With a little effort and a lot of willpower, you can find a healthy meal in a restaurant, fast food restaurant, or grocery store deli while out on your lunch hour. But a faster, cheaper, and healthier option is to pack your own lunch.

Side by side comparisons of fast food and homemade lunches will usually reveal that the brown bag version is lower in fat, calories, and sodium, and that it costs less per serving.

When you pack your lunch, include whole grains, lean protein, and fruits and vegetables. Consider packing it the night before to save time. Don't forget to include a healthy snack to ward off that afternoon trip to the company vending machine.