Balanced nutrition is important for your body. Eating a proper amount of food at the right time can renew your energy and keep your metabolism active. Packing lunch for work or school is a great way to encourage a healthy lifestyle and save some money, too.
When it comes to packing lunch, there are many different options and traditions practiced around the world. Two of the most popular ones are lunch boxes and bento boxes. There are so many options out there, including stylish, sleek designs that will complement your personal style, and modern designs with vibrant colours and patterns the kids will find super cool and fun.
As stylish as they are functional, they can make great companions for daily use. When you buy lunchboxes, whether for yourself or your kids, make sure they are made of high-quality, durable and safe-to-use materials, so you won’t have to replace them at the end of every school year.
Packing lunch can be such a chore, but the many benefits it offers make it easier than ever to eat on the go. While you may be wondering what’s better—a cooler bag or a hard cooler to keep food and drinks cold longer at the park or on the beach—a lunchbox or bento box is something you will be using on a daily basis.
Lunchboxes vs. Bento Boxes
Understanding the difference between the two can greatly impact your daily routine and make you or your kids enjoy lunch or snack time even more. So, let’s see what’s all the fuss about.
The lunchbox originated in the United States in the 1800s. It is a handy container with a handle or strap for easy carrying of food and snacks. It can come in various shapes and sizes, such as square, circular, or rectangular, and has insulated linings to keep food fresh for longer.
On the other hand, the bento box is a Japanese-style food box with a long history. It comes with pre-divided sections, designed to help you create balanced meals with carbs, proteins, veggies and fruits. Aesthetically pleasing food presentation is important in Japanese culture, and due to its uniqueness, it has taken the world by storm.
It is a lunchbox container that can be used for various kinds of foods, allowing you to express your creativity while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It can come in various sizes and designs, suitable for both kids and adults.
Choosing the right food box for lunchtime is essential. While both of these types of containers are designed to carry food away from home, they have different designs and structures. It depends on your needs and preferences which one you pick. If you can’t decide between the two, consider the key differences. Lunchbox containers may have one large compartment, while bento boxes feature multiple compartments, allowing you to store various foods separately.
If you prefer eating salads and/or sandwiches, choose a lunchbox, but if you like to pack smaller portions, then a bento box might be the right choice for you. If you are buying a lunchbox for your kid, keep their eating habits in mind. Opening one container to eat their midday meal instead of a few separate things may result in them eating more of their food.
In the end, the main difference between the two is the philosophy behind them. The bento has played an important role in Japanese dining culture for ages. Preparing a bento box requires care and thoughtfulness and presents the food attractively since we eat with our eyes first. You don’t have to use Japanese food to prepare your bento but try to make it look organised and colourful with a variety of foods.
Treat your lunch with a bit of love and add some excitement to it, whether preparing it for yourself, your kids or your spouse. It can be delicious and eye-catching if you use various foods to avoid boredom and keep your appetite.
Involving children in preparing their own food boxes can allow them to learn more about healthy eating, and it can easily turn into an enjoyable activity for the whole family. Good food habits are set early in childhood and can last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
A healthier and more balanced diet, expressing creativity through food, and cutting budget food costs are some of the main reasons people around the world pack their lunch. Also, it allows you to consider what you are eating, exercise portion control and reduce food waste.
When you pack your food, you have better control over portion sizes, which results in less food waste. The effort to minimise food waste can be beneficial for your wallet, and using a sustainable lunchbox can contribute to reducing the overall environmental impact of food consumption. So, keep that in mind before buying your next food box.