Pack, Go and Save!

Does your New Year’s resolution always involve cutting calories or saving money? This year, why not vow to do both! Simply make a goal this year to pack your own lunch for work, school or whenever you’re away from home. Planning ahead and packing your own meals allows you to stick to your healthy intentions, plus it’s easier on your budget. Here are tips for packing an easy, healthy and delicious lunch.

Take advantage of dinner leftovers. You put so much effort into preparing wholesome family meals, so why not take it for lunch the next day? When you’re preparing dinner, plan for a few extra servings. Just remember to use leftovers within 3-4 days and reheat to an internal temperature of at least165º.

Be sandwich savvy. Don’t get into a sandwich rut – experiment with different types of bread --sandwich thins, wraps, muffins, pitas, or bagel thins --all available at ShopRite. Always read labels and choose 100% wholegrain or 100% whole-wheat varieties. Here are some ideas:
· Prepare low-fat salmon salad using canned salmon, light mayonnaise, chopped celery, onions and pepper to taste. Top salad with lettuce and tomato and serve on ShopRite whole-wheat sandwich thins.
· Fill a whole-wheat pita pocket with shredded white meat chicken, sliced cucumbers, matchstick carrots and pepper strips. Top with ShopRite hummus.
· Spread 2 tablespoons of ShopRite peanut butter on a 100% whole-wheat bagel thin. Top with sliced Granny Smith apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Add some variety. Instead of packing a large container of soup, a huge salad or a supersized sandwich, cut down your portions and add a healthy side dish. Pair your small salad, cup of soup or half of a sandwich with some low-calorie lunch box must haves:
· 100 calorie 94% fat-free mini popcorn bags
· Fruit --try an apple, banana, orange or fresh berries
· ShopRite reduced-fat string cheese
· ShopRite low-fat or light yogurt
· Veggie sticks and ShopRite Light Ranch dressing

Pack more than just lunch. Chances are you may also need to pack a few snacks just in case that midmorning or late-afternoon hunger strikes. Feel energized all day long with these healthy snack ideas:
· A piece of fruit with nut butter
· Hardboiled egg with whole-wheat crackers
· ShopRite low-fat cottage cheese with fruit and nuts
· ShopRite hummus and veggie sticks