Friday, 19 October 2012 10:30
Kulture How to Pack a Punch! Far From Boring Weekday Lunch Tips
You’re sitting at your cubicle and the fluorescent lighting and scanner sounds aren’t exactly setting the ambiance you expect from even a mid level restaurant. You’re surrounded by vending machines, pots of lukewarm instant coffee and co-workers tucking in to their specialty; bologna sandwiches. SNAP OUT OF IT!
Your lunch hour is supposed to be your break from the boring and mundane. It’s that small window of time where you’re encouraged to turn that frown upside down and regain your energy. Nadia G is hosting “Office Lunches” this week, and we’ve got five tips for making sure your lunch packs a punch!
Tip 1: Plan ahead.
This part is simple! All you have to do is tune in to Bitchin’ Kitchen and pick out your favourite recipe(s). Then, take a break from your usual weekend excitement (Mr.Fluffers can stand to be alone for a few) and hit the grocery store, list in tow. Confidently collect all that’s necessary for the week ahead. It’s not shoe shopping, but it should become your second favorite shopping excursion.
Tip 2: You’re gonna need a cool lunch box.
As a kid, your schoolyard status was largely dependent on the material, colour and cartoon character of your lunch box (tin, black, batman). As an adult, your office status is largely dependent on the durably, style and uniqueness of your lunch carrier. You have a few options but beware, each say a lot about you.
Option 1: Misc Bento boxes
Like you, they’re obnoxiously cute and full of hidden compartments.
Option 2: Unique black+blum Carriers
These are the Louboutin of lunch bags. Even in brown, they’re going to get you that promotion. Probably.
Option 3: Thermos Bags
These are for those looking to add mystery in to their lives. Any crook could easily mistake this for your purse and steal it.
Extras: Stylish cloth napkins can be made out of old clothing, just don’t tuck them in to your shirt. Don’t forget to include a freezer pack to keep things fresh. Frozen “gogurts” are an easy substitution for bachelors and bachelorettes who are asking “what’s a freezer pack?”
Tip 3: Good Food
You have to actually prepare it, but don’t worry, Nadia and the gang will be there to cook with you. You’ll be able to whip these recipes up faster than you can nurse the blisters you’ll get from imitating Nadia in her stiletto mastery. We highly recommend you take on this endeavor in the evening. No body likes to wake up early and it’s harder to strut in to the office when you’re covered in butter bits.
Tip 4: Plenty of Snacks
The work day is long. Somedays, eight hours feels like eighteen and if you’re familiar with the symptoms of being “hangry,” so hungry you’re angry, you’re not going to be everyone’s favourite employee anymore. But bringing treats to work will win over everyone in a smell radius of your desk! So consider packing some of these snacks and be sure to bring enough for everyone (everyone you like anyway).
For everyone:
-Veggies, pita and hummus platter. It’s healthy and can be homemade or store bought.
-Homemade granola bars, snack bars or brownies. Anything handheld works well.
-Fancy tea. Impromptu tea breaks are classy as anything and can comfort those recently fired.
For you:
-Yogurt Parfaits. There is nothing easier than layering yogurt with fruit and granola.
-Mixed nuts. Go for unsalted and make sure to portion. This could be for everyone if you’re not a germaphobe.
-Instant oatmeal. It’s microwavable, it’s filling and they have “desserty” flavours now. Cookies and cream tastes like it’s bar counterpart.
Tip 5: Safeguarding
If you have an office lunch bandit, or a neighbor that learned to ask “wanna split it?” whenever you lay out your gourmet spread, you’re going to need plan out some security. Your options include but are not limited to; deadbolts, barbed wire, a personal body guard or our favourite, a booby-trap. We are not above those snakes in a “nuts” can. As far as we’re concerned, that prank will be funny forever.
Bonus
If you’re one of those dedicated folks that pack lunch for their children, partners or friends, you can go from helpful to hero with little notes and treats. Think encouraging post it’s like “you’ll find a better job soon,” or halloween sized chocolate bars (they don’t have to know you don’t have a full chocolate bar salary).
By: Eva Severed
