Want to Be a Kid Again?

Remember eating in the school cafeteria? I can vividly recall standing in the line that started outdoors and analyzing how quickly or not we were moving along. As soon as I crossed the threshold I would be hit with the unmistakable smell of the hot food resting in stainless steel bins waiting to be plopped on plastic plates. Cafeteria food was not my favorite but I was not a picky eater and coupled with my large appetite, I made do with what I was served.

Oh how I envied the kids who got to bring lunch from home though. Their crinkly brown paper bags or super cool lunch boxes including amazing matching thermoses would have me spellbound. I would watch with curiosity to see what was coming out of the container. Even though the lunch may have consisted of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a bag of chips and a banana, things that were definitely accessible to me at home on the weekends, I would look at the items like they were a unique delicious meal.

In reflecting on this fond memory, I think I was attracted to the neat, somewhat categorized, individually packaged choices of food. The ordinary selections my friends brought became a feast for my eyes. So I decided to use this snapshot from my past and continue it on in my adulthood except this time I get to be the kid who brings lunch from home.

Much to my surprise this new revelation has become not only a nostalgic happiness boost but a health boost too. I have discovered these benefits of being the special one who brings lunch during the weekdays:

· Saves time

· Avoids decision fatigue

· Controls portions

· Decreases cost

Whether you are working from home or from a traditional office environment, having a premade lunch cuts down on oodles of time. Instead of commuting to a lunch spot, waiting to be served then waiting some more for the food to arrive, you can spend a fraction of the time performing the smallest of preparation work such as warming food in a microwave or adding salad dressing. Lunch not only is a time for nourishment but also a mental break. Since eating only takes a fraction of the time allotted other rejuvenating tasks can accompany this reprieve. Walking outside, reading a chapter from a book, socializing with a friend or coworker are all activities that can follow a healthy but fairly quick meal.

Bringing lunch is also extremely advantageous in the area of self control. As the day goes on, willpower needed to make healthy choices decreases due to decision fatigue. So many decisions have to be made hourly that our brain begins to tire just as an overworked muscle does. Having already made the decision of what to eat for lunch will keep reserves in the willpower department for later. Additionally, a prepacked lunch means a controlled quantity too. There is no walk-in pantry, sub zero refrigerator or multi page menu to provide endless amounts of options. Again, decision made for you.

Without a doubt bringing food from home saves money too. Think of the dent in your bank account when you are eating out at lunch five times a week. If dining at a restaurant, tip is also incurred. Let the restaurant budget excite you at the end of every week (as you are in the black) and celebrate the savings.

So when creating your weekly meal plan, allot a larger quantity for dinners. While plating your meal each night, fill a pristine glass container with those healthy selections and pop in the refrigerator overnight. The only decision you may need to make the next morning is whether to put it in a stylish insulated lunch carrier or a retro superhero square box. Your choice kiddo!