(Part 2) Best lunch boxes according to redditors

I can help you with some stuff as for how to cook in your car. I'm a truck driver.


Gideon Heated Electric Lunch Box 12-Volt Portable Stove for Car, Truck, Camping, Etc. - Enjoy Hot Delicious Meals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072QKTGM9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q5tKDbGPF7TZW


RoadPro 12-Volt Portable Stove, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00030DLEE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_l6tKDbTAFYRAK


RoadPro RPSL-350 White Automotive Accessories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013IR88A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_a7tKDbMYVBQCG


These are sold at just about any chain truck stop.

• Pilot
  
• Flying J
  
• Travel store if America (TA)
  
• PETRO
  
• Loves
  
  The 12v cooker I don't like as much as the crockpot. It takes a bit longer than a real stove... But... It's possible to cook home-cooked stuff.
  
  At the very worst things like canned stew and such. But in the cooker I've cooked steaks they just take a very long time.

Plastic deforms and breaks over time from going through heat cycles. Freezer, fridge, microwave, dishwasher, repeat. My plastic stuff lasted about 4 weeks.

Edit: I had the Freshware containers. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IIKZHE2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Or $6 on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CIEJZG/ref=twister_B001FB4YVO?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I'm assuming you mean the 6-compartment one? A little pricey, but it seals super tight and it's perfect for this sort of snack packing! I could def fit a half sandwich in the larger compartment if I wanted.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07BH56QPD?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Found it.
http://www.amazon.com/THERMOS-fresh-1100ml-stainless-DSD-1100W/dp/B00AF5GPJA

He linked it down below but here’s the link it’s a bit pricey though https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BH56QPD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PCDxDbV61XAXR

Thanks! I got them off Amazon.

Hoo boy. Here we go.

I purchased my first bento box in 2010 for about $20. It's dishwasher and microwave safe, held approx. 550-600ml, and is about 6 in x 3 in x 3 in. It has two compartments with a tight-fitting plastic lid that seals the top compartment. It came with a divider for the top compartment. I loved it, used it regularly, hand washed it, and discovered a crack in the bottom about a month ago. It still holds liquids without leaking, so i still use it. The only drawback is that the top compartment rests on top of the food on the bottom compartment, and so i have to place it in the lid when eating to keep the table clean.

Another $10 amazon-acquired bento of mine is this red one. It has two compartments, is microwavable, holds 580 ml, is also 6 x 3 x 3, and has two plastic liners that prevent the top layer from touching the bottom layer. Neither of these liners are good at sealing the food in, so this is a dry-goods only (or very thick liquids) bento box.


I also have a (probably $20, it was a gift) little character shaped bento. It's cute, holds 640 ml, has one sealing plastic lid, three compartments (technically, read on) and are microwave and dishwasher safe. It's about 3 inches in diameter, and 5 inches high. This bento has two normal compartments and then a bowl for the hat. The sealing liner isn't flat across, so you could pack onigiri in the top compartment, or fill it up pretty substantially. Not very much fits between the plastic sealing liner and the bowl hat, however. It could probably fit packets of soy sauce and the like.

I've got an absolutely beautiful $25 bento that came with a bag and chopsitcks holder. It holds 510 ml and is 7 x 3 x 3. It's microwavable, but only the bottom portion. It has two compartments and a very good sealing plastic liner for the upper compartment. I love it, and it's probably my favorite box right now.

I spontaneously purchased this $18 bento and it's probably my most useless. It's 550 ml, 6 x 3 x 3, and has two compartments, the top one of which is only for onigiri. It's also not microwavable, but does have a sealing inner lid.

I have these fish, $23, at 670 ml, 5 x 3 x 1.5 and 4 x 3 x 1.3, and which are also not microwavable. They don't have a sealing lid, and the little fish has a small inner divider that can be removed. I like them a lot.

Finally, I have a lock& lock bento that I got as a gift for probably $25. I couldn't find the actual product, but it's similar to this lock & lock. The one I have came with a water bottle and chopsticks (i think) and a cloth bag similar to a tiny paper grocery bag. It's probably 7 x 3 x 3 inches. There are two compartments and the top one has a permanent divider. The whole thing seals very well, but the container is so narrow that it's tough to fit a lot of foods in, unless you're doing a one-pot meal leftover bento. It's microwave and dishwasher safe, but since it's so tricky to fit things into, I wouldn't buy it again.

That's what I've got.

Have you thought about getting these types of containers? It would retain heat for 6 hours which is perfect for trips. Lunch Containers

Use old curtains as cloth napkins. Use old bath or beach towels as kitchen rags to replace paper towels. We've been using the same napkins and rags for over 10 years. I can't imagine how much paper towel and paper napkin that is. But no doubt, someone has made up for our lack of consumption.

In place of those awful disposable tupperware not-quite-trash containers, a bowl with a plate on top of it will keep your leftovers from dinner to lunch. Soups go great into glass jars (don't freeze please). These wax cloth wrappers are pricey, but we have used them to good results. Thinking about making some with our beeswax. These son of a diddlys are awesome to take leftovers to work or bring leftovers home from parties or restaurants. Of course, Amazon will send it to you in 80 boxes and 15 bags.

Try doing less laundry by making less laundry. Try it.

Purchase a reusable razor where the only disposable is the blade.

Compost everything you can.

The square containers are sauce bottles for bento boxes. Here on Amazon. I used the smallest ones (5ml), but each size fits in the tin depending on what else you have in there.

I recommend getting a tiny funnel, the openings for these are quite small, I ended up having to cut up a pipette to make a funnel. :P

The foundation is in an 3ml eye dropper. Here's an example from Amazon, although I've also seen these on Etsy, an in REI. I got mine from US Plastics but it was with a larger order, so not sure on the shipping if you're just getting droppers. Larger 6ml bottles also fit in there (that is what's in the old version of the kit).

The droppers work well with liquids. It's perfect for the foundation. They do not work well with thicker creams, and ironically, the hand sanitizer always clogged up because of the little beads.

Another option I've seen is to use a contact lens case. It's more readily available and water-tight. But it takes up more room and holds less.

Use this link

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001CIEJZG/ref=twister_B001FB4YVO?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


Amazon will donate 0.5%

I have about a dozen different thermos bottles of various brands and sizes. Personally, I find that the glass vacuum lined thermos bottles are the best for holding heat (especially if you follow the directions and "charge" them by filling it with boiling water for 5 minutes, first.) I frequently find them at thrift stores for under $5. For food use, I prefer the wide-mouth bottles, which can be found in both pint and quart sizes. Some of the bottles even have plastic inserts in case the glass breaks, so your food is protected, and it also makes the cleaning a bit easier.

Since you're based out of a vehicle all day, you really do have a few options. If you do an web search for something like "12v appliances", you'll find a bunch of cooking items that run off a vehicle's cigarette lighter. You can get crock pots, coffee machines, hell, someone even makes a 12v microwave.

One of the things you might want to think about is a 12v heated lunchbox. If you want a hot meal for lunch, you could prepare your lunch at home, pack it in a cooler, and then just throw it in the heated lunchbox to heat up while you're working on a job, and it would be hot and ready when you finish. That basically gives you all the options of having a kitchen to be able to reheat things, and opens up a whole world of possibilities.

You sure? https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-40230631-Lunch-Box-Blue/dp/B008KQ1C1M

But i guess you can use it for whatever you want, I've been told some even use it as a plate!

Google or Amazon bento boxes. They're just lunch boxes with a half dozen or so little compartments.

You could do mini charcuterie and pack things like cheese, crackers, meat like salami or prosciutto, olives, pickles, and fresh veggies like baby carrots and sliced cucumbers, and fruit like grapes and strawberries, and nuts of any variety. All really cheap, and most have a decent shelf life so you can get a handful of different options and have a different combination every day.

Day 1) Cheddar, summer sausage, water crackers, baby dill pickles, blackberries, peanuts, and a chocolate.

Day 2) Pepperjack, pepperoni, triscuits, olives, green grapes, almonds, peanut butter and celery

Day 3) Gouda, roast beef slices (rolled like little meat taquittos), pickled green beans, pecans, croutons, a banana, cucumber with some ranch (2 oz portion cups are like $10 for 100, or you can get reusable ones for cheap.)

You can incorporate cold shredded chicken, cold pasta salad, pico de gallo or salsa and tortilla chips, vinegar based slaw, cold noodles like soba, room temp or cold sushi rice or something like onigiri is great (nishiki brand is at most major grocery stores).

You could do a salad with a vinaigrette, and thin sliced leftover steak, even cold it's great. Put the dressing in a small container and add just before you eat so the greens don't wilt. Probably need a cold pack for anything involving salad.

Hope this helps :)

That is actually the lid of a lunchbox.

They used to be popular back in idk, kindergarden or the first years of school.

What kind of trash place would use it to serve stuff on?

https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-40230631-Lunch-Box-Blue/dp/B008KQ1C1M

https://www.amazon.com/Leak-Proof-BPA-Free-Microwave-Safe-Compartments-Wagindd/dp/B07QRNR69C/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?keywords=bento+box&qid=1567084888&s=gateway&sprefix=bento+&sr=8-11

Can't find the exact one but it's similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D9W81DZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7DIVBbADM1X80

Like /u/BitWallah said, the answer is Zojirushi.
What you've linked is the re-branded version of a Zojurishi product. There are actually several different models available. I have this one (right now, Amazon says its $339.79. That's not normal as it's discontinued (I paid $44) and a new model is out for about $45. Anyhow... These kits are awesome but from your description, I don't think this is what you are looking for. Besides, only the bottom container is watertight. The others are not. I can give you a more detailed explanation about it if you want. If you want something for soup or wet foods...

Get this: Zojirushi SW-FBE75XA Stainless Steel Lunch Jar, 25-Ounce, Stainless. I have one of these, also. This thing kicks ass. It's basically a large-mouth "thermos". Way easier to clean than the above. 25oz of soup (or corned beef and cabbage if you took advantage of the post-holiday sales) is PLENTY of food for lunch for me.

For your situation, I've done exactly that: made soup the night before and had it for lunch the next morning... It worked exactly as planned, still hot at lunchtime.

At my old office my typical daily regimen for this thing was to fill it with hot water from the coffee machine's hot water tap 1st hing in the morning. I'd use this to make tea at my desk for the rest of the day. This saved me from having to run back to the break room for more hot water. If I didn't make tea that day, I'd just refill it with hot water the next morning. The water would still be warm 24hrs later. 8-10 hrs after filling, it'd still be hot enough to easily burn your mouth on if you drank it straight from the jar.

If you need, I can post pics of either/both containers. Hope this helps.

Tiffin boxes, love those!

https://www.amazon.com/3-Tier-Stainless-Steel-Tiffin-Container/dp/B001M5SOS2/ref=pd_lpo_79_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JHYW92JEZ2G9PJSHZ1WQ

Slick looking lunchbox

I'm reasonably sure it's these.

Search for Bento boxes. Like this-> https://www.amazon.com/Fun-Life-Compartment-Insulated-Eco-Friendly/dp/B07DNTG1X8/ref=sr_1_9?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1537236922&sr=1-9&keywords=bento+box

I don't trust my work fridge so I keep my milk in a soft side cooler. There have been times when I left milk in it a full 12 hours and it was still cold when I got home. I bought it for $20 but this is the one I have. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071VN25ZF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_ZtyFAbR8PSABS

You could always go with a tiffin. They're the Indian version of the bento box. It can be little bulky depending on how much food you usually eat, but it's another good option.

An amazon search for "tiffin" brought up a couple other cool lunchboxes.

Heres the link to the lunchbox if anyone needs it link

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QRNR69C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Honestly, I have yet to find a Japanese insulated lunch jar that is large enough to satisfy my stomach, for a 62kg (136 lbs) man.

The largest ones seem to be made up of about 800mL (1.6合) rice container, a 400ml side dishes container, and a 300mL soup container (own one - still too small).

I do not recall any lunch jar with a rice container larger than 1.6合, nor a side dish container larger than 400mL.

Here's possibly the largest Zojirushi lunch jar available.

I'm a rural carrier, so I drive my own vehicle, I'm not sure if this is something that would work with an LLV. But, as I drive around in the middle of remote nowheres, with no place to stop for lunch, I purchased a Lunch Box Stove that I can just plug in to the cigarette lighter. If I'm feeling lazy, or I know mail will be heavy and I won't have time for a break, I just toss in a Hot Pocket wrapped in tinfoil, otherwise I have little tin pans that I can put leftovers in to heat up, also wrapped up in tinfoil to keep them from spilling.

When it's really hot out, and I don't feel like hot meals, I just either make a sandwich or a wrap, chicken salad with grapes is my favorite, as is peanut butter and banana. Most of the time I'll just bring carrot sticks, string cheese, a banana, pringle chips, or trail mix along, as when it's that hot, I just feel snacky anyways.

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042IW8YM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was able to get one for my rep mini and one for my reo grand.

Here's an interesting solution that I've seen some of my coworkers use in the past. (Not an affiliate link, by the way.)

They are very common in India, specifically Mumbai I believe? Interesting article about the super efficient lunch delivery system in that city here.

If hot meals are important to you, then do yourself a huge favor and get a lunchbox oven. They're only $30, and are powered by your cigarette lighter. Works great for heating up/cooking just about anything. (there are a few different brands out there, suggest reading the reviews on each yourself)

Walmart or your grocery store sells disposable aluminum trays that fit perfectly inside, for a lot less money than they cost on the internet/Amazon. To lower the per-use cost even more, just take regular aluminum foil, and use that to line the disposable tray, and throw out the foil liner when you're done, instead of throwing out the tray. Ends up costing you almost nothing this way.

Using a lunchbox oven, you can prepare just about any meal ahead of time, put it into a tupperware type container, and keep that in a cooler with some ice packs until lunch. Put the food into the lunchbox oven, heat it up, and voila - hot meal of any kind. Can also use it to heat up your cold cans of Beefaroni or whatever!

Of course, you could always just eat cold sandwiches (roast beef/ham/turkey/etc), its a lot easier. As others have said, having a cooler is the main trick here. I also work via truck in the heat of summer, so I usually just freeze a bunch of water bottles and pack those around my lunch. They're super cheap, and when they melt, you're left with bottles of cold water to drink ;)

They work really well. These are the ones I bought. Only complaint is that the lids need to be double checked that they are sealed all the way around. If I’m lazy putting them on they will leak.

You can't just put a banana in a bag willy nilly! They get all banged up, pretty much immediately. I bought this on Amazon about a year ago and it is amazing. My office mate thought it was silly, but I gave her one of the three and now she uses it all the time too. Serious game changer. You have to opt for slightly smaller bananas in the store but it's never been a problem.

Hey I'm not the OP, for more info please go to the original post to congratulate them. :)



Personally I DO live in a van, it's a 1992 Chevy G20 Gladiator. I have a memory foam mattress on top of a wooden platform, totes and cardboard boxes for storage (food, clothing, etc.) underneath. having the mattress off the floor gives space for storage, and also insulates the mattress from the heat or cold of the ground.

For privacy I have tinted windows, non-adhesive window film, collapsible foil sunshade for the front window, and black bug screen mesh like this for the side windows.

For water I use sturdy Arizona tea jugs. I have a basic Coleman camping toilet for nighttime and emergency uses - some people simply use pee bottles or five gallon buckets.

If it's cold at night I have a [12V electric blanket](https://www.walmart.com/ip/TREKSAFE-12-Volt-Heated-Travel-Blanket-White/54609929] and/or a 12V "car seat" warmer that I put under the mattress. I also have a propane Little Buddy heater which I have not yet used.

My main luxury item is an Alpicool C15 refrigerator powered by two 35AH "house batteries" (in parallel) which are charged using a Battery Doctor isolator. The Battery Doctor is run by my alternator when I drive-it only starts charging the house batteries after my van battery is full. The fridge uses 5.8AH per day. I used a cooler for a year, but the drawbacks are constantly buying or procuring ice (like from soda fountains), and food spoilage from it getting waterlogged, plus having to drain it frequently.

For hot meals, I use a 12 volt "lunchbox cooker" (works similar to a crock pot) which is powered in my cigarette lighter while I drive (or I can run it with the house batteries through a 12v splitter - the Alpicool is plugged into the other side. I also have a propane camping stove which I have never used.

I have a USB mini fan to run at night, or I can run my small regular fan through the 300W power inventor where I can also charge my laptop and/or phone (I usually charge the phone in the cigarette lighter).

I don't make any money if you buy from any of these links, but I only used them for illustrative purposes - I encourage you to shop around on Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, Walmart, check yard sales, etc. find the best priced similar item that works best for you. You don't have to get everything all at once - I didn't. But if you can get a basic minivan or van (seats removed), a mattress (or sleeping bag even) on a frame, and some jugs of water, it's a start.

I lived out of a vehicle while vegan for a while.

​

It's better to get some type of cooker. If you don't want to fuck with propane and fuels, you can use a little 12v cooker like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Gideon-Heated-Electric-12-Volt-Portable/dp/B072QKTGM9/

​

You can cook oatmeal and other basic things with that 12v stove easily.

​

If you don't want to use any type of cooker, it's going to be more challenging. Granola, nuts, fruit, and raw veggies are gonna be your best friend. Might even be a good idea to buy some meal replacement powder like soylent. I also used to regularly use those food bars at grocery stores. Some fast food places like chinese restaurants even sell small side orders of cooked rice and/or beans. I highly suggest getting some type of cooker though as it makes everything easier. Also might be a good idea to look into food kitchens.

I travelled france and spain 8 weeks last year.
I use a rigid container, tupperware rectangle locktop which worked well. . It was about 8" x 5" x 3 ". I put very thin gel pac in , then pens and cover with thin gelpac i get with the humira shipment. I lock the cover on
And tape humira box with info around it. I put the container in a soft artic zone lunch cool pack and pack in as many frozen gel packs around the tupperware as i can fit. That should keep it cool enough 30 hours easy. I bought a pink bag as pink things get stolen less often they say. I haven't had an airline agree to refrigerate yet but its been fine.
I just bring my capped pens home in my suitcase. And put them in my sharps at home. Once less thing. If you have a fridge while away your all set. For car travel i freeze bottles of water to put in the lunch pack. They last a long time. I always keep the pens in a covered snap lock rigid container with a slim gelpac inside. Any ice in the bag won't come in contact with the pens . It worked for me. It has a shoulder strap and should NOT count as a carry on. I also put a big red cross on the name tag on it. Medicine should count as nothing. Ive had them say it was my personal item but always find some one who knows better. Good luck, bon voyage, safe travels. https://www.amazon.com/Arctic-Zone-Expandable-Lunch-Light/dp/B07D9W81DZ/ref=asc_df_B07D9W81DZ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242043655372&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1393579111821891576&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002014&hvtargid=pla-464061775336&psc=1

Apples vary a lot in size so it's hard to say if an apple will fit in this one https://www.amazon.com/Fun-Life-Compartment-Insulated-Eco-Friendly/dp/B07DNTG1X8/ref=sr_1_13

​

Pretty sure most apples would fit the bottom compartment in this one https://www.amazon.com/TiLeMiun-Stackable-Insulated-Stainless-Compartment/dp/B07VFCCN5X/ref=sr_1_138


If neither of those will work I can look for more if you can tell me roughly how big your apples are :D

I carry one of these, but not with the water bottle.

http://www.amazon.com/Lock-Lunch-Black-Water-Bottle/dp/B0054PGYH4

I can fit a pint ball jar in the top for liquids. It fits into my commuter bag perfectly, keeps my lunch cool until I can get it into the fridge at work.

$0-5 Sink drain cleaner My tub is really clogged even though I just moved in. Gross!

$5-10 This lunch container. To contain my lunch.

$10-20 Lion King Blu-Ray Because of childhood.

$20-50 New Super Mario Bros. 2 This game looks super fun. I mean... it's for my cousin... brother... baby...

I really like this one, but the bottle is NOT dishwasher safe; the boxes and lids are. Amazon

The italian super soft bottles are popular, but I can't find anyone that has them in stock and for a reasonable price. Still looking though.

That frankie clone bottle is horrible, but can be made semi-usable with an o-ring under the cap against the bottle's shoulder. Part of the problem with them is air leaks, and this remedies that. They are also too hard, so not much can be done about that.

I bought these square soy sauce bottles from Amazon and just drilled a 1/8" hole in the cap to feed the tube through. I used the middle size bottle. It's 1000% better.

Once upon a time, made pizzas in high school age, job. Switch to cornmeal when preparing pizza's and not cooking them immediately. Flour as non-stick agent absorbs the moisture from the dough, losing non stick properties

• If your making several pies ahead of time pickup Aluminum Pizza Screens Try and find them local, we sell 14" usa made screens for like 2 dollars each...
  
  
• Once you form your pizza crust, place it on screen, but don't push the dough into the screen. Makes for a real pain-in-the-ass time when you have to separate that screen from the cooked pizza.
  
  
• So, as above sounds, you cook the pizza and screen on the stone, this also adds a layer of protection in event baking stone gets super heated and help reduce burning stuff.

People have been linking to this one.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AF5GPJA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AF5GPJA&linkCode=as2&tag=jdelator-20&linkId=FU4NHZPO4SIRR6JM

The packaging and having a habit/system may be just as important as what you are packing, from the wording of your question. Here's what works for me. I have two of the lunch cubes and pack them both so I'm ready for a couple of days. The lunch cube fits perfectly in the bag with two of the slim ice packs and a can of sparkling water. For me, investing in the gear more than paid back when I stopped eating out. Also, I bit the bullet and started doing e-books where possible which really made my life better! I was very resistant from moving away from paper books.

lunch cube

lunch bag

ice packs

http://www.amazon.com/Sistema-Klip-Lunch-Container-47-3-Ounce/dp/B002B4S75I

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HDATZ
Grats on being sober for 8 months, thanks for doing this contest. The item is $15.12, so ignore if you'd like. It's childish and whimsical and for my 13 year old. He had his lunch box stolen from school this past school year. He's an avid collector of LEGO and I know he'd love this. EDIT Figured out the linky thingy.
[because legos] (http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-40230631-Lunch-Box-Blue/dp/B008KQ1C1M/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2MQSO0DEXZL7J&coliid=I1XZZO249D7DTG)

with something like this. Back when I was a newb I had a little pouch that would hold a tv dinner. This is similar. You'd plug it up in the morning, put your supper in there, wrap it in a blanket and drive. End of the day your food would be hot. Soup cans worked ok as it didn't get hot enough to boil them and risk bursting. Or just walk into any truck stop and nuke that critter.

https://www.amazon.com/LovesTown-Different-Outdoor-Protector-Storage/dp/B072M4DQ45/ref=sr_1_18

Happy happy cake day! Fun contest idea!

1 I'd wear this to a b-day party!

2 'Fraid my wishlist isn't expansive enough :(

3 I want to read this book. It's the third in a trilogy.

4 Fail!

5 Allllllllllllllllll about birds!

6 Purpur

7 Derp!

8 Guilty pleasure. Duh.

9 A tool.

10 This was my FAVORITE movie when I was about 8. I have no idea why it didn't scare me.

11 An organizational item. Sorta.

12 Hobby item = birdwatching. I'd LOVE to get rid of binocular neck strain!

13 "Nerdy"

14 Natural!

15 Nope.

16 Something you wear.

17 At least my friends think this is funny.

18 Nah.

19 Not really.

20 My favorite item, just because it's so flipping pretty! Not necessarily what I want most though.


Bonus: Perhaps you'll be buying some of these for yourself? I bet you'll fill them with lots of tasty food!

My son (middle school age) has this lunch box, which has several d-rings around it at various points that are probably intended to be connection points for some kind of a strap. But we use it to carabiner connect his lunch box to his backpack. As long as your backpack has some kind of webbing, d-rings, or something else you can attach to, something like this would work really well. This way you still get an insulated lunchbox to keep your food hot/cold, but don't have to carry it around all day.

Whelp I don't know what's more eco-friendly than buying a stainless steel lunch container and packing your lunches for work/school.

Also eco-vegan gal on youtube has a bunch of cool product reviews. Linked is her haul from Expo-East and she shows a bunch of cool stuff.

EDIT: Also this is eco-friendly Tea Tree with Eucalyptus soap that apparently when put up against your shower head scents the steam so you have like a sauna in your shower. Sounds awesome and I totally want to try it now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XNZ61QT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RZuGzbGHY9273

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B017KNFDOM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here are some practical ways to eat better, because diet overhaul will help the most:

Buy one of these and fill it up with fresh broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, whatever. Bring it with your lunch everyday, and make it a point to eat its contents every day.

An apple a day, my friend. No prep and yummy. Plus there are a million varieties.

Portion out almonds (28 = 170 cals) in little snack baggies. Bring one with lunch.

Prepare soups on the weekend and freeze them for your lunches. Buy dry bags of beans and soak them overnight on Saturday. Sunday, make black bean soup, chili, lentil soup, whatever. I eat fresh soup for lunch everyday and it keeps my weight down. My fav:

Black bean soup - 1lb dry black beans, 1 med green pepper, 1 med onion, 2 or so T cumin, 1 T red curry powder, salt (< 1 t) and pepper (a pinch) to taste. Soak beans overnight (put in a pot with a bunch of water and just let it sit, no work involved). Next day, stir fry chopped onion and pepper in small amount of oil until onion is opaque. Add soaked beans + 5 c water, bring to a boil then reduce heat and allow to simmer until beans are soft, ~ 1.5 hours. After, take 2 cups of beans (w/o water) from soup and blend them, add back to soup. Makes four servings -- put them in containers and freeze them. The prep is minimal and mostly it just sits there, and it's super healthy and delicious.

DO NOT BUY SNACKS. IF YOU DON'T BUY IT, YOU WON'T EAT IT. You have ZERO reason to go down this aisle in the grocery store. DON'T EVEN TEMPT YOURSELF.

Sometimes it's better to graze throughout the day than eat big meals.

If you don't have time to cook dinner, Kashi and Amy's makes some nice all-natural frozen dinners, most of them < 500 calories. Cooking is a billion times cheaper, though.

Also, if you think you're hungry, before eating chug a glass of water. If you're still hungry, eat a < 200 cal snack. I like air popped popcorn (3 T kernels = 140 cals), a bowl of cereal (measure it), or even crackers :)

I battle late night cravings with tea. It doesn't make me less hungry, but it gives my mouth some "taste" without calories. It really does help...

For your lunch, try a tiffin. You can also use silicon cupcake liners to hold small items, like nuts or grains, etc.