Brown Bag It

How to pack a lunch! Doesn't matter if you are going to school, work, on a bus, or you just think you'll be starving on the way to that thing you have to do for whatever reason, but you don't want to do it, but you have to...

Ok first step. Pick an adequately sized bag. Make it just big enough to fit everything and roll up the top. This way you won't be tempted to stuff more things into the sack. If you are a reusable guy or gal, use the same strategy here. Smaller can, but not always, be better!

Aim for three different types of foods in your bag. For example: protein, bread, and a fruit, or soup, salad, and a fruit. It is really easy. Plus if you throw something like a sandwich in the bag, you'll be less likely to throw the crackers or chips in. The sandwich can be the most filling item in the lunch. Take advantage of this. Go lean with turkey, tomato, and lettuce, or go for a more sustainable fullness feeling with a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

When attacked with the idea of what to drink with this meal, try and think about where your Calories are at. Aim for your goal and place your beverage around that. Kick the sodas and grab the tea, water, and juices. Watching your weight? Always go water. Don't wimp out and go for that soda! Come on. If this is when you need your one soda per day (not bad in my eyes) go for it! I still want the meal to be enjoyable.

Leftovers from dinner have an amazing effect on next day to go lunches. If it is home-made, you will find the food to be very wholesome and tasty. Having these kinds of foods at lunch in larger portions feeds the minds need to "know whats for dinner." This way you can go home and say "I think I'll just have a bowl of cereal for dinner." For the athletes, this is the best way to pack in more nutrient dense foods into your meals of the day. Having a "dinner" for lunch is one way to pack on the extra Calories needed for sport. Next time you make your favorite dinner at home, make a little more for the next day(s).

On a final note, pack absolutely everything you need into the lunch bag. This saves you trips to the teasing soda machine/vending machine, coffee area, fast food stops, etc. The best way to control your diet is to plan it out this way.

Next post: how to deal with others stealing your awesome sack lunch!