Take Your Lunch to Work September 2021

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I used to love this challenge as it really did make me think twice about whether I could be bothered to make a sandwich or throw a salad together in the evening. Working in a supermarket, it is really easy to think, well I'm not going to starve if I don't do it.
I can see the last thread for this challenge was in February 2020 so I don't know if it down to less people going to work due to the pandemic or if it had just run its course. Either way I need to put a stop to my roughly £100 a month spends on packet sandwiches, crisps and chocolate (£200 as I'll make sure DH is fed too). It may actually help my waistline too. I'm committed to sorting my debt once and for all and this will play a massive part in cutting it down.

I happy to post along on my own just to keep me accountable but if anyone wants to join in then please feel free to do so and share any lunch ideas you may have.

I have 9 days left to work in September so I am committing to taking my lunch to work for the full 9 days.

Brie

I'm only in the office 2 days a week so far but that can easily be a tenner gone so even buying premium lunch items will be cheaper.  I have decided however to go to the staff restaurant next Tuesday as they are promising bbq chicken done on a wood burning braai.  Likely to cost about £4 which I think is fine for a once a month treat.

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Brie said:

I'm only in the office 2 days a week so far but that can easily be a tenner gone so even buying premium lunch items will be cheaper.  I have decided however to go to the staff restaurant next Tuesday as they are promising bbq chicken done on a wood burning braai.  Likely to cost about £4 which I think is fine for a once a month treat.

I find a little treat doesn't hurt, it actually helps keep you on track. A little bit like not depriving yourself when on a diet.

Brie

You are so me! 

Good luck with it - I do find that having good snacks (fruit is great) really helps get me through the afternoon. 

Which reminds me it's been a while since I bought a pineapple or melon.  They are both great prepped one evening, put in a few containers all ready to go.  I do have to ensure the pineapple is gone in no more than 3 days as it gets really rough on my stomach after a bit.  My work colleagues are generally very happy to share it.   Last time a pineapple was about 69p so on 23p a day which is almost nothing.  

Carrot and celery sticks are another favourite and again something I am happy to prep myself - significantly nicer than the store bought pre prepped ones.

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So lunch is all prepared for tomorrow, well breakfast as well. I can never eat much for breakfast, so I just bought a pack of crepes for £1. I would normally spend a £1 on a pastry and I have enough for 6 days from these so already a big saving.

Lunch is a tuna mayo, salad sandwich with a yogurt and a packet of crisps and I bought a 24 pack of Pepsi Max for £7 so that will last me nearly 5 weeks. I have a Pepsi Max addiction and I usually buy a 500ml a day costing me around £24.00 a month.

Brie

sounds a good start! 

I keep a pack of muesli bars at work in case I haven't brought a breakfast or didn't have time to have one at home.  Saves a lot even if buying the premium bars at full price (which frankly I rarely do as I'm cheap!)  But I also like to pot up some fruit, yoghurt and muesli the night before to take - it ends up a bit like cold porridge but I really like it - you can google birchler muesli to find out more about it in general.

I might get out a small bit of left over cooked salmon that's in the freezer for my lunch tomorrow.  I'm WFH but know that I need to take a break and having something light to eat makes a nice break.  If I mash it with some mayo it will go nicely on oatcakes.

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Don’t actually go to work till 2pm today but I made pasta bake for dinner last night and there’s enough left over for us both to take some to work. I don’t tend to eat much when I work late as it’s non stop and I rarely get time to sit down. 

2 days off after today and I may need a little too up shop for the fridge. I still haven’t done it. 

Brie

Disappointed that the staff restaurants promise of bbq braai chicken or lamb or wood burning stove pizza are not happening.  Instead they have a large lunch of bbq brisket and beans for a fiver!!  Not on your nelly!!! 

I'm sure it's very nice (the chap running the place is really very good) but I can't justify £5 for lunch.  Not thrilled about having a ordinary pizza either but at least it's only half the price. 

Have to ensure there's some sort of cuppa soup available for such situations in the future.  Will stop by the Polish deli to get some of their borscht and other stuff this week.