One way to stretch your budget is to bring lunch to work. In many offices, every square inch of refrigerator space is prime real estate. Access to it is limited to a lucky few who managed to get to work before everyone else.
Or if you work in a job where there’s no access to a refrigerator, you need some go to lunch ideas when you have no microwave or fridge— check these out!
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What To Prepare Beforehand
For some of these ideas to work, you would need a few things. One is a bento-style lunch box with several compartments. These boxes will allow you to pack the different components of your lunch separately and keep them fresh.
If you want to, you can invest in a freezable lunch bag. This special bag should keep your food cool until it’s time to dig in.
Another alternative is the packable cooler, which you can easily fit in your lunch bag. There are also adult lunch boxes that are insulated and can keep food cool or warm for hours.
If you buy one or two of these items, you can enjoy delicious and affordable homemade lunches at work every day. However, if you don’t want to invest in something like that you can simply stick an ice pack in your lunch bag.
Is It Safe to Eat Food Stored at Room Temperature?
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you should not let food sit at room temperature for over two hours. This two-hour rule applies to perishable grocery items, leftovers, take-outs, and, yes, packed lunches.
The FDA has a few more words of wisdom. For instance, they don’t advise putting too many things in the fridge. The refrigerator needs some space to circulate cool air and keep the food at the ideal temperature.
So, what happens if you do not follow these rules?
Leaving cooked food out at room temperature for more than two hours gives bacteria enough time to grow and multiply to unsafe levels. When this happens, it becomes unsafe to eat.
Reheating food that was left out for too long won’t make it safe either. Some types of bacteria can release toxins that heating cannot destroy. Make sure that your budget-friendly, no-fridge packed lunch is safe. It’s no good to save a few bucks if you end up getting sick, missing work, and being saddled with hospital bills.
Lunch Ideas for Work With No Microwave or Fridge
A stale sandwich, an expensive takeout, a vending machine snack—take your pick. All of them are equally sad, whether for your taste buds or your budget.
Fortunately, there is a loophole in this problem. You can break free from the office fridge and microwave! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich: A classic option that stays fresh and doesn’t need refrigeration. You can also try almond or sunflower butter with your favorite jam or honey.
Tuna or Chicken Salad Wraps (with Shelf-Stable Packets): Use ready-to-eat tuna or chicken packets with some crackers or wraps. Add pre-packaged mayo and relish for flavor.
Hummus and Veggie Wrap: Spread hummus on a tortilla, then add fresh veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, and spinach. These ingredients last a few hours without refrigeration.
Chickpea Salad: Mix canned chickpeas with olive oil, lemon juice, spices, and chopped vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers. It’s filling and stays fresh without cooling.
Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese and Veggies: Pre-packaged cheese or wax-covered mini cheese rounds, paired with whole grain crackers and fresh veggies, make a simple lunch that travels well.
Hard-Boiled Eggs and Avocado: Pre-boiled eggs can be carried without refrigeration for a few hours, and you can pair them with a whole avocado for a protein-packed meal.
Nuts and Dried Fruit Mix: A mix of almonds, cashews, walnuts, and dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cranberries provides energy and nutrition in a portable format.
Veggie Pasta Salad (No Mayo): Prepare a pasta salad with olive oil, lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, olives, and cucumbers. Avoid mayo so it doesn’t require refrigeration.
Granola Bars with Fresh Fruit: A filling option is to pack granola or protein bars, which don’t spoil easily, along with some fresh fruit like bananas, apples, or oranges.
Marinated White Beans:
Marinated white beans improve with time, making them perfect for a no-fridge lunch. Buy them ready-made or make your own, then pair with olives, grape tomatoes, pita chips, and hummus for a healthy meal.
Veggie Burrito Bowl:
Grill bell peppers, red onions, and corn, then combine with tomatoes, lettuce, black beans, and brown rice. Keep the toppings separate to avoid wilting, and enjoy this burrito bowl without needing a microwave.
Open Steak Sandwich:
Grill eggplant and tomato, then cook sirloin steak to your liking. Add arugula and top with a yogurt-balsamic sauce on sourdough bread. Prepare the ingredients ahead and assemble at lunchtime.
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Outgrowing Your Office Fridge and Microwave
If you are looking for ways to save money, packing lunch for work is a big step in the right direction. Even better, it gives you more control over what you eat, making it easier for you to stay healthy.
While doing this comes with its own set of challenges, these problems are easy to overcome. Just invest in the right accessories and choose the right ingredients, and you can live a frugal and healthy life.