8 Cheap and Easy Work Lunch Ideas to Save You Money

8 Cheap and Easy Work Lunch Ideas to Save You MoneySick of the same old sandwich? Or shelling out $20 to order take-out to your desk? Or just the usual spot you and your coworkers go and get the same $10 salad every single day? googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Save money, calories, and sanity by packing yourself an enjoyable and tasty lunch that might just help you enjoy your workday that much more. Here are some great ideas to get you started.1. Jar SaladYes, this is still a salad, but a) you make it yourself so youre not paying a ridiculous markup, and b) you can buy in bulk and create the following package a few times a week. Boomhealthy and cheap. Pack your salad in an adorable mason jar. Just put dressing, wet ingredients, and moisture resistant veggies on the bottom, then layer other veggies, proteins, greens, grains, and crunchy bits as you work your way up the jar. Tie a fork to the side and youre set2. To-Go-GurtSame bulk and mon ey-saving theory, same container, maybe a little more fun. Layer granola, compote or jam, fruit, yogurt, etc. in a delicious mason jar parfait. Or, keep a container of yogurt, a box of cereal, and some berries in your work fridge and make this on the spot, if youre able to. This makes a fab portable breakfast or even a pick-me-up snack for the 3 p.m. munchies.3. Wraps Made in the OfficeSandwiches are boring and dont travel and sit in a Tupperware all too well. Instead, box up the tasty filling of your choice (leftovers work great here) and keep a pack of wraps in your work kitchen (tortillas, gluten-free wraps, whatever you fancy). You can think bigger and better than PBJ here, but still get that lunchtime sandwich fixchicken Caesar, creamy avocado and white bean, southwestern spiced whatever your creative filling of choice, just pop it in a and youre good to go.4. Sturdy SaladsInstead of the everyday lettuce, try making a grain salad for healthy whole grains and extra energy. Try q uinoa, faro, barley, wheat berries, or even couscous as a base, then add in crunch veggies, nuts, protein, and a bit of dressing as you see fit.5. Creative SandwichesMaybe youre committed to the classic sammie but have hit a rut. Just because youre bored of ham and cheese or PBJ doesnt mean sandwiches need to be off the table. Try fruit Add apples to your turkey and brie, or your almond butter. Try a pear-walnut combo on cinnamon raisin bread. Use hummus, avocado, smashed beans. Pesto Sweet potatoes. Veggie hamburger patties. Get creative. And its not all about tuna fish or egg salad. Try salmon salad, or curried chicken salad for a change.6. Hearty BowlsYou go buy burrito bowls or fajita bowls or Baja bowls or Buddha bowls why not make one yourself? Just layer in your grains, protein, greens, and flourishes (never underestimate a sauce or herbal garnish), and youll have a healthy and hearty meal for yourself at work.7. Slow CookingPut your leftovers to work for you. Make a giant ba tch of something in your Crockpot. It will cook while youre at work one day, and can either be dinner one night and lunch the next, or an easy freezable lunch in Tupperware. Or practice what many savvy lunchers dothe Sunday afternoon meal prep. You can knock out at least 2 or 3 meals with one big batch cook while youre hanging out around the house on a weekend morning. Its worth the prep to save you money and time during the hectic work week.

What Happened When I Stopped Apologizing For Everything

What Happened When I Stopped Apologizing For Everything As a kid, I always thought that if I apologized for an action, even one that welchesnt my fault, it would somehow diffuse the situation and make everyone happier. It became such a force of habit that I hardly noticed when I said it.Someone bumped in to me on the street spilling my ice cream? Im sorry, I wasnt looking. A classmate got in trouble for losing a book? Im so sorry that happened. Why I was taking on the responsibility of making everyone happier did not really dawn on me until much later.This apology addiction continued well into adulthood as I spent the early part of my career apologizing. As a lawyer in private practice, I was beholden to mora senior attorneys, who were beholden to clients. Apologies galore Then, when I went the non-profit route in consumer protection, there were apologies mixed in to daily conversations, with my supervisors, our constituents, and pretty much everyone under the sun. Somehow, I believe d that a situation could not possibly be rectified until I apologized for it. What an unbearable burdenYears later, when I started my own business, this need to be liked even by people who were directly paying for my services became a serious issue. In my first year of practice, an old college friend hired me to help her find a new job. When I was discussing my fees, I told her my rates but apologized immediately and said she could pay what she wanted considering our friendship. What? Why would I do that, Elana? I should and will pay you your rate. Record scratch. I realized how I was devaluing my work and myself by apologizing for asking to be compensated properly. How could I possibly help other women feel confident in their own abilities if I didnt feel confident in mine?This perspective shift helped immensely as I began to counsel professional women through career transitions. Most acutely, I see it when clients struggle to negotiate offers or request promotions. The fear of bei ng perceived as aggressive or too threatening runs deep and, unfortunately, counter to professional growth. The desire for approval, mixed with a dose of imposter syndrome, prevents many women from going after what they want and demanding their rightful due.When people ask about my services now, I no longer pause before stating my rates. If someone cant afford them and I feel I have something to offer, then accommodations can be made. But, I dont and wont apologize for wanting to be paid.Take a random day and count how many times the phrase Im sorry exits your lips, particularly in the workplace. I bet you will be shocked. Then, consider whether an apology was warranted in each of those circumstances or whether it was simply a reactive way of mitigatingconflict or unnecessarily absorbing the blame. Yes, it might feel awkward at first and yes, you might need to change your approach and your vocabulary to more appropriately address the situation. You may also start noticing that your world is filled with chronic apologizers. Be unapologetic about telling others to stop the unnecessary apologizing.--Elana Konstant is a career coach and consultant focusing on professional women in career transition. A former lawyer, she founded Konstant Change Coaching to empower women to create the career they want. Change is good. Elana will help you find out why. Her career advice has been featured on Glamour.com, Babble, Motherly, and other outlets. You can learn more by visiting her website,konstantchangecoaching.com.