Using Bento Boxes for lunches.

1101102104106107117

Replies

  • ivygirl1937
    ivygirl1937 Posts: 899 Member
    You know what makes me sad? That having the greek yoghurt regularly for breakfast made me discover that I'm lactose intolerant, so I can't eat a lot of dairy any more :'( Some cheese on occasion, milk in my coffee, and a small serve of icecream now and then (and even with only a small amount... gassy :( ). These days I make overnight oats with matcha powder, maple syrup or lemon curd, chia seeds and coconut mylk and serve it with some frozen berries.

    Awww, that IS sad!!! :confounded::cry: I'm sorry! Although you still are a genius anyway. I'm not a huge oat/oatmeal fan either but maybe I'll give your way a shot since you haven't been wrong yet!! DH is mildly lactose intolerant as well and just eats less of it, usually reserves his little splurges for yogurt and cheese and his coffee creamer. He isn't into milk or ice cream anyway so that one isn't an issue for him. Maybe I'll try the overnight oats for him as well, even though he does love his yogurt. :lol: Your meals look seriously delicious, though. I still need to try to make tamagoyaki, yours always looks so good!
    The last 2 days' bentos were exactly the same: leftover salsa chicken, couscous, and veggies, with a salad - without mushrooms b/c I haven't gone to buy more :(

    No more mushrooms is sad! My whole household LOVES them so I feel like I sometimes spend a small fortune on them even though we cut back but they are yummy. Your lunch looks so amazing!
  • AllabouttheBones
    AllabouttheBones Posts: 7 Member
    You guys all rock - especially @mangrothian for starting this! I got to page 23 then skipped to the end, but I'm definitely a bento convert! Ordered a pretty new box, and found an egg shaper that will make my eggs look like skulls (yes, I'm weird - I'm a radiographer xD) I can't wait to start!

    Where can I get this magical skull-shaped egg shaper? I need it! :smiley:

    I've yet to receive mine, but I found it on this website!

    In other news, I finally made myself a bento! Without a fancy box because the Amazon people didn't have the design I wanted after all, so I ended up having to cancel my order (sad panda!). However, this does mean I can bento shop again! Anyway, my lunch for tomorrow:

    b8ci7sg3epo7.jpg

    Egg, Buckwheat chickpea and quinoa mix, lettuce, maple BBQ prawns, and Babybel, strawberries and raspberries with low fat Greek style yoghurt, cashew nuts, and snacks of an Alpen light and a pretzel with chocolate hazelnut dip Graze box! 605 calories without the snacks! (I'll work on getting that calorie count down! Haha!)

    Not too shabby for my first bento, I believe - especially as my retired mother decided that I should make her lunches from now on!
  • mangrothian
    mangrothian Posts: 1,351 Member
    I think you've inspired me to start making these. (I get fed at work but it's hard to control ingredients and calories that way) I need to research a good transport container that will fit in my pannier bag since i cycle to work

    You'll actually find that most traditional shaped bento boxes are long and narrow and stack up, so they're actually really good for panniers. Most of my boxes are only about 3 inches or so wide. There are also sets of 3 round ones that stack up quite high, so that could work as well.
  • PixieGoddess
    PixieGoddess Posts: 1,833 Member
    edited May 2016
    Already ate my bento this morning (this is not a good sign, but I'm going to the premiere of Captain America tonight and knew I wouldn't be making my goal today anyways): leftover rice and California roll from sushi last night, with some shrimp and edamame that I cooked real fast to round it all out. There were exactly 4 edamame pieces that popped out during cooking, so they got put on top of the rolls for a little prettifying ;)
    pi426t29zfam.jpg
  • AllabouttheBones
    AllabouttheBones Posts: 7 Member
    Well, I ended up not eating my cashews or my graze box - I was so full of bento - and I got some cute comments on the cupcake cases!

    Also, my skull mould for the egg came! Testing it now with tomorrow's egg, but given the amount of egg that escaped as I closed the mould, I fear my eggs are too large! We'll see I guess! Otherwise, tomorrow's Bento is the same as today's :smile:
  • AllabouttheBones
    AllabouttheBones Posts: 7 Member
    The skull mould was awesome! I completely forgot to take a pic, but I might try it with a smaller egg. The sides were rather broken from where the egg had burst. But for my first one, it was awesome! :D
  • faramelee
    faramelee Posts: 163 Member
    Ok so I have to ask. I've only read a little of this thread (it's 104 bloody pages you know ;) )but I presumed Bento boxes were a particular type of box and my interest was piqued. Now having read a little more and seen some pictures I realise that I already Bento for work each day and have done for nigh on 18 months although mine is just boring old Tupperware type boxes. Between my breakfast, lunch and snacks I can fill up to 7 boxes a day (drives me husband craaaazy) but I LOVE it. I think maybe now I need to find some more exciting boxes though! :)
  • mangrothian
    mangrothian Posts: 1,351 Member
    faramelee wrote: »
    Ok so I have to ask. I've only read a little of this thread (it's 104 bloody pages you know ;) )but I presumed Bento boxes were a particular type of box and my interest was piqued. Now having read a little more and seen some pictures I realise that I already Bento for work each day and have done for nigh on 18 months although mine is just boring old Tupperware type boxes. Between my breakfast, lunch and snacks I can fill up to 7 boxes a day (drives me husband craaaazy) but I LOVE it. I think maybe now I need to find some more exciting boxes though! :)

    In the end, the reason I started this thread was not about the 'traditional bento' using traditional Japanese foods (indeed, many of them aren't great for those with low Cal limits), or the awesome boxes (although awesome boxes are awesome :D ), but more about using a smaller box to control portions, lay groundwork for setting basic macros visually (for those of us that don't need to be overly strict with them) and most of all, to learn to eat using your eyes as well as your mouth. We all love the beautifully plated food at a restaurant, so why not bring it into a lunchbox? a little bit of forethought and care can turn a lunch that looks like it's gone through a tumbledrier into something you want to stare at for 5 mins before you start eating it.
    The skull mould was awesome! I completely forgot to take a pic, but I might try it with a smaller egg. The sides were rather broken from where the egg had burst. But for my first one, it was awesome! :D

    I seem to have the issue that all of my eggs are too small for the moulds, even when I use XL eggs. Australian eggs just aren't mutant sized it seems.
  • AllabouttheBones
    AllabouttheBones Posts: 7 Member
    I seem to have the issue that all of my eggs are too small for the moulds, even when I use XL eggs. Australian eggs just aren't mutant sized it seems.

    Haha, awww! Perhaps we just have giant chickens in the UK! :D
  • Ginny218
    Ginny218 Posts: 194 Member
    9esrsvdkrm0p.jpg
    flat iron steak - Flat Iron Steak, 100 g 232
    Cherries, sweet, raw, 5 cherry 26
    Tomatoes - Cherry Tomato, 58 g 10
    Ken's - Light Options Ranch Dressing Aramark, 37 gram 123
    Carrots - Carrots, 64 gram 18
    Safeway - Sugar Snap Peas, 28 gram 12
    total calories 421
  • AllabouttheBones
    AllabouttheBones Posts: 7 Member
    I forgot to take a pic of my bento today :( and I also didn't really like my bento today :( I think mostly it's because I out lettuce-d myself xD

    In other news, my posher bento boxes are on their way! Huzzah!
  • Ginny218
    Ginny218 Posts: 194 Member
    la2ipvvgfjrl.jpg
    sorry a little blurry
    Tomatoes - Cherry Tomato, 31 g 6
    Marketside - Spring Mix Organic, 42 gram 10
    Fresh Finds - dried fruit mix, 1/8 cup 70
    Iceland - Frozen Diced Chicken, 27 g 35
    Athenos Traditional - Feta Cheese - Crumbled, 24 gram 60
    Ken's - Lite Strawberry Vinaigrette, 3.6 Tbsp 126
    total calories 318
  • Ginny218
    Ginny218 Posts: 194 Member
    got me a smaller rice molds - triangle my stash is getting bigger - 4 glass dishes pryrex, 2 kinds silicone cups, about 15 different small metal cutters, 4 egg molds, big and small triangle rice makers, bunny and bear rice molds, different plastic picks , couple cutters for bread, i also have one of those cheese and ham cutters, food pens, 4 liquid holders, and a few throw away liquid containers. i need to start using more ... but it is fun.
    I still want a original bento box just to have one and some silicone dividers and maybe some eye and leaf picks.
  • Ginny218
    Ginny218 Posts: 194 Member
    forgot rectangular silicone cups i want
  • SpecialKitty7
    SpecialKitty7 Posts: 678 Member
    Ginny218 wrote: »
    got me a smaller rice molds - triangle my stash is getting bigger - 4 glass dishes pryrex, 2 kinds silicone cups, about 15 different small metal cutters, 4 egg molds, big and small triangle rice makers, bunny and bear rice molds, different plastic picks , couple cutters for bread, i also have one of those cheese and ham cutters, food pens, 4 liquid holders, and a few throw away liquid containers. i need to start using more ... but it is fun.
    I still want a original bento box just to have one and some silicone dividers and maybe some eye and leaf picks.

    5hzczru4q3ex.jpg

    Trust me, it only goes downhill from there! Even though I'm not currently bento-ing, I have amassed quite the collection :wink:
  • PixieGoddess
    PixieGoddess Posts: 1,833 Member
    Today's bento was pretty small, and sure enough, I've already started snacking :T Need to pack it a little fuller tomorrow! Shrimp, rice, mixed veggies, and edamame:
    m2sy5zw19rug.jpg
  • Sandyslosenit
    Sandyslosenit Posts: 322 Member
    cbaj3r1s7j40.jpg
    Yayyyyy! My R2-Ben2 came today !!!! Plus some sauce containers
  • SpecialKitty7
    SpecialKitty7 Posts: 678 Member
    edited May 2016
    cbaj3r1s7j40.jpg
    Yayyyyy! My R2-Ben2 came today !!!! Plus some sauce containers

    How cute! Now you need new egg shapers...
    bc9vmt8299v1.jpg

  • mangrothian
    mangrothian Posts: 1,351 Member
    cbaj3r1s7j40.jpg
    Yayyyyy! My R2-Ben2 came today !!!! Plus some sauce containers

    How cute! Now you need new egg shapers...
    bc9vmt8299v1.jpg

    6fog9xb38g23.gif
  • PixieGoddess
    PixieGoddess Posts: 1,833 Member
    Those are all on my Amazon wish list now

    Today's bento: chicken, Spanish rice with tomatoes, and mixed veggies in the big tier. Edamame and a cutie in the small tier.
    zaogj3997vkw.jpg
  • ivygirl1937
    ivygirl1937 Posts: 899 Member
    Working at home all week + really late night last night = I forgot to pack my bento for today. :disappointed:
    Today's bento was pretty small, and sure enough, I've already started snacking :T Need to pack it a little fuller tomorrow! Shrimp, rice, mixed veggies, and edamame

    This looks seriously delicious right now as I am STARVING and also reminds me that I need to buy shrimp this weekend. Nom nom nom.
  • Afura
    Afura Posts: 2,054 Member
    Question! For those of you who use the silicone cupcake liners, how do you wash them? I've been hand washing but it gets old, and I got a mesh bag for the dishwasher, but I'm not sure if I packed them too tight in there because they didn't all come clean.
    In the picture is also my miso soup, fruit cup (I double checked, it's definitely pears this time :p ), some freeze dried strawberries and my breakfast (matcha & raspberry overnight oats made with coconut milk and chia seeds)[/img]
    Mmmhmm you know I looked at that pear cup good to make sure. :lol:

  • Afura
    Afura Posts: 2,054 Member
    Question! For those of you who use the silicone cupcake liners, how do you wash them? I've been hand washing but it gets old, and I got a mesh bag for the dishwasher, but I'm not sure if I packed them too tight in there because they didn't all come clean.
    In the picture is also my miso soup, fruit cup (I double checked, it's definitely pears this time :p ), some freeze dried strawberries and my breakfast (matcha & raspberry overnight oats made with coconut milk and chia seeds)[/img]
    Mmmhmm you know I looked at that pear cup good to make sure. :lol:

  • SpecialKitty7
    SpecialKitty7 Posts: 678 Member
    Afura wrote: »
    Question! For those of you who use the silicone cupcake liners, how do you wash them? I've been hand washing but it gets old, and I got a mesh bag for the dishwasher, but I'm not sure if I packed them too tight in there because they didn't all come clean.
    In the picture is also my miso soup, fruit cup (I double checked, it's definitely pears this time :p ), some freeze dried strawberries and my breakfast (matcha & raspberry overnight oats made with coconut milk and chia seeds)[/img]
    Mmmhmm you know I looked at that pear cup good to make sure. :lol:

    I just stuff them in the silverware tray in the dishwasher.
  • PixieGoddess
    PixieGoddess Posts: 1,833 Member
    Bento! Fajitas, Spanish rice, lima beans, and a salad (with dressing!!)
    7uhag48ze0t7.jpg
  • ivygirl1937
    ivygirl1937 Posts: 899 Member
    Finally remembered to pack my bento AND get a picture! Woohoo!

    z90k2nytnbec.jpg

    Back left: crab meat (with ranch in the sauce containers), crackers to go with the Happy Farms cheese wedges
    Back right: Ramen with shrimp (or prawns)
    Middle: Greek yogurt with cinnamon and strawberries for breakfast (this was leftovers so already mixed and not as pretty)
    Front: Grapes and wedge cheeses. Oh, and almond Pocky-type snacks.

    Probably won't eat all of this but packed it just in case I end up working really late. Kind of lacking in vegetables because I need to go buy some more, grocery shopping hasn't been happening lately.
  • PixieGoddess
    PixieGoddess Posts: 1,833 Member
    I've remembered to take pictures but not to post them :p

    Tuesday's bento: Chinese leftovers (shrimp, veggies, rice) and blueberries
    xjw3q2qq9oe3.jpg

    Wednesday's bento: shrimp, couscous, rice, lima beans, and a salad
    hfdsd30qn58o.jpg

  • mangrothian
    mangrothian Posts: 1,351 Member
    I've remembered to take pictures but not to post them :p

    Same here. One day I'll remember to get the pictures off my android and just do a massive post. How dare work distract me from the bento thread....
  • Ginny218
    Ginny218 Posts: 194 Member
    4lel6w522w3s.jpg
    Schmidt - Whole Grain 100% Whole Wheat Hot Dog Rolls, 1 roll 130
    Hamburger (80/20) - Ground Chuck, 3 oz 210
    Hunt's - Manwich, 0.25 cup 35
    Marketside - Spring Mix Organic, 49 gram 12
    Roma - Tomatoe Whole Raw Medium, 1 whole tomatoe raw 35
    Riverton Valley - Light Italian Dressing Correction, 2 Tbsp 15
    total calories 437
  • AllabouttheBones
    AllabouttheBones Posts: 7 Member
    ox0kwib1kjku.jpeg
    Tomorrow's bento in my new bento box! Honey roast salmon flakes, giant cous cous and get salad, lettuce, rocket, tomatoes, cucumber, pepper and a babybel all for 466 calories