Everything you need to know for a successful lunch box

September means it's back to school, but also back to work for many. So it's time to take out the lunch boxes! There are many good reasons to prepare a lunch rather than eating out every lunchtime, and the first is economic. Indeed, making homemade lunches saves a lot of money! I have always favoured this way of doing things.

 
I, therefore, offer you my 5 tips for a successful lunch box.

1. Choose your lunch box

It is always important to choose the right lunch box. First, aesthetics is important. It may seem futile, but liking our lunch box makes us want to make ourselves a lunch and drag it around with us much more! Second, it must be practical. The size must be adapted to what you want to put inside. I really like when there are different compartments or pockets inside to distribute my pots, utensils and napkin.

2. Choose the right containers

I suggest here to opt for airtight containers to avoid any damage. Also, the ideal is to have containers that withstand heat so they can be used in the microwave or washed in the dishwasher. It is essential to equip yourself with different sizes of containers to have adapted to each food and meal!

3. Fresh and quick meals

If you are more of a type to prepare your meals the day before or the same morning, opt for quick and fresh meals! Like a salad (couscous, quinoa or pasta salad with plant protein like beans or tofu), a sandwich or wrap (with vegan salami, marinated tofu or chickpea spread).

4. Hot meals in an insulated container

An insulated container keeps your meal warm all day. Just heat it the same morning at home and transfer it to the container; if you have leftovers from the night before, great! Take the opportunity to make yourself a lunch. To do this, you can always plan to double the amount of your dinner to make sure everyone has lunch the next day. Otherwise, from a meal prep perspective, you can cook a big meal on Sunday and make meals with it all week. I recommend meals such as lasagna, gratin or shepherd's pie.

5. Snacks

Again, I strongly recommend preparing your snacks in advance by finding a day in the week that suits you best to do some cooking! In addition to the classic fruits and raw vegetables, here are some recipe ideas that are perfect for lunch boxes:

• Oreo™ cookie balls
• Choco-cranberry oatmeal cookies
• Maca chocolate chips cookies 
• Autumn Cookie Dough Balls
• Nutritious Seed Crackers
• Vegan Rice Krispie Squares

For even more recipes, click here!


By Katia Bricka
Writer at RAW Nutritional