Healthy lunchbox ideas on a budget

Due to the recent VAT increase, our food bills are on the rise, and this will have a significant impact on the household budget. If you want to save money, packing your lunch is a great way to start.

Where you eat your lunch influences your choices. If you are fortunate enough to work in an office with a microwave and fridge available to you, the possibilities are limitless. If you are on the go all day and have to eat from your backpack or in your car, you can only eat foods cold, and that won’t spoil.

With a few smart ideas, you can continue to have tasty and healthy lunches.  

• Plan your meals, so you don’t have to buy from the local coffee shop or fast food outlet.  Yes, it is far more convenient to stop for a quick lunch, but you pay for the convenience and every cent eventually adds up.  Plan and pack your lunches the night before to avoid the morning rush.
• It is cheap and easy to repurpose leftovers. Chicken or beef leftovers are tasty fillings for sandwiches, wraps or quesadillas.  Add some pasta and dressing over vegetables for a yummy salad. Soups and stews are ideal for lunches as well.
• Don’t buy pre-packed snack pack sizes.  It is far more economical to buy in bulk and pack your own portions.
• Prepared and pre-packed products are always more expensive. Cut and peel your own fruit and vegetables, and pack it into smaller portions. This will allow you to control your portion sizes and avoid any wastage.
• Invest in a good lunchbox.  Not only should it look good but it should also be practical. Reusable plastic containers divided into compartments allows for better packing. It is also cheaper to use in comparison to foil, wax and plastic bags. Keep your salad dressing and sauces separate, so your food doesn’t become soggy.  Your lunchbox should seal well to keep your food fresh.
• Drop the brands. Often there is little or no difference between the quality and nutritional value of different brands of food.  There can be a significant price difference between the well-known brands and that of the shop itself. Give it a try, and you might just be pleasantly surprised.  
• We eat with our eyes. Make your lunch and the presentation of it exciting.  A nicely packed lunchbox with the vibrant colour of fruit and vegetables are more likely to be eaten than a boring peanut butter sandwich.

Do you worry about your lunch money? Is your debt spiralling out of control with the increase of VAT on all goods and services?  Contact Debt Rescue and get your finances back on track.