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We pretty much all know that buying lunch every day at the company cafeteria, vending machine, or drive-thru can really add up in a month's time. And the hit is not just in your pocketbook. Prepared/packaged meals and snacks tend to be higher in fat, calories, sodium, sugar - all the bad stuff many are looking to trim back on.

You've probably heard that the old mainstay brown-baggin' it is the most economical way to eat lunch. Sandwiches, chips, even apples - these keep well in a brown bag, but can someone say, "boooring." If that's your position, you may just need to give your boring-brown-bag lunch a makeover.

The first step? Lose the brown bag. Instead, invest in a reusable lunchbox. Many of these come with built-in chiller packs, water bottles, and other useful features. Over time the lunchbox will pay for itself since you're no longer shelling out $1.99 every month for a package of paper bags. It's more eco-friendly too: think about all the brown bags you aren't contributing to the garbage.

Besides being "green" economically and environmentally, a lunchbox gives you a lot more versatility in what you pack for lunch. Assuming you have access to a fridge, freezer, and microwave at work, you can prepare some nutritious, home-cooked lunches for a lot less than take-out. And if something is to leak inside your lunchbox, it won't soak through and leave you lunch-less like a paper bag in similar straits would.

A good set of Tupperware and/or microwavable glass dishes is also in order. Tupperware is great for storing fresh-cut veggies, fruits, crackers, and the like. Say you want to go a little more gourmet and enjoy last night's leftovers for lunch. Reheating is a snap with a microwave plus glass dishes. You may be able to reheat in Tupperware as well, but be warned, studies indicate heating the plastic causes it to leach toxins into your food. Not very nutritious.

So you got the lunchbox and dishes thing nailed. Looking for some more interesting lunch ideas? We already touched on leftovers. How about making a bigger batch of one of your favorite meals, or even trying out a new recipe - all with the intention of taking some to work.

If the time factor is an issue for you, try healthier frozen meals like Lean Cuisine or Smart Ones. You pop them out of the freezer and into the microwave and you've got a healthy, balanced lunch to go. Or if you do dine out, try wrapping some of your meal and packing it in your lunchbox.

Yes, it takes a little extra effort to make a good lunch to go every day. It's far easier to plop down $5.00 at the cafeteria or drive-thru. Even crackers and peanut butter in a brown bag is an easier alternative. But if you're concerned with eating healthier and saving some money in these economically challenging times, giving your lunch routine a makeover can be great way to tackle both issues.

Make the effort to treat yourself to a good lunch that you'll enjoy eating. Try it, and I guarantee lunch-hour will be something to look forward to again!

Learn more about this author, James Richardson.
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