Most folks take the easy way out when it comes to managing lunch while at work. It may seem like the simplest thing to head to the local sub shop or a drive-thru for a quick midday meal.But the fact is, these fast meals are not just unhealthy but can burn a sizable hole in your pocket, too.While it’s true that eating out is convenient, you end up spending far more than you would on a home-packed meal.

Prioritize making easy lunches to take to work

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Some people do try to follow the healthy route and opt for something nutritious like a light lunch or salad at the coffee shop. But spending $5 on a substandard meal isn’t a smart choice.The best way to avoid eating unhealthy and expensive lunches while at work is to get into the habit of packing something from home.These lunches don’t have to be elaborate or fancy. Focus on using simple and easily accessible ingredients that are wholesome, nutritious, will satiate your hunger, while being light on your stomach.The objective is to take baby steps; start packing your lunch with things that you already have at home, even if they aren’t super-healthy cheap lunch ideas for work.Here are some additional easy lunch recipes to keep you on track

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Two of the primary aspects that come into play here are:

• Keep your freezer and pantry stocked with basic products and ingredients for your backup lunch.
• Get a good reusable lunch container or bag. You will feel more encouraged and inspired to pack a healthy lunch for work everyday.

Packed lunch ideas for work

Once you're used to the idea of packing your lunches, start to focus on more watch-your-weight, healthy, homemade lunch ideas.Here are some interesting ones you may want to try your hand at:

1. Leftovers are definitely better than that hot dog or sub

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If you are strapped for time in the morning and aren’t inclined to actually cook anything before leaving for work, simply double up whatever you are cooking for dinner the previous night- the leftovers are what you pack for lunch the following day.Slow-cooker meals, stews, and soups are something you can consider as well. Wraps and sandwiches are great lunch ideas for work for men.

2. The classic PB & J

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These sandwiches are super simple cold lunch ideas for work. Simply freeze two slices of brown bread in a Ziploc bag and slap some peanut butter and jelly onto the frozen slices. The sandwich will thaw completely by lunchtime.If you are too busy to put together this sandwich and don’t mind eating them a few times a month; simply make a few PB&J sandwiches in one shot and freeze them in individual packs.They will stay fresh for about a month in the freezer. These are also great cheap lunch ideas for school.

3. Try TV dinners

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These are nothing but leftovers again, but are an excellent & easy packed lunch ideas for work. Portion some of the dinner leftovers onto heavy-duty coated waxed plates, and wrap & vacuum seal them carefully.Carry these to work, microwave and enjoy a healthy meal. Aside from being far cheaper than readymade TV dinners, this is an excellent way of using up leftovers at home and eating nutritious meals at the same time.Also, try EVOL frozen dinners.  EVOL’s products have no artificial flavors, colors, additives, preservatives or fillers. They also include all natural proteins including chicken, beef, pork, eggs.Also, all EVOL means leverage US Family Farms that are fed a 100% vegetarian diet and raised without the use of Antibiotics or Hormones.

4. Salad is the way to go

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Salads in jars last for a very long time and you can prep over the weekend if you are considering these healthy lunch ideas for work to lose weight. If you are using meat in the salads, be sure NOT to store them for more than 4 days.Vegetarian salads can easily be stored for up to a week or more. Use any leftovers like rice, chicken, veggies, cheese, beef, and beans.They are easy to make ahead of time and a very healthy work lunch option!

5. Wraps and sandwiches

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While leftovers and salads are great, you can’t subsist on just that day in and day out. The best way to be consistent with packing your lunch and feeling enthused about eating it is to constantly look for new, cheap lunch ideas for work.Some wraps and sandwiches you can make include:

• Chicken salad sandwiches
• Cold cuts & cheese sandwiches
• BLT sandwiches
• Chicken, tomato, cheddar, and corm wraps with a ranch dip

Snacks and sandwich sides

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You can add some robustness to your sandwich lunch by adding a few interesting staples such as:

• Whole pickles
• Fruit snacks
• Baby carrots
• Beef jerky
• Granola bars
• Celery
• Peanut butter & jelly crackers
• Bananas
• Cookies
• Yogurt
• Apples
• Brownies

These homemade lunch ideas are also perfect cheap lunch ideas for school. Get your kids into the habit of eating healthy homemade food even as you do the same and save serious cash flow in the process!