by Muriah Summer

Created on: November 20, 2008   Last Updated: May 24, 2011

It's easy to see why bringing your own lunch is a good idea. Eating out is hard on the health and the pocketbook but finding the time and inspiration to make a healthy, interesting lunch day after day can be difficult. The secret is in thinking ahead, and in thinking outside the box.

-Variations on a Sandwich

Ah, PB& J, the old standby. It's easy to make, but gets boring after a few days. What about peanut butter and honey, or banana, or strawberries? Thinly sliced apple adds a nice crunch to this old favorite. Varying the bread can add interest, as well; try it on raisin bread, or a bagel. Consider replacing the peanut butter with almond butter, or another nut spread.

For lunch meat sandwiches, try a new kind of cheese, or experiment with different kinds of mustard. Multi-grain, rye, and sourdough breads add more flavor. Instead of plain old lettuce, try sprouts, cucumbers, avocado, or thinly sliced carrots for crunch. Raw spinach adds a nice boost of nutrition. Or try something sweet to offset the savory, such as cranberry sauce on your turkey sandwich.

Or you could forget the bread entirely- a good choice for carb watchers. Tortilla wraps pack well, and are easy to eat. Grilled chicken or vegetables, marinated tofu, or traditional burrito fillings make for great wraps. Grilled chicken with lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar salad dressing makes a simple but delicious Caesar salad wrap.

Salads

A substantial salad can be a lunch all by itself. Many grocery stores even sell pre-tossed salad mixes, and these make packing lunch a snap.

Green salads stay fresher if you pack all the components separately. If that is too much hassle, at least keep the dressing in a separate container to protect the veggies. Many of us choose salad for its health virtues; if so, be sure that the toppings you choose don't cancel out those benefits. Low fat meats, dried fruits and nuts, or chopped raw or grilled veggies can be combined in all sorts of ways to make tasty, healthy salads. Cheese is a yummy addition, but don't overdo it if you're watching the calories. Dressing is where a lot of the fat and salt sneaks in, so be sure to check the label carefully.

Grain salads or pasta salads are easy to make and store, and often feel more satisfying than a green salad. One combination you might enjoy is brown rice with black beans and corn, topped with salsa. Or try tabouli, a flavorful salad made with cracked wheat.

Hot Lunches

A hot lunch can be wonderful, especially on a winter

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