"Why You Should Pack Your Own Lunch"

Whether you are looking to clean up your diet, cut your weekly expenditures or develop a stronger bond with your family, it all starts with packing your own lunch.

Sounds simple, and it is.

All it takes is a few minutes of planning for 2-3 "major meals" a week, a trip to the grocery store and an hour or 2 on a Sunday afternoon or evening preparing the meals.  No excuses, just get it done!

Health Benefits:

You know exactly what you are eating, you are able to control the portions and you already have a clearly defined meal.  When you buy from a cafeteria, fast-food restaurant or whatever place you frequent for your mid-day fuel, chances are that you were not in the kitchen when it was prepared.  You essentially have no clue what was used in the process of making that meal.  Also, when given a monstrous-sized meal you will tend to over eat simply because the food is there and your self-control will dwindle.  Lastly, when you already have a plan for lunch it will keep you from getting to the cafe and grabbing whatever your mind desires at that moment (usually a carb-heavy calorie bomb).

Economic Benefits:
         
How much is your weekly or monthly grocery bill?  Not cheap, I'm guessing.  Add on another $10.00-15.00 per day for lunch, and the number can get out of control real quick.  A wallet-friendly remedy would be to buy whole, fresh foods in bulk and prepare a few lunches for the week.  Not only is this MUCH better for your mind, body and soul, but it will also save you a tremendous amount of money.  Go ahead and crunch the numbers, I'll be waiting here saying, "I told you so."

Bonding Benefits:

It doesn't matter if you are dating, married and/or have children, everyone can benefit from a little time in the kitchen together.  I have found that many of my constructive discussions with others have been accomplished while either cooking with the people that I love, or while enjoying a meal that was made at home.  Of course I enjoy the restaurant dining experience from time to time, but I'll take a fresh-made meal that was prepared in the comfort of my kitchen over a restaurant any day.  Cooking should be done with love and purpose, and it is the best way to bring people together to share in the experience.  Everyone loves to eat, but creating value in the meal should not be overlooked.


So with most everything in life, the choice is yours.  Continue to eat processed, mass-produced crap while paying inflated prices to do so, or start taking control of your diet, finances and family with one simple modification.

+Wesley Claytor