Image credit: wayhomestudio
With a hectic work schedule, you may not have the time to prepare and eat healthily. It takes time and effort to bring a nutritious lunch to work. That's why, during their lunch breaks, men who work long hours frequently rely on fast food, snacks like meat pie and doughnuts, or takeaway meals.
On the other hand, it is not uncommon for a woman to bring a packed lunch to work; after all, with the 20 bags, women tote to work, there needs to be something edible in one of them. Most people that bring packed lunches to work have learned to adopt a daily routine, which doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy but it should be. For example, I had a colleague once that would bring food to work every day but the types of food felt ridiculous to me - like who eats a big roll of Eba at work on a Monday? But hey, whatever rocks your boat.
We can’t help but look around and ask why guys don't fall into line and save some cash? Although the natural response might be "they don't know how to cook," this is rarely the case. Different men have various reasons why they do or do not bring food to work and you’d be surprised by the type of reasons they would provide. We spoke with four men from varied businesses who all agreed that they do not bring a packed lunch to work.
Henry, Graphic designer - “I simply don’t have time to cook”. Henry is a seasoned graphic designer who journeys 3 hours, twice a week, from his Yaba flat to his office in Victoria Island. He generally has to get up at 5 a.m. to make it to his 9 a.m. office resumption time. "I simply don't have time to cook breakfast and pack lunch for the day." I don't prepare in quantity, so I can't just warm and go, so I'd rather buy food at the office; after all, my favourite amala joint is right around the corner." - Henry
Remi, Short let manager - Remi is a short let manager based in Lagos. The distance between his house and his office is rather shorter than that of Henry’s, but he still doesn’t see the need to have a packed lunch to carry to work. He goes to work every day and typically leaves his house at around 8 am to get to his office by 9 am. “I like outside food, I know all the spots around my office and I’d rather not stress myself thinking of what to cook. I work hard, so I deserve to spoil myself every day.” - Remi
Shope, Frontend developer - “Buying food outside makes me more productive”. Shope is a frontend developer who goes to work twice a week and also journeys 3 hours to get to his workplace. “For me, I really appreciate my lunch breaks. My job/office is very demanding, so I appreciate the time I take to step out of my desk and get lunch outside, it makes me productive - stepping away from the office boosts my morale and gives me time to think. I have my regular spots, I have meal plans with them and the food is relatively cheap” - Shope
Yinka, Accountant - Yinka is a young accountant working in one of Nigeria's largest banks in the bustling city of Lagos. With a very demanding job and schedule, it has been a tad bit hard for him to even adopt a healthy work-life balance. “I honestly don’t bother eating at work, I’d rather just go on a smoke break. My work is so demanding that food doesn’t even come to mind during work hours. I work 8-6 every day and can tell you for free that the best part of my day is going home to a big plate of chow. I’ve always lived that way and I prefer it that way. Works for me, can’t say the same for anyone else.” - Yinka
Why do you need to start packing lunch to work?
- It’s cheaper - you save money.
- It’s healthier - avoid the over-processed, mass-produced foods.
- It’s a great way to use up leftovers.
- You have control of what you eat.
Where should you start?
- Start by planning ahead
- Be intentional
- Don’t throw away the leftovers
- Pack up lunch the night before
Do you find it hard packing lunch to work? Or is it easy peasy for you? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. Your health is your number one priority. Here’s why corporate health and wellness should matter to you.