Benefits of Packing a Lunch
Written by Sarah Villeneuve
Most of us know that packing a lunch instead of eating in the cafeteria every day at school is a good way to save a few dollars but dreaming of doing it isn’t the same as packing your own lunch. It can be a difficult task to start, especially if it’s something very new, but by adding a packed lunch to your daily routine you’ll see a ton of benefits.
1. Save Money
This is probably the most important benefit for any student. You may not even realize how much you spend on lunch, but if you buy lunch every day it starts to add up. Think about it, if you usually have a $10 lunch every day for a month you can easily spend around $300 a month! And let’s be honest, is the quality of what you’re eating really worth that $10? Just think of all the things you could buy just from one small act.
2. Eat Healthier
For one thing, packing your lunch lets you control exactly what goes into the food you eat. By making it yourself, you know exactly what is in the ingredients, and control the quality and freshness your ingredients actually are.
3. Prepared for Snack Attacks
Are you ever sitting in class and suddenly you feel like your starving? When you prepare a lunch, it means snacks are right at your fingertips. If you get snacky during the day like me, you’ll really benefit from packing snacks. Keep away the mid-day sugar crash or hungry episode by just packing a few of your favourite snacks with your lunch. It will help you get through your day with a happy tummy and happy mindset.
4. Less waste
Preparing a lunch helps reduce waste from plastic wrappers, containers, and takeout bags. This is more important now than ever considering that half of all litter is fast food garbage. The waste ends up in landfills and the ocean, clogging up the environment. Packed lunches are a better solution, especially when you reuse the same container and store everything in Tupperware, LUUMI, or glass containers. With this, there’s significantly less to throw away, which is way better for us and the Earth.
5. Relaxing
Taking time out of your week to make meals can be really relaxing. You can put as much thought or care into your food as you want, spoil yourself even ;). Put on your favourite YouTube videos or music, stay calm, follow the directions when necessary, and allow yourself to unwind and have fun with your cooking!
Interested in trying to pack your lunch? Don’t know where to start?
Why not look to reusable and eco-friendly products that are also Canadian made! Check out Vancouver based brand LUUMI, a planet-friendly alternative container that’s “better for the world and better for you”, which can be found at your local Innovation Hub. Or if you’re looking for something Kingston local check out Boho & Hobo.