Four Reasons Why You Should Bring Lunch to Work

By Gabriella Khorasanee, JD on September 16, 2013 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

A recent article in The New York Times proclaimed that bringing lunch to work is not "hip." Whether you make a mad dash for the cafeteria (and let's face it, it's not gonna be like the Google cafeteria) or to the closest fast food joint, lunch ends up being something we just shove in our face, rather than a healthy, nutritious meal that will help us avoid the 3 p.m. slump.

The author's goal in writing the article was to change the view that brown-bagging your lunch is not hip, and since we agree with his noble cause, here are four reasons why you should bring your lunch to work.1. Saves Health

If you bring your own lunch then you are in full control of what you are eating -- there aren't any hidden fats, sugars and salt lurking in your food. You'll avoid making bad impulse decisions (and supersizing everything) because your lunch decisions are already made. Don't think fast food is unhealthy? Watch "Supersize Me."

2. Saves Food

Leftovers are the best lunch bet: it's already made, you know you like it, and you just have to pack and reheat. It really doesn't get much simpler when it comes to packing lunch. Either plan ahead and make extra food for dinner, or eat a little less and set something aside for yourself.

3. Saves Money

Have you ever tallied up how much money you spend on lunch? According to an article in Time Magazine, you could retire on the money you save from buying lunch. It may not seem like a lot of money on a day-to-day basis, but it all adds up. If you're cost conscious (maybe you have a lot of student loans?), this is one of the easiest and best ways to start saving.

4. Saves Time

If you are a slave to the all-mighty billable hour, then you need all the time you can get to get your work done. Think of all the time you'll save when all you have to do is walk to the refrigerator and (maybe) use the microwave. Just like your dollar savings, you'll save a lot of precious time. The sooner you get done, the sooner you get to leave.

For many, lunch is a much-needed break in the middle of the day. Just because you bring your lunch doesn't mean you can't take a step away from you computer, and take a walk. It's just the difference in where you're going. Instead of marching off to buy a heart attack between two buns, do a lap around the office for a quick burst of energy.

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