LPN to RN Blog

When you’re in school, chances are you’ll be doing a lot of eating on the run. The campus cafeteria isn’t always the healthiest option, and the food court may not have what you’re looking for, either. Additionally, buying prepared food can get expensive, and when you do it every day, it all adds up. With a healthy, sack lunch, you can save money and ensure that you’re eating great food at the same time. Here are a few tips that will help you make the best of it.

Don’t use a brown paper bag. Sure, it’s convenient and inexpensive, but it won’t provide much insulation for your food. Invest in a metal, plastic, or insulated lunch box that can keep your food and beverages at a better temperature, whether you want them cool or hot. You can also purchase freezer packs that will keep food cold, safe, and fresh. Insulated jars will help to keep hot foods hot. Eating foods at the right temperature isn’t just for safety reasons-food just tastes better if it’s hot or cold instead of room temperature.

Make a great sandwich. The cornerstone of your healthy sack lunch will most often be your sandwich. Keep things interesting and healthy so that you can continue to eat sack lunch sandwiches each day. Make sure that each sandwich has a healthy protein source for energy as well as healthy toppings, peanut butter, cold cut meat, cheese, and vegetables are all great ingredients for your lunch sandwiches. Upgrade to whole grain bread to ensure that you get the complex carbohydrates you need to keep your energy up all day.

Keep up with a great variety. Eating the same thing every day is easy, but it gets boring and isn’t the best for a healthy diet. When you get bored with fresh fruit, think about adding salad, cheese sticks, dried fruit, and trail mix with nuts to your lunch box. Additionally, a cold pasta salad, vegetables with dip, or yogurt make great sides.

Have a dessert to look forward to. Whether it’s a serving of yogurt, fruit salad, or a bite-sized candy bar, treat yourself every day with a little dessert in your lunch box.

Eating on campus can be healthy and satisfying with a great sack lunch. Follow these guidelines to create meals that you’ll be happy to eat every day.