By Dixie 
$10 for a SALAD? $12 for a chicken sandwich and fries? Five days of workday lunches at an average of $10 a day is $200 a month just for lunch. Good gracious, unless the boss has given you an unlimited Platinum American Express and you have an equally unlimited number of willing clients, you have to choose between starving yourself or your bank account. And $2 roller dogs from the 7-Eleven aren’t exactly the best choices for your hips and thighs. How can you eat cheap and healthier?
ONE: Pack it. Head to the grocery store, grab some zip lock bags, or reusable containers and make your own creation at home. Do it the night before or put a weeks worth together at the start of the workweek so you don’t have to think about it each morning. You can brown bag it, buy an insulated lunch bag or steal your kid’s SpongeBob SquarePants lunchbox. If you want to make sure portions are the right amount, get a bento box (makes you look sophisticated or sophomoric depending on your viewpoint).
It takes a little planning, but just think protein, vegetable, grain, treat and drink. Some ideas:
Ham or turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, carrot sticks with hummus, bottled water or smoothie, protein bar for a mid morning or afternoon snack. Bring mayo or mustard packets to the side so the bread doesn’t get soggy
Make a jar of salad in a container like a Mason Jar. Put lettuce greens on the bottom, some cut up veggies or canned green beans (wash them off first to get the canned taste out) and top it with some cooked chicken breast (can also use canned chicken or tuna) and feta cheese or sunflower seeds. Bring a small container of dressing to the side. You’ll need a big plate or bowl to dump it all in when you are ready to eat. Throw in some flavored sparkling water and a handful of nuts or an apple with a little peanut butter for a snack.
Bring leftovers from dinner. Make sure it will be something appealing–FYI, day old refried beans with soggy tacos do not a happy lunch make. Bring some homemade iced tea and some wheat crackers and cheese for a snack.
TWO: Plan ahead for lunch outings. Take advantage of coupons online through websites like Retailmenot.com, specific restaurant apps or apps like Coupon Sherpa or Forks. Puhleeze take a gander at the menu in advance so you can make healthier choices in advance. There is nothing like the smell of french fry grease to dissolve your resolve. Limit your outings to once a week and be sure to bring a buddy or two.
THREE: Make lunch into a break from stuff at work instead of stuffing yo’ face. Plan your meals, but also incorporate some simple physical activity like taking a walk around the block or through a local green space. Get outside! Invite some friends to join you and make work related talk and cell phones off limits. Your brain needs a break from the noise of work and unless you release that stress you will wind up eating more, making unhealthy choices and feeling sleepy and bloated the rest of the day. Feed your body, yes, but feed your soul too.
And with all the money you will save, maybe you can get a Tiffany bento box. Oh Snap!