Tasty Budget Lunches
This month we look at some tasty budget concious ideas for the lunch box for the whole family.
Taking a healthy lunch to work is one of the simplest ways to trim your budget. Most people think nothing of spending 50 dirham or so for a restaurant lunch, but over the course of a month -- or a year -- the expense can really add up.
Don't forget that Latte. Invest in a good thermal mug and take your own tea and coffee. The cost of coffee from shops these days is over the top and this can make a huge saving over a year.
Apart from the cost savings, food prepared at home from scratch is often healthier than lunch's bought from cafes and restaurants that can be packed with added salt and fat.
The trick is trying to keep things interesting and not the same old boring sandwiches day in day out.
This month we look at some healthy, creative lunch ideas that are not only cheap, but easy to prepare.
Click here to read the recipes.
If you love sandwiches, use a variety of whole-grain breads, pitas, and wraps. Choose fillings like sliced eggs, tuna fish, cheese or lean meats. Then jazz up your sandwiches with salad greens, fresh herbs, sprouts, sliced cucumbers, onions, or tomatoes.
Sandwiches are not your only option. Remember to add some fresh fruit. This comes conveniently in its own packaging . Most of the recipes we have provided can be great family dinners and can be eaten hot or cold the next day. These include delicious salads made with pasta, couscous and rice. Don't just stick to the recipe though, add what ever is in the fridge so nothing is wasted including tuna, beef or chicken. Some of the other recipes include quiche, meatloaf and macaroni cheese and once again these can be adapted to what ever is available at the time.
Other snack items to include can be cheese and crackers with a handful of nuts. Throw in some olives and salami and have your own antipasto platter
Don't forget soup . Most offices these days have a microwave so this can be great easy lunch to warm you up in the winter months.
Some foods will need to be refrigerated so if you do not have access to a refrigerator invest in some ice cooling packs to put in your lunch box.