How to Make Bag Lunches Less Boring
Choose a fun lunch bag., Make an interesting sandwich., Pack leftovers., Make a salad., Include appetizing sides to whatever your main lunch item is., Allow yourself a treat., Make your drink fun., Be creative., Get some crunch by packing nuts...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose a fun lunch bag.
Your lunch does not have to travel in a traditional lunch box or brown paper bag.
Use a thermal lunch bag that is insulated to keep perishable items cold.
Look for colorful designs and patterns that match your personality, or your child's personality if you are packing lunches for school. -
Step 2: Make an interesting sandwich.
Try a different kind of bread, such as whole grain, rye, or even a pita or a bagel.
Use different lunch meats such as peppered turkey, prosciutto, spicy ham and sliced pepperoni.
Your cheese could be something other than pre-packaged American cheese, like mozzarella or provolone or swiss.
Dress your sandwich with interesting toppings and condiments.
Try hummus or spicy mustard instead of mayo, add cucumbers or spinach instead of lettuce and try a few slices of marinated peppers or a handful of sprouts. , If you have something delicious saved in the fridge from last night's dinner, pack it for lunch if you have access to a microwave and can heat it up. , If you eat salads with dinner, pack your lunch salad at the same time you are making your dinner salad to save time.
Add tasty salad toppings, such as veggies, fruits and protein such as chicken, steak, shrimp, tuna and eggs.
Pack a bottle of dressing or pour it into a small container.
If you like some crunch, pack croutons, almonds or other crunchy toppings in a small bag to add to your salad before you eat it. , Sides can make a boring lunch fun.
Pack different fruits and veggies.
Instead of the standard apple, try some dry apricots or fresh mango.
Leave the carrot sticks at home and pack sliced jicama or grape tomatoes you can eat with chunks of mozzarella cheese.
Include some great dipping sauces and spreads.
Ranch dressing or hummus are great for veggies, peanut butter is good for celery and apples , Pack 2 or 3 cookies, a brownie or whatever will satisfy your sweet tooth. , Skip the bottled water, especially if you can get water at work or school.
Pack a raspberry iced tea, lemonade or a seltzer with a twist of flavor. , If you do not have the time to make a sandwich or a salad, use whatever you have in your kitchen.
Pack mini muffins, yogurts and even cereal. , Nuts are far more interesting and a lot healthier than a bag of chips or pretzels.
Try almonds, walnuts, pecans or sunflower seeds. , Instead of a standard peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cut off the bread crusts, flatten the bread and roll it up after you spread the peanut butter and jelly on it. , This will give them something to smile about when they open their lunch.
Throw in some stickers for your kids or a picture of your family pet. -
Step 3: Pack leftovers.
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Step 4: Make a salad.
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Step 5: Include appetizing sides to whatever your main lunch item is.
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Step 6: Allow yourself a treat.
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Step 7: Make your drink fun.
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Step 8: Be creative.
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Step 9: Get some crunch by packing nuts.
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Step 10: Give your kids their favorite foods without being boring.
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Step 11: Write a note if you are packing a lunch for your spouse or children.
Detailed Guide
Your lunch does not have to travel in a traditional lunch box or brown paper bag.
Use a thermal lunch bag that is insulated to keep perishable items cold.
Look for colorful designs and patterns that match your personality, or your child's personality if you are packing lunches for school.
Try a different kind of bread, such as whole grain, rye, or even a pita or a bagel.
Use different lunch meats such as peppered turkey, prosciutto, spicy ham and sliced pepperoni.
Your cheese could be something other than pre-packaged American cheese, like mozzarella or provolone or swiss.
Dress your sandwich with interesting toppings and condiments.
Try hummus or spicy mustard instead of mayo, add cucumbers or spinach instead of lettuce and try a few slices of marinated peppers or a handful of sprouts. , If you have something delicious saved in the fridge from last night's dinner, pack it for lunch if you have access to a microwave and can heat it up. , If you eat salads with dinner, pack your lunch salad at the same time you are making your dinner salad to save time.
Add tasty salad toppings, such as veggies, fruits and protein such as chicken, steak, shrimp, tuna and eggs.
Pack a bottle of dressing or pour it into a small container.
If you like some crunch, pack croutons, almonds or other crunchy toppings in a small bag to add to your salad before you eat it. , Sides can make a boring lunch fun.
Pack different fruits and veggies.
Instead of the standard apple, try some dry apricots or fresh mango.
Leave the carrot sticks at home and pack sliced jicama or grape tomatoes you can eat with chunks of mozzarella cheese.
Include some great dipping sauces and spreads.
Ranch dressing or hummus are great for veggies, peanut butter is good for celery and apples , Pack 2 or 3 cookies, a brownie or whatever will satisfy your sweet tooth. , Skip the bottled water, especially if you can get water at work or school.
Pack a raspberry iced tea, lemonade or a seltzer with a twist of flavor. , If you do not have the time to make a sandwich or a salad, use whatever you have in your kitchen.
Pack mini muffins, yogurts and even cereal. , Nuts are far more interesting and a lot healthier than a bag of chips or pretzels.
Try almonds, walnuts, pecans or sunflower seeds. , Instead of a standard peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cut off the bread crusts, flatten the bread and roll it up after you spread the peanut butter and jelly on it. , This will give them something to smile about when they open their lunch.
Throw in some stickers for your kids or a picture of your family pet.
About the Author
Jeffrey Ferguson
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in cooking and beyond.
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