Bringing your own lunch into work puts you into the nutrition driving seat. For starters, you choose the ingredients that you like and that you know work for you. Once you have a system in place for doing this, it becomes a perfect tactic to save energy, attention and time. No more queuing and then having to decide from a limited menu, no more choosing when half-starved and open to temptation – just think of all the mental energy wasted on these internal battles that you literally win back when you prep ahead.
As well as being extra nutritious and boosting your energy for the afternoon, the other benefit of a homeprepared lunch is that you don’t need to spend your lunch hour tracking it down, giving you the opportunity to sit and eat – and perhaps a bit of time for a nice walk or a power nap. Simply include in your weekly shop a “take to work” list, including dry or fresh food you can refrigerate or that will last a few days in your desk, bag or car. For example, a bag of leafy greens (rocket, watercress, spinach), cherry tomatoes, hummus, feta cheese, olives, a couple of avocados, cold cuts of lean meat and cans of beans.