The lunch box diet
Rather than waiting until we’re confronted with a whole range of sugary snacks, mayonnaise laden sandwiches and high salt crisps, the lunch box diet sees us tucking into our own healthy food prepared before hunger hits. Getting organised in advance means we can swap high calorie sandwiches for vegetable-stuffed wraps featuring lean meat and eat succulent fruit rather than crisps and chocolate. As well as providing us with ample nutrition, we can pack our lunch boxes with slow release energy food so we can stay alert throughout the day.
Time and place
When we’re having a busy day, it can be tempting to avoid lunch altogether, which we might feel could benefit our weight-loss diets. But some studies show that if we skip meals we’re less likely to lose weight because our metabolism starts to slow down. Instead, a lunch box gives us the chance to eat wherever we are, such as at our desks, in a nearby park or sitting with colleagues in the office cafe.
Portions to suit
Controlling portion sizes can be tricky when we go to restaurants or buy pre-packaged food. Hidden calories can also play havoc when we’re trying to limit our intake. There are many different kinds of lunch boxes on the market, they’re not all aimed at children. Some for adults have lots of different compartments so you can decide your portion sizes in advance. This means you don’t have to avoid treats altogether, instead serve yourself with a smaller portion of what you like and put it in your lunch box to enjoy later on in the day.