It is so easy to step up to the counter, order a number three, pay the $5 or $6 and enjoy lunch.  There are only two problems with this.  One, it eats your cash faster than you can eat your meal and two, it is often the least healthy meal of the day.  Even those healthy looking salads have dressings that are loaded with fat, sodium and calories. 

You can easily save yourself $500 to $1,000 per year by preparing and taking your own lunch to work.  It does not have to be a big hassle and you can eat well and healthy every day.  Here are some strategies for you:

1. Not everything in your lunch has to be handmade.  Buy a case of yogurt at the wholesale club and you are set for the month.  While you're there pick up your snack and sandwich bags so you can prepackage other snacks that you have bought in bulk at the same time.
    

2. Warehouse clubs sell bulk packages of prepared foods like burritos, hot sandwiches and the like.  These can be a nice variation from the usual and are great for that "emergency" when you just don't have time to pack.  Combine one with a yogurt and a piece of fruit and you're okay to go.
    

3. Sandwiches are the old standby but don't forget to package and freeze some lunch sized portions of those great casseroles and one-dish meals you can make for dinner.  Those leftovers can give you great nutrition and taste with the ultimate in convenience.  See the section on saving money on food for some great cookbooks for easy meals.
    

4. Invest in 2 or 3 cookbooks that fit your lunch lifestyle.  They will give you dozens of meal ideas so you don't can have variety, taste and convenience too while saving money.  Here are some suggestions that will save you stress, time and money:

You too can save money on lunch while eating well.