I've been packing my lunch for years as a way to help balance the budget at home.

I usually bring a sandwich, granola bar, apple and yogurt for lunch. Sometimes I pack a few cookies or pretzels, chips. If we have leftovers from dinner, sometimes I'll bring chili, spaghetti, red beans & rice or other food that's easy to carry in a container. I usually eat lunch out about once a week, somewhere inexpensive. There are a lot of nice restaurant options close to my office but I can't afford to eat out very often. Well, I could afford it but then I wouldn't have the money to spend on bike gear and trips.