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5 essential items for brown bag lunches

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Brown-bagging isn’t just for school-aged kids. It boasts many benefits for adults, too. For starters, it saves you money can keep you healthier. When you eat nutritiously, you build immune system health and may just generally feel better during the workday.

Though taking an actual break for lunch can help you relax and refocus, you may not always have that option. Brown bagging it allows you to have a working lunch or eat between meetings.

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You can also reduce your carbon footprint if you use reusable and eco-friendly products instead of an actual brown bag. Many restaurants still hand out takeout in styrofoam containers, which aren’t on Mother Nature’s nice list.

Here are a few essential items for brown-bag meals at work.

Carrying an actual lunchbox may transport you back to high school and not in a good way. These bento boxes from Modetro provide a more subtle option. They’re slim and can fit easily in a purse or computer bag. The boxes have three different compartments, so you can keep food and condiments, like hummus and vegetables, separate and fresh.
$21 from Amazon $41 from Walmart

Quality ice packs are essential if you are toting perishables and don’t have access to an office refrigerator. These ice packs from Cooler Shock can keep food cold even on a hot day down south, so they can undoubtably handle your room-temperature office. They’re slim and reusable. You can even repurpose them at family picnics and barbecues — they keep coolers cold, too.
$0 from Amazon

Sometimes, long days at the office require multiple meals, or perhaps you’re having a potluck lunch and made food for several colleagues. Reusable shopping bags allow you to stash all of your meal essentials in an eco-friendly way. These canvas totes from Green Bulldog Bags come as a set of three. Their green straps give them a subtle touch of style. More importantly, they’re durable and stay upright even on bumpy commutes.
$30 from Amazon $33 from Walmart

Dehydration can trigger fatigue and digestive issues, neither of which are conducive to workday productivity. Toting a water bottle can remind you to stay hydrated throughout the day, but you want it to keep cold. These colorful water bottle sleeves insulate your water bottle, keeping it cold (or hot if you have a heated beverage). They come in multiple colors, including hot pink, purple, and black, so you can choose whether you want to stand out or blend in.
$20 from Amazon

If your morning latte ritual is burning a hole in your wallet, consider making your own. This unique pour-over travel mug takes your morning cup of Joe next level. It comes with a mesh filter, and you can add ground coffee, pour hot water, and brew your beverage. It’s leakproof and durable, so you won’t have to worry about coffee stains on your work shirt.
$18 from Amazon

Bringing meals to work can help you save time and money. You’ll likely eat more nutritiously and produce less waste, keeping your digestive system and Mother Nature happy. A few items set the table for a delicious and fresh meal. Bento boxes and ice packs ensure food and beverages don’t go bad during your commute or workday. Large bags help you tote everything you need. If you drink coffee or tea on the go, a quality mug that prevents spills is convenient and eco-friendly. Water bottle sleeves can also help you avoid potentially embarrassing messes while keeping your beverage cold. Of course, sometimes it’s fun to go out with colleagues — don’t deprive yourself. Like eating, everything is great in moderation.

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BethAnn Mayer
Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
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