The idea of bringing your own lunch to work is not new. It has been around for as long as we can remember but people just chose not to bring their own food to work for various reasons. Fortunately, many people are making a move towards bringing healthy foods to work which is actually good news.
Save money: Eating out for lunch can add up quickly. Bringing your own food to work can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.
Healthier options: When you prepare your own meals, you have control over the ingredients and can make healthier choices. Plus, you can avoid the added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats often found in restaurant food.
More variety: When you bring your own food to work, you have the freedom to mix and match ingredients and flavors. This can lead to more variety in your diet and help prevent boredom with your meals.
Save money
One of the most obvious benefits of bringing your own food to work is the cost savings. Eating out for lunch can add up quickly, especially if you do it every day.
According to a study by Visa, the average American worker spends around $2,000 per year on lunch alone. This is a significant amount of money that could be put towards other expenses, such as paying off debt or saving for a vacation.
By bringing your own food to work, you can save money in the long run. You can buy ingredients in bulk and prepare your meals at home for a fraction of the cost of eating out. Plus, you won’t have to worry about tipping or paying for delivery fees.
Healthier options
When you prepare your own meals, you have control over the ingredients and can make healthier choices. This is especially important if you have dietary restrictions or food allergies. When you eat out, you don’t always know what’s in your food or how it’s prepared.
By bringing your own food to work, you can ensure that you are eating a balanced and nutritious meal. You can choose whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and avoid the added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats often found in restaurant food. Plus, you can customize your meals to suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
More variety
Eating the same thing every day can get boring. When you bring your own food to work, you have the freedom to mix and match ingredients and flavors. This can lead to more variety in your diet and help prevent boredom with your meals.
You can experiment with different recipes and cuisines, try new ingredients, and get creative with your meals. This can make your lunch break more enjoyable and satisfying.
Environmental benefits
Eating out often means using disposable containers, utensils, and napkins, which can contribute to waste and harm the environment. By bringing your own food to work, you can reduce your environmental impact and promote sustainability.
You can use reusable containers, such as glass or stainless steel, and wash them at home to reduce waste. Plus, you can buy ingredients in bulk to reduce packaging waste and support sustainable food practices.
Bringing your own food to work has many benefits to you and the environment. First, you will be feeding yourself with healthy food and you even get to eat your favourite sandwich or home-cooked meal at work.
You are making an effort to reduce waste. Most of the time when we buy fast food or food from the cafeteria, they come in disposable containers which could add up to our waste really fast.
Better time management
Going out for lunch can take up a significant amount of time. You have to leave your workplace, wait in line, order your food, and wait for it to be prepared. This can take up to an hour or more, depending on how busy the restaurant is.
By bringing your own food to work, you can save time and be more productive. You can eat at your desk or in the break room, which means you won’t have to waste time traveling or waiting in line. This can give you more time to work on important projects or take a longer break to recharge.
Not convinced yet? Don’t worry. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of bringing your own meals and snacks at work.
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Control over portion sizes
When you eat out, you don’t always have control over the portion sizes. Restaurants often serve large portions, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. By bringing your own food to work, you can control the portion sizes and ensure that you are eating an appropriate amount of food.
Opportunity to meal prep
Meal prepping is a great way to save time and ensure that you have healthy meals ready to go throughout the week. By bringing your own food to work, you can take advantage of this practice and prepare your meals in advance.
This can help you stay on track with your health and fitness goals and avoid the temptation to grab unhealthy snacks or meals on the go.
Social benefits
Bringing your own food to work can also have social benefits. You can invite your coworkers to join you for lunch, which can help build relationships and foster a sense of community in the workplace. Plus, you can share recipes and meal ideas with each other, which can be fun and inspiring.
Improved digestion
Eating out often means consuming foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar, which can lead to digestive issues such as bloating and discomfort.
By bringing your own food to work, you can choose foods that are easier on your digestive system, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. This can lead to improved digestion and a greater sense of overall well-being.
Eating healthy
One of the benefits of bringing food to work is that you have an option to eat healthy. You can pack a meal consisting of vegetables and fruits as well as make your favourite tuna sandwich and green salads. Bringing your own food always means bringing food with less calories.
Sure, most healthy food options are fairly limited but this does not mean you have to bring the same food every day. You can mix and match what healthy food you bring and keep portions of these foods reasonable.
We all know that the food options we get from the cafeteria are quite tempting but these foods are not the healthiest. Cafeteria foods often include pizza, fried chicken, burgers, fries and burritos. Admittedly most of these foods are delicious, but they should be eaten in moderation or avoided completely.
Saves you money
Whether you’re visiting the nearest drive thru or sitting down for lunch at the cafeteria, you are paying for restaurant food prices. Even if you eat at a cheaper place with their value meals, buying lunch every day can quickly add up.
Think about it. If you are spending £10 for lunch every day, it could total to around £2,000 in a year. Now, just imagine the savings you could have had if you brought your own food instead of buying unhealthy foods at the cafeteria.
Sure, there is an upfront cost for buying a stainless steel lunch box to use as your food container and bringing your own food to work increases your grocery shopping budget for the week but the benefits you get from eating healthy foods you prepare far outweigh the downsides.
You can even get around your weekly grocery spending by looking for sales and discounts at your local grocery store.
Eco-friendly
Bringing your own food means you get to enjoy waste free lunches at work. This also means you will be reducing your wastes. Most food that you can buy in fast food restaurants and cafeterias are packaged in disposables.
To bring your own lunch, you will need a few basic supplies:
- Containers: You will need containers to store your food in. Look for containers that are leak-proof and microwave-safe, so you can reheat your meals if necessary. Glass or stainless steel containers are good options because they are durable and environmentally friendly.
- Utensils: If you plan to bring foods that require utensils, such as salads or soups, you will need to bring utensils as well. Consider investing in a set of reusable utensils to reduce waste.
- Cooler bag or insulated container: If you plan to bring perishable items, such as yogurt or sandwiches with meat or cheese, you will need a cooler bag or insulated container to keep them fresh. Look for bags or containers that are easy to carry and have enough space to hold your containers and utensils.
- Ice packs: If you are using a cooler bag or insulated container, you will also need ice packs to keep your food cold. Look for reusable ice packs that can be frozen overnight and used multiple times.
- Napkins or paper towels: Don’t forget to bring napkins or paper towels to clean up any spills or messes.
FAQS on Benefits of Bringing Your Own Food to Work
- Is it really cheaper to bring your own food to work? Yes, it is generally cheaper to bring your own food to work than to eat out. When you prepare your own meals, you can buy ingredients in bulk and save money on the cost of dining out. Plus, you won’t have to pay for tips, delivery fees, or other added costs that come with eating out.
- What are some healthy options for bringing to work? Healthy options for bringing to work include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and nuts. You can also try meal prepping in advance and packing your meals in advance. This will ensure that you have healthy options available throughout the week.
- How do I make sure my meals stay fresh until lunchtime? To ensure that your meals stay fresh until lunchtime, it’s important to pack them properly. Use insulated containers or cooler bags to keep your food at the right temperature. You can also store ingredients separately and combine them just before eating to prevent soggy or wilted food.
- What if I don’t have time to prepare my meals in advance? If you don’t have time to prepare your meals in advance, you can still bring your own food to work. Try packing simple options, such as a sandwich or salad, or bring leftovers from dinner the night before. You can also consider meal prepping on the weekends to save time during the week.
- Can bringing my own food to work really improve my health? Yes, bringing your own food to work can improve your health. When you prepare your own meals, you have control over the ingredients and can make healthier choices. You can choose whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and avoid the added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats often found in restaurant food.
- What are some tips for getting started with bringing my own food to work? To get started with bringing your own food to work, try planning your meals in advance. Make a grocery list, shop for ingredients, and set aside time for meal prep. You can also try packing your meals the night before to save time in the morning. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes and flavors to keep things interesting.
