A lunch brought from home can be much more economical than eating out. A healthy afternoon snack can give you an energy boost. Since it's Friday, today's office fitness tip is one you can take home with you and use over the weekend to help you prepare foods to bring to work next week.

 

Try assembling a snack/lunch box for each day of the work week. Mix up the selections so that you aren't bringing the same thing every day. Either stock the boxes over the weekend and refrigerate them, or, if you plan to prepare food during the week for your boxes, stick a note in each box reminding you of what you plan to make for that box. Check the next day's box the night before and fill it before you go to bed.

 

Whole fruits like apples, bananas, clementines

Homemade granola bars

Raw veggies

Homemade trail mix

Jerky

Edamame

Boxed or canned fruit juice (natural, not sweetened)

Breakfast cereal/Instant oatmeal

Low-fat string cheese

Pretzels

Raisins

Sunflower and pumpkin seeds

Dried fruits

Nuts

Yogurt (some varieties don't need refrigeration)

Cheese

Oatmeal cookies

Cherry tomatoes

Air-popped popcorn

Whole grain crackers

Rice cakes

 

Try getting creative with sandwiches. Use whole wheat pita bread or tortilla wraps. Mix interesting vegetables with meat or cheese. Laptop Lunches has some great ideas for sandwich fillings:

 

This list is just a start. If you have favorite bring-from-home food ideas, please feel free to share them in the Comment area below.