Mr. Bento

I don't pack my lunch to work. I should, because then I would have more control over what I eat, not to mention I'd probably eat more vegetables. Sometimes I bring an apple or banana into work with me, but it's not very exciting in a plastic bag.

The big limitation (that I see) is that I don't have a proper lunch "box" or "pail" to put food in; no one likes smushed sandwiches or bruised fruit.

The Japanese are light years ahead of Western Civilization - Zojirushi makes, among other things (I have an 'air pot' from them), "Mr. Bento"! The basic concept is you have these Tupperware-like containers that fit inside a Thermos-like container, and it keeps your hot foods warm and cold foods cold until lunchtime. What a great idea!

Digging a little further, there's a whole online underground devoted to making these little box lunches. Some people on Flickr take photos of their Mr. Bento contents - the group is called "Mr. Bento Porn". One woman keeps an excellent blog devoted to her Bento tips and tricks.

Lunch in a Box: Building a Better Bento

How can you go wrong when your lunch looks so adorable?! Who knew you could get little single-serving condiment bottles, cute garden-themed cutters and Hello Kitty "stuff" (I'm a closet Hello Kitty fan) for your lunch and still retain the appearance of a responsible, completely mature adult?

I'm totally going to try this.