I’d like to reacquaint you with an age old practice that saves money while keeping you healthy!  It all starts with those little paper bags you used to carry your peanut butter and jelly sandwich to school in.  Where did they ever go?  Personally I miss those little bags and never forgot the scrumptious sandwich!

I propose we all start brown bagging our lunches again.  Once a week, typically Sunday evening when there’s not much to do anyways, I (1) cook a LARGE healthy meal.  I take this meal and (2) divvy it into my small food containers storing them in the fridge.  Then, each morning, I (3) grab a couple containers and take them to work with me.  Easy peasy master cheesy.

So many of us either skip lunch in our hectic lives or eat quick and junkie fast food.  Neither is acceptable and both are costly.  Not eating on consistent intervals will cause your body to get all out of whack, hoard calories, and gain weight when you so much as look at cake. Then eating junk food well I should not have to tell you about that.  It’s so easy to cook a large meal such as a chili or cut up a bunch of vegetables and put them in little containers to take with you during the week.  Not to mention its going to save you a BUNDLE of money.

Don’t cut corners when storing your food.  Everything seems to come in plastic containers from engine oil to yogurt!  Be careful though, there are issues with today’s disposable plastic containers.  Troubles arise when plastic is aggravated causing the chemicals to leach into the food.  Follow the rules below, abstain from drinking your motor oil, and everything should be fine and dandy…

1. Never microwave or heat foods in plastic containers.
2. Never store liquids in plastic containers.
3. Never run plastic containers through the dishwasher.
4. Never reuse plastic containers that you get foods in as they are designed for one time use only.

Much of the trouble with plastic containers is associated with a the chemical which hardens it, Bispenol (BPA).  Bispenol’s close semblance to estrogen allows it upset our bodies hormonal balance. Evidence shows an imbalance estrogen can lead to a number of health problems from developmental issues in children to cancer.  Look for BPA free containers if you choose to use plastic for food storage. Many times they’ll print BPA free directly on the container.  Rubbermaid’s “Easy Find Lid” containers are an excellent choice for BPA free food storage.

The best solution is to avoid plastic whenever possible. Glass has relatively few if any health implications. There are no real restrictions like with plastic on it’s usage making it easier to take care of and more versatile. Several fairly new products have been created for people just like us, that like to make our own lunches! Pyrex storage containers make excellent glass food storage containers with BPA free sealing lids.

With that being said lunch away!