Are you always on the go around lunch time? Do you find yourself grabbing a quick (unhealthy) fast food lunch along the way or skipping it all together? Why not try a bento box? With a little advanced planning you can bring along a meal that will be tasty, nourishing, and visually appealing.
Bento boxes have their origins in Japan. A divided container is used to artfully arrange a variety of food in order to appeal to all of the senses. Here, I’ve taken this concept and applied it to a travel-friendly lunch. A few simple ingredients – salad, cheese, hard-boiled egg, whole grain crackers, some nuts, and raisins – come together to make a lunch that can travel anywhere you do!
Divided food containers are easy to find in most home goods stores. Mine is stackable and has removable, lidded containers. The individual sections keep wet and dry items separate and make for built-in portion control.
Your imagination is the limit when it comes to contents. Leftovers are a great place to start! Try for a balance of colorful fruits and vegetables along with some protein. If you’re feeling creative, have fun with the presentation! Before you know it, you’ll have assembled a lunch that’s easy to take along, as well as visually appealing, and delicious. It’s a great alternative to burgers and fries!
Contributed by Patricia Stefanicha, RN
