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This article on Crafting the Ideal Work Meal has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Campbell's Well Yes! Soup at Walmart. All opinions reflected are exclusively mine. #WellYesMoment #CollectiveBias

There's nothing worse than an uninspiring desk meal. That’s why I’ve collaborated with Campbell's Well Yes! Soup available at Walmart to share 6 straightforward tips to nail your work lunch packing, regardless of how strapped for time you may be!

On days when I neglect to prepare lunch and dash off with only a granola bar or a not-quite-ripe banana, I’m plagued by thoughts of my inevitable disappointing lunch for the entire day. An anticipated lunch hour can be a highlight, especially when a delightful and nourishing meal awaits.

There’s a plethora of creative lunch visuals on Instagram showcasing the whimsical lunches parents whip up for their kids. Why not harness that inspiration to craft an incredible grown-up lunchbox for yourself? I’m not suggesting we cut our sandwiches into dinosaur shapes; learning to assemble the perfect work meal is much simpler than it seems.

A straightforward guideline, a well-rounded meal, and a little meal prep can significantly uplift your mood, productivity, and overall experience. Let’s design an adult lunchbox that’s balanced!

Crafting the Ideal Work Meal

Variety is Key

We all dread eating the same monotonous lunch day in and day out. Step outside the realm of mundane turkey sandwiches and bring some change to your meals. Start off the week with leftovers on Monday, giving you more time to unwind on Sunday evening rather than meal prepping. Then, switch it up with diverse lunches each day.

Here’s an example of a delightful, adaptable weekly menu: Monday: Leftovers. Tuesday: A protein-rich wrap. Wednesday: A seasonal, hearty grain salad or a classic mason jar salad stacked high. Thursday: A sandwich that defies expectations. Friday: A whimsical bento-style snack box featuring a Mezze Tray with hummus, pita, olives, grilled eggplant, tabbouleh, and marinated artichokes.

Stay Prepared (Even When Time is Tight)

Too busy to pack lunch the night before, or simply forgetful? No sweat, and certainly no need to go hungry! Keep easy and nutritious lunch alternatives stocked at your fingertips. Stock up on single-serve bags of almonds, trail mix, or granola. Ensure your fridge is filled with Greek yogurt and fresh fruits. For the centerpiece of your meal, don’t forget to grab some Campbell's Well Yes! Soup. I adore these soups for several reasons. Their two-serving sizes come with a handy pop-top lid—no can opener needed. Campbell's Well Yes! Soup is crafted from wholesome ingredients like quinoa, farro, and kale, and is devoid of artificial flavors, ingredients, or colors. They come in a range of delightful flavors, with my faves being Tomato Carrot Bisque, Italian Vegetable with Farro, and Sweet Potato Corn Chowder. Each variant features no preservatives, non-BPA linings, boasts ample vegetable servings, and are vegetarian (with the Italian Vegetable with Farro being vegan). Pairing the soup with a simple salad guarantees a balanced and satisfying meal! Now that’s a #WellYesMoment.

Emergency Snack Pack

Preparation can prevent onset of hunger-induced irritability. Stock some nutritious snacks to sidestep grabbing a sugary candy bar or vending machine emergency snack when you need a boost. Including protein-packed almonds, homemade energy bites, and minimally-processed protein bars or trail mix are brilliant selections.

Smart Snack Additions

Consider the sides to elevate your meal into a complete and nutritious offering. Incorporate fun and healthy snacks like carrot and cucumber matchsticks, creamy hummus, fresh fruits, whole-grain pretzels, and a piece of dark chocolate to sweeten the end of your lunch experience. (Bonus: dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants that enhance concentration!)

Hydration Matters!

Maintaining good hydration is crucial! Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout your day and throw in some fun beverage choices with your lunch. Green tea, kombucha, and fruit-infused waters provide refreshing options. Some of my favorite fruit-infused water combinations are Citrus + Mint (lemon, orange paired with fresh mint) and Blackberry Cucumber Mojito (fresh blackberries, cucumber slices, fresh mint, and lime).

Step Away from Your Workspace

If possible, take a brief respite from your desk or workspace. Seize the moment to recharge, contemplate, and relish in some peace. Every meal should serve as a celebration and opportunity to nourish your body. Pause, take a breath, and if the weather allows, get outside in nature! If not, diving into a good book or practicing mindfulness or a bit of meditation during lunch can skyrocket your mood.

Utilize these tips for crafting the ideal work meal, and you’ll be embracing your ultimate #LunchGoals!

Thank you to Campbell's for sponsoring this post. Don’t forget to grab the new Campbell’s Well Yes! Soup at its great price from Walmart. (Tip: lookout for additional savings via a Sunday paper coupon, available on 2/12 & 3/12, and in-store demos set for 2/16-2/19). I hope you found this advice on crafting the ideal work meal enjoyable, and that you relish Campbell’s Well Yes! Soup just as much as I do!

Link to Tongqi

1. Prioritize Food Your Kids Will Actually Enjoy

When assembling school lunches, focus on packing food your kids will actually eat, rather than what you wish they would enjoy. Observing the amount of perfectly edible food discarded in a school cafeteria is a real eye-opener for many parents.

To avoid wastage and ensure your kids have enough energy to power through the day, steer clear of food battles during lunch packing. If you’d prefer a kale salad, a peach and pretzels may be more enticing in their lunch boxes.

2. Minimize Packaging Waste

It’s alarming how long kids struggle to open their food packaging.

While lunch aides do their utmost to assist, many kids miss out on their meals simply due to unyielding packaging. This consideration is vital when packing lunches, especially for younger children.

Opt for a Bento Box

The goal is to ensure kids only need to open one or two containers. Once the lid is removed, they can dive straight into their meal.

A children's bento lunch box can be just a basic plastic storage container you already own. Containers with clip locks work well as they’re easy to operate, perfect for little hands.

A bento box not only simplifies eating for kids but also helps cut down on waste and packaging. Plus, it’s easier for bringing home any leftover food.

3. Think Beyond Cold Lunches

Let’s be honest, running out of lunch ideas is common among parents. Many feel like they’re packing a turkey sandwich every other day. Shift things up by including hot meals. This opens up a world of easy lunch options!

With a compact Thermos, the possibilities for lunch transformation are limitless.

Meatballs with sauce? Absolutely! Leftovers? You bet! How about a grilled cheese sandwich? Yes, indeed!

Providing a hot lunch can be a game changer, especially for kids active in after-school sports or activities. A warm meal is not only comforting but ensures they get the protein they require.

Utilize a Thermos for Hot Food

Warm a Thermos with hot water for a few minutes while prepping in the morning. After a short sit, pack in the hot food and seal it up. The food remains so hot that kids might need to let it cool a bit before enjoying.

Note: Always refer to Thermos instructions prior to use.

Simple Hot School Lunch Ideas

Keep a stock of Farm Rich Homestyle Meatballs in your freezer for seamless hot lunch packing. These meatballs are microwavable, pack 11 grams of protein per serving, and feature hearty ground beef and savory pork.

A fast microwave pop results in delicious, steaming meatballs ready to go. You can likely heat them faster than making a sandwich!

Serve them plain, or topped with marinara sauce or enchilada sauce and cheese. Ensure to warm sauces before adding them to the Thermos. Quick tip: only put hot items inside the Thermos to maintain the desired temperature. For more impressive ideas, check out our meatball recipes.

4. Prepare Lunch Box Essentials in Advance

Getting lunch items ready in advance can ease the packing process. Sure, this may require extra time on weekends or after grocery shopping, but it streamlines assembling lunches during busy mornings.

If your child enjoys fruits and vegetables in their lunch, take the time to wash and prepare them ahead of schedule. This may not be the most thrilling Sunday evening activity, yet it pays off by saving time on busy mornings.

Additionally, prep other items like cheese sticks or yogurt for convenience. Even though prepping doesn’t consume much time, having it all ready to go is a huge relief.

Being prepared offers two significant benefits:

1. Ready items make it easier for kids (or others) to pack lunches themselves.
2. Healthy snacks like fruits, veggies, cheese, and yogurt being prepped makes after-school snacking effortless.

5. Encourage Kids to Bring Back Unfinished Food

Having your kids return with uneaten food allows you to track what they consumed (or didn’t). This valuable feedback lets you make adjustments for future lunches.

If they bring back several items, it might indicate packing too much. If they devour everything, they may need extra food. Also, if a certain item consistently gets returned, it might be worth removing from the lineup.

Using containers or a bento box simplifies this process. Once they finish eating, they simply close the container and stash it back in their lunchbox.

If your child participates in after-school activities, they can easily snack on any leftovers later in the day.

Additional Easy School Lunch Tips

Select the Right Lunchbox

Ensure the lunchbox can accommodate both a bento or container and a Thermos. An efficient lunchbox is crucial; forcing items into an ill-fitting container can lead to daily frustration.

Repurpose Leftovers for School Lunch

If your kids enjoy what you prepare for dinner, consider doubling the recipe for lunch the following day. Dishes that travel well include: Savory Cheesy Meatball Mac & Cheese, Apple Butter Crockpot Meatballs, and Cheesy Pizza Casserole.

If you seek more details, kindly visit 3-Compartment Lunch Box.