Tips for Meal Planning

By: Kristin Pulling

Eating meals out is one of the biggest culprits of unwanted weight gain. In addition to adding inches to our waists, the expenses of eating out quickly add up. Packing lunches for work is an easy way to make healthier choices that will help you save money, too. Here are some tips to pack lunches so great that your taste buds, wallet, and waistline will thank you!

 

  • Plan ahead – Every Sunday, write out your menu for the upcoming week. Start with planning dinners so that you can determine when leftovers can be used for lunch the following day.
  • Make your lunch the night before – Mornings are hectic enough already. Don’t add another thing to your morning to-do list and instead, pack your lunch the night before. In the morning all you have to do is grab your lunch box from the fridge and go.
  • Anticipate – Do you often crave something crunchy? If so, plan in advance to avoid an impromptu trip to the vending machine. Consider a healthy alternative that still works to satisfy your cravings. If you love crunchy, consider celery with peanut butter. If salty chips are your weakness, try making sweet potato chips at home. For a sweet treat, try Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit.
  • Snack – Be sure to eat a healthy snack every few hours. This will help to keep you feeling full and your willpower strong. Almonds and pre-cut veggies are great snacks for providing that much-needed energy boost.