Banish Boring Brown Bag Lunches!

One way that money slips through our fingerszipper top bag.
without our realizing it is by eating out at lunchA good way to carry deviled eggs (that lunchbox
every day.staple)-- after filling, put the two halves back
Did you know that by taking your lunch 3 days atogether, and wrap in plastic wrap or put in a
week instead of eating out, you could save assmall container!
much as $800 a year? Think what you could doMuffins hold up well in a lunch bag or box as do
with that much extra money!slices of banana nut bread, or most any other
Your lunch doesn't have to be a sandwich andquick bread. Great for morning or afternoon
chips, either. With just a little bit of creativity andbreaks.
planning, brown bag lunches can be prettyOf course, if your workplace has a microwave
delicious!oven,(lucky you!)you can always bring leftover
Try these ideas for starters:soup, stew or chili. A quick recipe for Chicken
Invest in a few of those 1-serving plastic storageCorn Chowder:
containers with lids. These are so handy--when1 pouch Chicken Noodle Soup Mix with diced
you have just one serving left of any dish atchicken
dinner, put it in one of these dishes. Designate a2 1/4 cups milk
shelf in the fridge for these leftovers. In the1 can cream-style corn
mornings, anyone in the family can choose whatCombine all ingredients in saucepan; bring to a boil.
to put in their lunch bag!Reduce heat and simmer until noodles are tender,
Those little containers can also be used to hold dipuncovered, stirring frequently, because it will stick!
for carrot or celery sticks; fill with peanut butterMix this up in the evening or on the wekend and
and pack a zipper bag of pretzels for dipping.store in serving-size containers. Just grab a
Maybe salsa for dipping tortilla chips (not socontainer in the morning, along with some
healthy, but really good!)crackers, and you're good to go!
Or make your own pudding cups with yourTry some of these ideas for your lunches this
homemade pudding!week and start saving some money!
Fill tortillas or pita pockets with egg or tuna salad.And at the same time, you'll have the satisfaction
Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, add a littleof knowing that you and/or your spouse will be
salsa, and top with sliced turkey or ham. Placehaving a more nutritious meal than you would get
another tortilla on top, cut in fourths and put inat a fast-food restaurant.