole week.

Packing a lunch is great. You don't have to wait around in a line up(unless its for the microwave ;-)). You get to monitor what you are eating more closely. You can encourage other people to bring a lunch and then socialize and get to know them better. Best of all... it saves you $$$.

On a day to day basis I usually carry a granola bar, water bottle and sometimes an apple in my purse/bag though out the day. That way if I'm out and I'm hungry but don't want to spend a bunch of cash I can just grab something I already have on me.

Remember all the little bits of spending here and there add up so try packing a lunch to save some dough!

Lunch Ideas


Chips - Buy a bag and divide it up into smaller lunch bags
Yoghurt - Use plastic wear instead of buying individual yoghurt that is more expense
Almonds - Good for you and very easy to snack on
Flavored Rice Cakes - Love these babies
Granola Bars - These will cut the mid morning hunger and there are a ton of varieties out there
Soda - If you buy a soda a day at $1 that's $5/wk, buy a case of 12 at $4 then you'll pay $1.25/wk. Now times that by a year.

The bottom line is buy bulk or at least buy bigger portions and divide them up. The savings are worth it!

If you still need some convincing... you could always "invest" in a really cute lunch bag.