The Lunch Diaries: A 23-year-old course coordinator shares her easy vegetarian workday lunches.

Organising lunches for work days isn’t always easy. In our new series, ‘The Lunch Diaries’, we ask Australian women to give us a week-long snapshot into what their work day lunches look like. From meal preppers to last-minute lunch purchasers, it’s an interesting look into the lunchtime habits of everyday women. This week, a 23-year-old online course coordinator shares her lunch diary.

Age: 23

Job/Role: Online Course Coordinator

How would you describe your approach to food?

I try to make double portions for dinner and then I take the leftovers for work the next day. I’m usually very good at bringing in my lunch but in saying that, my first day of doing this food diary, I left my lunch in the fridge! Oops! Not a great start.

Where do you get your food inspiration?

Pinterest! But this is an absolute curse because I tend to want to try out new recipes every single night so I spend hours scrolling on Pinterest each night. I also have an app I’ve recently downloaded for meal planning called SideChef which is really great!

Looking for a new lunch idea? Try this easy mason jar lunch. Post continues after video.

How much on average do you spend on buying lunch each week?

Honestly not much! I usually would only buy lunch about once a week at the most if I have forgotten my lunch (like I did on Monday – oops) or if I have had something like nachos for dinner the night before which doesn’t really transport or reheat well.

On Monday night this week, I visited my Dad and had dinner at his house so I didn’t have anything to take to work for Tuesday and I had to buy my lunch again! This week, I spent $28 on buying lunch out, which is a little more than usual.

Monday

So, not only did I forget my lunch in the fridge this morning, but I also forgot to take a photo of the dumplings I bought for lunch until I was halfway through eating them. Nailed it!

Tuesday

A green juice and a salad. Yes... I know that I said I never buy my lunch and this week I'm already failing miserably!

Wednesday

Finally, I can prove that I DO actually cook! Last night for dinner I made homemade pesto from the basil we are growing in our garden. It's gone wild since we have had a bit of rain recently so I thought I would put it to good use. This recipe is vegan as well! I am a vegetarian but I love to cook and try out lots of vegan recipes.

Thursday

For dinner, we had these yummy Mediterranean wraps which I brought in for lunch today. They were super easy to make and were really nice and fresh.

Friday

This was leftovers from last night's dinner. My partner cooked a cauliflower and potato curry which was delicious! It doesn't look super pretty but I promise it was yummy.

Want to share a week in the life of your lunches with us? Send us your Lunch Diary to submissions@mamamia.com.au