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.