Packed by Becky Alexander and Michelle Lake

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book- 

The workday packed lunch - so often a repetitive and disappointing affair - is easier than you think to get right; it just requires a little forward planning. Throw out the soggy sandwiches and fill your Thermos or lunch box with nutrient-packed goodies that are simple to prepare, delicious - and full of things that are good for you. Contemporary and seasonal recipes are supported by sound nutrition to bring you this hip and easy guide on lunch on the go. While food writer Becky Alexander shows you how to knock up simple and satisfying bites - from vibrant Skip to the Beet Soup to satisfying Good Mood Cookies - nutritionist Michelle Lake will explain how that lunch is doing you good. Chapters include: 

   • Get Up and Go for those breakfasts on the run 
   • Raw Goodness salads 
   • Filling Flasks of satisfying hot food 
   • Fork-free Fare: sandwiches, dips and other cutlery-free eats 
   • Snacks and Bites for the inbetween times and treats 
By strategic shopping, making things ahead, and using your fridge and freezer craftily, creating exciting and healthy lunches every day becomes almost effortless. Health benefits of particular foods are featured throughout, so you know your blood sugar will be balanced, the nutrition will be packed in and your brain will be kept in top gear. Because work is harder when you're not fully fuelled!

My thoughts-

I am always looking for new ideas for lunch for my kids because I don't want them eating sandwiches every day and I get tired of sending them the same old things. I also always want to find something that I can send with my husband to his job in the ER where he works overnight. Packed is a great book full of interesting meals, that are healthy and give you many whole food options for a nutritious and tasty lunch. I like how varied the different lunches are.It's nice to get out of the soup/sandwich/salad/typical lunch foods rut. Some of the recipes I found of particular interest are the lemony lamb koftas with mint and yogurt dip, beef brisket chili, and step by step guide to rolling sushi. If you are a sandwich fan there is always a section devoted to the lunch staple, that takes sandwiches to a new level and is not your every day turkey and cheese with mayo. I think packed is a great book. These meals will probably appeal more to adults looking to save money on their lunches at work, but many of these meals are also pretty kid friendly.