Packing Lunches

In most cases, packing lunches for your husband and children is not only cheaper but healthier than other options. Individual sized pre-packaged foods may be convenient but they are considerably more costly. When I have the time (and motivation) I save money by buying full sized items and breaking them down into individual servings. I’ve found that the best and most efficient way to do this is to do it all at once rather than getting the box or container out each time I pack a lunch. I purchase snack sized bags at the dollar store (unless I can find them cheaper elsewhere) If you want to save even more money (in the long run) and be more environmentally friendly you may want to consider purchasing reusable plastic containers.

Some items easily broken down into individual servings: crackers, chips, cookies, trail mix, raisins or other dried fruit, baby carrots, celery sticks, and grapes.

Some items not as easy to break down but great for those reusable plastic containers: Pudding, jello, yogurt, applesauce and cottage cheese.

Other great items for lunches that don’t require breaking down at all: Bananas, apples, oranges (cut into wedges or rings for children) peaches, plums.

Tired of the same ol sandwich everyday? Switch it up by using bagels or a tortilla, ranch dressing instead of mayo or different varieties of mustard such as Dijon, honey or spicy. Pack crackers with lunch meat and cheese instead of a sandwich. Try buying a different type of cheese each week. With peanut butter sandwiches, try different jellies and jams or honey.

Pack lunches each night while you are making dinner or cleaning up afterwards. Remember, it only takes two weeks to create a habit.

Do you have any lunch making tips? Please share them with us in the comments!