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I've recently gotten into packing my lunch at work (I'm a nurse tech, but I think this is applicable across the board) and have been just sticking everything in a plastic bag and hoping it's ok in the fridge at work. I'm looking into getting a lunch box but I'm not sure what size to get as I work 12 hour shifts and want room for snacks as well as a drink and meal. I've seen the L.L. Bean ones but I'm not sure which one would be best. Anyone have any advice?
http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-Bento-Stainless-Steel-lined-Silver/dp/B000246GSE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1215605949&sr=8-1This is what I use and I love it. But it was a gift and $50 is kinda steep for a lunch box.
Wow...that is seriously cool. Now, what do you have for lunch that fits in that?
The big almost-a-cooler bag from walmart works for me; it holds enough drinks, water bottle, lunch, snacks, condiments, silverware, etc. for a shift.
I work with someone who bought a diaper bag and uses that. It's a giant, insulated bag with pockets and you wouldn't know it's a diaper bag unless she told you. The more stuff I take to work with me, the less I go put money in the snack machine.
Wow...that is seriously cool. Now, what do you have for lunch that fits in that?
It depends. I usually use 1 container for salad, 1 for cut up fruit, 1 for veggies, and 1 for rice/beans/whatever protein product I'm having that day (I don't eat animal products). I like it because it fits perfect portion sizes for me. And well, I'm a little crazy but I love how every thing ends up so neat and tidy and stacked together.
On the days I don't pack it, like most others, I just throw a frozen meal and some snacks in a plastic bag.
Luckily I work in a small 15 bed unit and we don't steal from each other.
I purchased a lunch box from Target that was around 8 bucks. Its pretty durable and has antimicrobial lining, the only problem is it is so small ugh. Im thinking once I start Nursing school I will invest in a lunch pal that has those properties and roomy, although truthfully if someone steals my lunch, I become quite an ass when I dont have any food in my stomach!
emnicams
179 Posts
Our bosses gave us these giant insulated bags a few months ago. They are nice, with mesh pockets and zippers, and I've started carrying my lunch in that. I just put my food in a plastic Walmart bag and put it in the fridge when I get to work. I leave my snacks in the insulated bag. I could never find a "lunch box" big enough (I feel funny saying that now that I know that term has another meaning, haha). Anyway, I'm a big snacker at work so this little system has worked well for me. I also keep my "nursey" supplies and stethoscope in the bag.