February-March Lunch Challenge: Week 3

This is Week 3 of the lunch challenge! I have to say, it’s getting easier and easier once you fall into the routine of packing a lunch. I find that it’s so much easier to take 10 min. during the evenings to prepare a lunch for the next day. No matter how much time I give myself in the mornings, I still feel super rushed. So if I have to pack a lunch in the morning, I’m usually just tossing crap into my lunch bag, and it’s usually stuff I don’t really even want to eat. Or doesn’t even resemble a lunch.

Well, everyone should be on board starting this week – how did you do?

• krystalatwork – brought my lunch all 5 days. :) My boss took me out for coffee today (and treated), but I didn’t spend any money.

• The BF – brought his lunch all 5 days!

• J. Savings – he sent me an e-mail to say he gave up after the 3rd day! :( Don’t give up! Keep going!

• L – “Sucess! I had a couple moments of doubt, but then I thought about having to log on and tell everyone! I’m not even tempted anymore to go out, which is super nice. I’ve saved money and I feel so much better!”

• Alex – “Pretty proud of myself, I brought my five lunches! (Well, okay … I bought two small deserts but I’m still proud :p)”

• Strange Bird – “I did not buy a single lunch, snack, or drink at school all week! (I also didn’t spend any money at restaurants for breakfast or dinner this week, so even though that’s not part of the actual challenge, I feel super successful!)”

• Beach Girl – “I did great all week. I make sure I keep snacks (like my animal crackers) at my desk in case I get a craving.”

• Toxic Money – “I am very proud of both of us … we spent $0 on lunch & Starbucks this week :) How cool is that!!!”

• stackingpennies – “Success again!”

• Vinelady – “I made it this week. Had one morning where I realized I hadn’t packed my lunch the night before … luckily there were some leftovers in the fridge.”

• The Bright Side of Debt – “The only thing that has saved me is keeping all of my lunch fixings here. I’ve had a few frozen meals and stuff to make sandwiches. On to the third week going strong and saving money.”

• Ellen – “My department provided lunch today; I carried the other four. Snacks from home are awesome!”

• change is a good thing – “I brought my lunch everyday and I have plan to cook some stuff this weekend so that I can have really good lunches next week too.”

• asgreen – ” still going strong!”

• Kate – “I brought lunch every day this week. I had a few times where I thought I might buy a snack, but then my boss brought in candies, so I’ve been eating those instead of going across the street to the convenience store! :)”

• Niki – “I did okay. I brought a lunch everyday but due to some unforeseen circumstances I ended up working one long 12-hour day so I bought dinner. My plan is to toss some stuff in my desk to avoid being caught in that situation again.”

• Bouncing Back – “Managed to pack my lunches and snacks for each day. Office bought us pizza for lunch on Wed. I think I’ve been successful so far!”

• JanePlain – “Mon to Thurs was great – I brought lunch and snacks from home each day. Today (Fri.), however was a bust in terms of lunch. Ironically, *I* ended up going for lunch with the boss today, and that was $17 :( Still, proud of the rest of the days :) Looking forward to next week!”

• HighClassLowIncome – “I was doing great but decided to have lunch with a friend today. I completely blew the challenge out of my mind. I spent $8 on lunch today, which was the only spending I did this week! I hope to make next week $0!”

• SheGazelle – “I did fine till a SERIOUS junk food craving hit yesterday … ugh. Packed lunch Mon-Thurs, cheated for an afternoon junk food fix yesterday, and spent $3.25 for lunch today (I ran out of stuff at home!)”

• Natalie – “I did it! I did buy dinner yesterday – but that doesn’t count. I’m way proud of myself!”

• VixenOnABudget – “Early on in the week I spent $2 while at school because I forgot my lunch. :-/ It was my first (and hopefully only) fall off the bandwagon.”

• HouseHopeful – “I did well this week! Except for Mon when I went to lunch with my peers, my boss & her boss. Networking opportunity too good to pass up. But that’s it until April :) I can do it, as long as I plan ahead.”

• Erika – “I packed all my food every day this week! :)”

• Lauren – “I’ve been doing great – when lunches weren’t catered in, I had enough soup in my desk to tide me over.”

• Sarah – “So far I have been doing really well with not buying lunch out – until this week. I got sent on a business trip last-minute. I figure it should not count as eating out since it was all on the corporate credit card & does not cost me a dime … I hope that is not cheating!”

• GC – “I’ve been doing alright. My boyfriend joined in and did great also. So that’s seven days straight for both of us without eating out. Last night I followed your example and prepared two lunches. That way I can chill this evening without worrying about lunch on Tuesday.”

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!

Also, for those who are curious, next Friday I’ll be sharing what the April Monthly Challenge is going to be, so hopefully you guys will sign up for that one as well! :)