All last week and into this week, I was going out to eat.  It’s nice to go out to eat once in awhile, but not everyday I’ve discovered.  It’s OK for my husband, but I’ve come to realize that I do need that take-out down time every once in awhile. 

Here’s why you should pack a lunch:

• Aren’t you tired of thinking of what to eat EVERY DAY?  I already have this problem with once in awhile lunches with friends, much less think of what to eat everyday
• You can utilize great leftovers
• Waste not, want not
• You control what goes into your food (so supposedly more healthy)
• Save money
• Maximize work time (during crunch times)
• You can do a fast lunch (and use the time for shopping maybe?)
• Economies of scale (someone’s cooking it anyways)
• Potentially saving the environment (by reusing your lunch box)

Here’s how you can practice great lunch packing habits:

• Control your portions (sometimes going out to eat will give you portions you can’t manage)
• Use reusable containers (with dividers if needed for various dishes and sauces)
• Practice healthy cooking for healthy meals
• It doesn’t always have to be rice, mix it up (sandwiches, homemade salads)
• Pack snacks (like fresh fruits, so it’s readily available when you’ve got the munchies)
• Make sure your place of work has a fridge and/or microwave
• Wash your container and cutlery at work after lunch (it helps to reduce bacteria build-up and reduces work when you get home)
• Lunch with co-workers who always pack (it’s weird, but even adults do sometimes share or trade lunches)
• If you’re packing for kids, why not make an extra portion for yourself?

It’s interesting how different cultures, companies and circle of friends will influence your “ability” to pack lunch.  Going out to eat on a regular basis with the same group of buddies is something I do miss (did it all the time at IBM and LOVED it).   It gives you a chance to wind down and socialize, but on the flip side - my mix and match of flexibility has also proven to satisfy me.  Regardless, packing lunch isn’t as nerdy or weird as it sounds (not when you’re on the packing side at least) and it has definitely helped me save money.  I just never saw myself as a lunch packer - that’s all