by MiLa Driver

Created on: November 21, 2008   Last Updated: December 02, 2008

Everyone's trying to save money these days and bringing your lunch to work is one way anyone can cut back on spending. Brown-bagging is cheaper than going out and while it may take a bit of creativity and planning to pull it off successfully, it is very much worth your time and effort. Besides packing the stereotypical sandwich and chips, why not make your lunch more exciting, healthier, and cost savvy while you are at it?

Let's not totally scratch out sandwiches from the choices, though. It doesn't have to be ham, cheese and mayonnaise, you know. One way to perk up your sandwich is to buy different types of bread and dress it up with a variety of ingredients. For example, try buying a loaf of sourdough bread. Smear it with spicy mustard and add mashed avocado, tomato slices, and sprouts. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pair your sandwich up with vegetable chips instead of potato chips or corn chips.

Something else to consider packing for lunch is tabouleh. This is a Middle Eastern salad that is very easy to make the night before. You can find tabouleh in a box similar to mac and cheese. It is made from bulgher and you typically add ingredients such as lemon juice, bits of chopped cucumber, red onion, salt, pepper, olive oil and parsley. Eat it scooped into pita bread or just with a fork. Either way, it is delicious, nutritious, and very easy to prepare.

If you like tuna, buy the individual size cans with the pull-off top. This makes it very convenient to bring for lunch. Try eating it with whole grain Wasa crackers which will add lots of fiber to your diet as well as a satisfying crunch. Tuna can also be eaten in a salad. Simply toss some greens in a bowl, fork in a small can of tuna, chop a small apple into small chunks, and add a touch of chopped red onion. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. You don't even need any dressing since the apple and red onion give it a sweet punch.

How about wrapping turkey, ham and cheese into a flour tortilla? Simply lay meat and cheese on a flour tortilla and roll tightly. Then take a knife and cut into wheels. They look pretty and taste great. Store them in a plastic bag and pair it with a baby spinach and cherry tomato salad sprinkled with salt, pepper and olive oil.

Another healthy, delicious choice to consider is a pasta salad. Forget about the old pasta salad you've known in the past, smothered in mayonnaise. The modern version is much healthier for you. Cook whole grain bowtie pasta, rinse in cold water and place in a large bowl. Toss with chopped veggies such as red and yellow bell pepper, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes and green olives. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, olive oil and cumin. Refrigerate. You could also toss with low-fat Italian dressing. Add chicken breast and you've got a very filling, yet healthy meal.

Forget about plain jane sandwiches or frozen meals that take forever to warm up. All of the above foods can be prepared the night before and don't have to be heated up when you're ready to eat. They are delicious, healthy, and easy to make. Don't forget to pack a piece of fresh fruit with your lunch and bring some water to drink. Saving money and eating well has never been so easy!

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