Eating on the job
I feel like there is a big gap for easy, packed lunches for adults to eat at work that still needs to be filled by the grocery market. They have crappy lunch things for kids, but they are pretty gross.
Yesterday for lunch, I had this:
I have to say, it was pretty good. I got it on sale, so it was about $2.50. The prep method involves some hot water and a microwave, both of which I have access to at work, so it's perfectly convenient. It's shelf-stable, so there is no problem with getting it and letting it sit around a while until I feel like eating it.
However, since I also have bowls at work, I can use regular udon packs (with soup), which only set me back by about $2-3 per pack of three with the same prep method! I just didn't think to try to make them at work before. But it's perfectly plausible. I'll have to add them to my collection of work foods.
I also have little packets of microwaveable, single serving rice (not that crap Uncle Ben's), single serving seasoned & toasted seaweed, instant miso soup, cans of pop-top tuna, cans of soup, kosher salt, a pepper grinder, good extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Fiber One cereal, instant oatmeal, a small cutting board, two knives, and a vegetable peeler at work. The peeler is for when I buy hard cheeses to put on top of my salads or in my sandwiches. I shop a few times a month for salad or sandwich supplies, with some fruits thrown in. Having these things around me gives me a lot more option for lunch than the paltry establishments around my work and gives me a healthier option than is generally available for lunch.
Yesterday for lunch, I had this:
I have to say, it was pretty good. I got it on sale, so it was about $2.50. The prep method involves some hot water and a microwave, both of which I have access to at work, so it's perfectly convenient. It's shelf-stable, so there is no problem with getting it and letting it sit around a while until I feel like eating it.
However, since I also have bowls at work, I can use regular udon packs (with soup), which only set me back by about $2-3 per pack of three with the same prep method! I just didn't think to try to make them at work before. But it's perfectly plausible. I'll have to add them to my collection of work foods.
I also have little packets of microwaveable, single serving rice (not that crap Uncle Ben's), single serving seasoned & toasted seaweed, instant miso soup, cans of pop-top tuna, cans of soup, kosher salt, a pepper grinder, good extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Fiber One cereal, instant oatmeal, a small cutting board, two knives, and a vegetable peeler at work. The peeler is for when I buy hard cheeses to put on top of my salads or in my sandwiches. I shop a few times a month for salad or sandwich supplies, with some fruits thrown in. Having these things around me gives me a lot more option for lunch than the paltry establishments around my work and gives me a healthier option than is generally available for lunch.
5 Comments:
Today I was just shopping for this same purpose! My selections are similar, basically sandwich and salad ingredients with a few accompaniements designed to make it taste BETTER. And I also picked up some high-fiber cereal, tea and bonne maman almond tartlets.
We'll see how it works out.. Oh, I also found some crab dumplings that want to be steamed in the microwave. I'll let you know if it's worth trying..
Baby carrots and broccoli flowerets are good to keep around as well: they will stay good in the fridge for two weeks at least if they are fresh when you buy them.
Jars of roasted peppers, minced garlic, and bags of mixed greens are also good to have around to make any simple meal better.
I like Trader Joe's frozen meal selection, as well, though they are always lacking in the vegetable department.
I always get the mixed greens that have arugula in them. I LOVE the flavor of arugula. :D
Finally, someone else who has a pantry in their office. People are constantly laughing at me when I bring grocery bags into work. My latest additions are McCann's Irish Oatmeal, sugar in the raw, bulk honey from Whole Foods, and dried cranberries.
I don't keep a pantry at work, I work in a pantry. However, I bring lunch everyday. Usually a peanut butter and honey sandwich, an apple/orange, some chips, yougurt, and (if someone hasn't eaten it) a piece of coffee cake.
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