It is a familiar scene. It’s lunch time and you and all the others are preparing to take their lunch. It could mean driving to a restaurant which will take up time and of course use up gas. Lunch will cost ten bucks or more plus tip. You gobble down your food, share a few laughs with your co-workers and rush back to the office wishing you had time for a nap.
As you walk to your desk, you notice this guy putting away his brown bag. He looks rested with an unhurried look and having already had his lunch is apparently ready to start the second half of his day. You can’t help but envy him for his leisurely lunch at less expense with time to spare.
Would you be better off bringing your lunch to work every day? Well, looking at some basic examples let’s say the cost to fix your own lunch costs about $3 a day. So it certainly would be much cheaper.
That’s $15 for a five day week. Contrast that with about $50.00 you’ll spend if you take your lunch outside. That will be a difference of $35.00, plus gas savings. Your savings for the year will compute to $1,800.00. Curious?
Take note of the following. Prepare it the night before so you’re not rushed in the morning. Keep it simple but be creative and think healthy. Sandwiches on wholesome bread are fine but include nuts, fruit or yogurt. You can whet your appetite with nice chocolates or some of your favorite desserts.
Plan ahead and buy in bulk with lunches in mind. Large chips for example can be repacked in small plastic bags and will be much cheaper. You can have comfort without too much expense.
Cook a big dinner and save some for lunch the next day or the entire week. The advantage of home cooked food is that it is more nutritious and sanitary. You can pack food at night so you only have to take hold of it in the morning.
If you are pressed for time you can just take some canned food to bring with you. Most probably there is a microwave oven at you work place where you can warm it.
While at it, you can bring your own drink. You can probably get a 12-pack of soda for $2.99 and that comes to about 25 cents a can. Compare that with expensive vending machine drinks or coffee and you’ve saved even more.
An advantage of bringing your lunch to work is that you will have a lot of time for other things read e-mails, do some work, or simply take a nap. You will definitely look better in the eyes of your boss, and you will have no misgivings if you have to leave early. Sooner or later, others will notice the benefits of taking lunch in the office.
Bagging your own lunch certainly has many pluses. You eat the right kind of food, you save money, and you have more time. Not only that, you also have saved money which you can put into productive use.
About the author: Shelley Weeks is an author and party planning specialist. Celebrate the moments in your life with fashionable baby invitations and stylish surprise party invitations that will make a lasting impression.
