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Lunch Schedules: How To Make The Most Of Your Mealtime This Year
Introduction
It’s 2021, and for many of us, lunchtime is one of the most important times of the day. Not only does it give us a chance to refuel and get ready for the afternoon, but it can also be a great way to connect with friends and family, catch up on the news, or just enjoy some much-needed me-time. But with so many options and so much time to organize, it can be hard to make the most of your lunchtime. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you plan, prepare, and enjoy the perfect lunch schedule this year.
Why Meal Planning Is Important
Meal planning is a great way to make sure you get the most out of your lunchtime. Not only does it help you stick to a budget, but it also helps you make sure you’re getting the right kind of nutrition. Meal planning also helps you save time—you won’t have to waste time deciding what you’re going to make or buy each day, and you can plan ahead for the week.
How To Create A Meal Plan
When you’re creating your meal plan, the most important thing is to make sure it’s realistic. For example, if you know you’re going to be busy on certain days, plan for easy-to-make meals. Or if you are trying to save money, plan out meals that use the same ingredients, so you can buy them in bulk. Also, make sure to include a variety of foods, so you get all the nutrition you need.
3 Sample Lunch Schedules
Here are three sample lunch schedules to help you get started:
Sample 1: The Traditionalist
- Monday: Sandwich, fruit, and chips
- Tuesday: Leftovers from dinner
- Wednesday: Soup and salad
- Thursday: Leftovers from dinner
- Friday: Pizza
Sample 2: The Meal Prepper
- Monday: Portioned-out leftovers from dinner
- Tuesday: Veggie-packed wrap
- Wednesday: Mason jar salad
- Thursday: Grain bowl with protein
- Friday: Soup and sandwich
Sample 3: The Budget-Conscious
- Monday: Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
- Tuesday: Tuna salad wrap
- Wednesday: Leftovers from dinner
- Thursday: Frozen pizza
- Friday: Soup and grilled cheese
Tips For Sticking To Your Plan
Once you have your plan in place, it’s important to stick to it. Here are some tips to help you do that:
- Prepare ahead of time. If you know you’re going to have a busy day, prepare your lunch the night before.
- Make sure you have the right ingredients. Check your pantry and fridge before you go grocery shopping so you don’t end up buying something you already have.
- Take a break. Make sure you take a few minutes each day to enjoy your lunch, even if it’s just a quick break between tasks.
- Mix it up. Don’t be afraid to switch up your schedule from week to week. Variety is the spice of life!
Conclusion
Creating a meal plan for your lunchtime can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can make the most of your lunchtime and enjoy delicious, nutritious meals throughout the week. So take some time to plan out your meals and make the most of your lunchtime this year!