When I stop and think about some of the changes I have made over the last 6-9 months, I almost can't believe it myself. If you had told me in the beginning of this year that I would be quitting my favorite non-dairy creamer that I have been addicted to for the last 15 years, I'd say you were crazy. If you had told me 9 months ago and I would be quitting diet soda after 20 years of nearly daily enjoyment of the sweet, syrupy fizz, I'd say you were lying. If you had told me that I would be diligently bringing my healthy lunch to work with me every day after years of spending way too much money on lunches out while on the job in outside sales...I'd laugh. But folks, I have done it. I am getting my act together and grocery shopping specifically for items for my lunch, and giving myself enough time in the morning to put it together. Geesh, I almost sound like a grownup!
I have really been trying to cut down on my use of plastic baggies but had a major lapse when I started bringing my lunch to work all the time. I was typically using a bag for a sandwich, a bag for some carrot sticks and another for chips. Then, maybe another for blueberries, strawberries or grapes, when I didn't bring a solid fruit like an apple or nectarine. I decided that when finished this last box of baggies, that I was going to have to change my habits. I've seen some cute reusable sandwich wrappers and such, but haven't decided yet if that's the way to go.
For now, I have decided to use small reusable, plastic, sealed containers. My lunch today contained NO baggies. The downside is that they take up more room than baggies, and I have to take them home to wash them. I'm sure that when both of my sons are in school full time, I am probably not going to want to deal with it! But at least for now I don't have that post-lunch guilt that I had when I was throwing 3+ baggies in the trash.
What type of containers do you use to bring your lunch to work or pack your kids lunches for school?
I have a wonder sandwich container (I took the sticker off) the dots on the sides wear off but it is shaped like a sandwich. I found some small plastic containers at Target. They are 1/2 cup size. And some divided containers (2 small - one large compartment) I think it was Ziploc. PLUS there is the products Fit and fresh that have ice packs that are snapped into the containers Sometimes I wrap snack items in a cloth napkin, no Velcro closings just wrapped up and put in my lunch bag to save room...
ReplyDeleteThanks! I will have to look into that. It never occurred to me to get divided containers.
ReplyDeleteThat's good that you atleast care about making a change for the better. I am impressed with your dedication as well. I don't use either really; I am a bad boy, I eat out a lot...lol. Nice blog! I will be back.
ReplyDeleteI make my daughter's lunches litterless (with the exception of yogurt tubes -- she won't eat yogurt with a spoon -- I don't know why!).
ReplyDeleteAnyways -- I use little drawstring cloth baggies that I bought off etsy for sandwiches etc. You have to wash them, but it works! I got a couple fun characters for my daughter and son -- Strawberry Shortcake, Winnie the Pooh, McQueen, Superman... I even bought some floral ones for myself!