Microwaves are cheap and don’t take up a lot of space, so I’d push for that first and not worry about a refrigerator as you’ve already discovered the thermal bag/ice pack trick.

In the meanwhile, some pasta dishes can make for good left overs (pretend it’s pasta salad). Crackers and cheese can be reasonably healthy and fast to put together, plus if you surf the web you’ll find some very creative sandwich ideas. Also, don’t limit yourself to soup in the thermos; other left overs, like casseroles, spaghetti, etc. can be heated and put in the thermos to stay warm.

I end up brown-bagging it most days, usually leftovers or a ready meal. I don’t often have the energy to prepare something specially. Fortunately we have microwaves and fridges, otherwise I’d live on sandwiches.

The absolute best used to be in my first full-time job, working for a bank when I still lived in Uruguay. We used to get, as part of our salaries, something called “ticket restaurant”, which were basically vouchers to be used in local restaurants (it was a big, national scheme, so most of the restaurants in the area participated). No excuse not to go out for lunch in that case, and that office was right in the city centre, so I had more options than I knew what to do with!

Part of my reason is that, like Tee, I have a huge need to physically leave the place during my break. I leave and I read, so I can write reviews for you fine people.

But I also hate frozen dinners and can’t make myself eat left-overs. That said, it’s not like I am eating at an expensive place every time. On Thursday, “eating out” meant a muffin and a jamba juice. Often I will grab something quick and sit outside the whole time, reading. In the winter I sit at Barnes and Noble, also reading.

But I agree that all offices should have a fridge and microwave for those who do bring their lunch – or, like me, put the leftovers from Tokyo Joe’s in it.

Tee, I enjoyed the last paragraph ) I do agree with your point about trying to get out. Whether permitting, I almost always try to go for about a 30 minute walk during “lunch hour,” and then eat my lunch at my desk while working. Even if I’m incredibly busy, I try to go out for at least 15 minutes. It really does help!

I no longer work outside of the home, but my husband and I still enjoy going out to eat for dinner. Yes, it can be expensive, but it’s fun. I’ve done my share of cooking thru the years for the family and I would rather be working outside in the garden or reading or anything else that doesn’t involve cooking or baking. What can I say? It’s another gene that bypassed me on my way to earth. I know I can cook well enough when I do it occasionally or for the holidays now, even though I am out of practice.