Lunch Hack: How to Utilize Your Work Kitchenette

We all know the benefits of brown bagging your lunch.

They tend to be healthier, cheaper and more delicious than buying your lunch.

But it can feel like hard work at times. With all that extra planning, it’s easy to see why most of us don’t do it as much as we’d like.

There is a solution, however and it doesn’t involve being more disciplined or getting up 10 minutes earlier.

That way you can still save money and do your health a favor.

And it’s a great chance to de-stress a little while you focus on making yourself something delicious.

Most offices have some sort of kitchenette with at least a sink and a microwave.

So why not make the most of them and get creative with soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps.

1. Stock a work ‘pantry’.
Dedicate a small shelf or a drawer to lunch things and kit it out with the basics. At the very least some salt and maybe a little disposable pepper grinder. Although I’d also include some olive oil and vinegar so you’re always prepared for an impromptu salad. A packet of dried chilli seasoning and your favorite spice are also great to have on hand.

A little bag of nuts can also double as a snack. You could even get super organized with cans of tuna, chickpeas, beans or other good shelf-stable essentials.

2. Equip yourself with some basic tools.
Depending on your work set-up, you might like to include a little chopping board and a pocket knife in your work lunch arsenal. If cutlery and crockery are scarce it might be a good idea to get a little lunch bowl and fork or spoon.

3. Find the best storage solution.
Most workplaces provide a fridge you can store your lunch. But if not, consider investing in a little chiller bag. Or if you have access to a good food shop nearby, maybe allow time to pick up whatever you need in your lunch hour.

4. Allocate the time you need.
Cooking or preparing food is a great way to unwind. So schedule your lunch break for a little cooking relaxation, even if you’re only doing it once a week.

5. Engage your co workers.
Take it to the next level and organise your co workers to take turns in ‘cooking’ lunch for each other. Who knows, lunch at work might actually become fun!

Jules Clancy is a qualified Food Scientist and the creator of The Stonesoup Virtual Cookery School. She blogs about simple 5 ingredients recipes that can mostly be prepared in 10 minutes over at Stonesoup.

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