Photo credit: Laura G. Diaz

As the back-to-school season rolls in, so does the familiar routine of packing lunchboxes. But who says this daily ritual has to be dull? Transform your lunch prep into a burst of creativity and excitement. Picture this: opening your lunchbox and discovering a delightful, mouthwatering surprise that makes you look forward to every bite. Dive into these five imaginative ideas that will elevate your lunch from routine to remarkable. With these tasty twists, your lunchbox will become the highlight of your day!

BENTO BOX: MASTERING THE ART OF CULINARY ORGANIZATION

I love the bento box! It is a culinary masterpiece in the art of compartmentalization, blending tradition with innovation. Originating from Japan, this ingenious lunchbox design lets you craft balanced and versatile meals with ease. Each separate compartment ensures that flavours and textures remain distinct, preserving the freshness and unique taste of every ingredient. Not only does it deliver on practicality, but it also elevates your meal presentation, making even yesterday’s leftovers look enticing. Choose from elegant, eco-friendly materials like stainless steel, glass, or bamboo to add a touch of sophistication while staying kind to the planet. With the bento box, every meal becomes a visual and gastronomic delight.

INVENTIVE SALADS AND SOUPS IN GLASS JARS

I’m a big fan of using glass jars for my lunchbox creations. These versatile containers are not only leakproof but also spacious by providing ample space for all your ingredients. Plus, glass doesn’t hold onto lingering odours. While they may be a bit heavier than other options, I find them perfect for crafting creative salads or soups to take on the move. Their cylindrical design allows for seamless layering of both liquid and solid components, maintaining the integrity of your meal even if prepared a day ahead. The result? Fresh and vibrant flavours that shine at mealtime.

1. Pick Your Jar Size

Opt for a wide-mouth glass jar with a capacity between 750 ml and 1 L. This size is perfect for your meal prep needs.

2. Begin with the Liquid

Start by pouring your chosen liquid into the bottom of the jar. This layer is crucial for keeping delicate ingredients crisp. For salads, add your favourite vinaigrette; for soups, pour in a homemade concentrate made from coconut milk, nut butter, garlic, spices, and tamari. This base will be diluted with boiling water later (in step 4) to create a flavourful soup.

3. Layer with Care

Add your ingredients in layers, starting with protein, followed by whole grains, veggies, and fresh herbs. Place the most delicate components on top to keep them fresh and unspoiled by the liquid.

4. Store and Serve

Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy, give the salad a gentle shake to mix the dressing before serving it in a bowl. For the soup, remove the jar from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving. Add boiling water, seal the jar, stir gently, then pour into a bowl for a delicious meal.

REIMAGINING LEFTOVERS

Never underestimate the magic of leftovers! They hold the potential to become exciting new dishes for your lunchbox. Here’s how you can transform them:

• Grilled Vegetables: Elevate them into a gourmet sandwich with hummus and cheese, creating a flavour-packed experience.

• Cooked Quinoa and Grilled Veggies: Transform these into a hearty soup by adding a rich, savoury broth for a cozy meal.

• Cooked Fish: Blend with rolled oats, onions, eggs, coriander, and spices to craft savoury croquettes. Sauté in a wok with a splash of oil and pair with a fresh salad for a delightful dish!

A BOWL OF DECONSTRUCTED SUSHI

Sushi enthusiasts, rejoice! You can easily bring this favourite to your lunchbox with a bowl of deconstructed sushi. It’s a breeze: start with a base of lightly vinegared rice, then layer in raw or cooked fish (or shrimp), crisp cucumber slices, creamy avocado, and a touch of fresh lettuce. To elevate the flavours, drizzle with spicy mayonnaise. The best part? The combinations are limitless. Let your creativity flow and craft your perfect sushi bowl!

MY DAILY PROBIOTIC BOOST

Eating out doesn’t mean I have to miss out on my daily dose of probiotics. To keep my gut happy and add a little extra flavour to my day, I make sure to include a shot of Bio-K+ active probiotics in my lunchbox. Designed for a busy lifestyle, these convenient beverages are sold individually and are perfect for on-the-go. Each shot packs a punch with 12.5 billion live and active bacteria, and contributes to the health of your intestinal flora thanks to their individual fermentation process and clinically validated strains. With tasty options like strawberry with milk or raspberry with fermented peas, these probiotic shots are my ideal way to add a healthy and delicious twist to my lunch.