The Just Bento Cookbook: Easy Japanese Lunch Box Recipes for Work, School & Travel | Healthy Meal Prep Ideas

I bought a bento box with the idea of portion control and needed help on how to use it. This book offered more than I expected in the following ways. First of all the pictured ideas are so appealing I couldn't wait to pack my first lunch. I was delighted that some ideas are things I wouldn't have thought of and that while visually attractive, are not labor intensive. You do have to prepare the food of course, but the included timelines and tips for make-ahead items seem to simplify the process considerably.The foods to include and recipes in the book were really a springboard for me. Once I started thinking outside the box (or inside :), I could see a whole range of things that would work and give me lots of variety. Although my first attempts included a chopped salad in the largest tray of my box, I did pack some rice, which I usually don't include in my meals all that much. What a pleasant surprise to find it so filling and satisfying in this context.Seeing how the boxes were packed was another eye-opener. I really liked the little silicone cups to divide the space and the containers to hold sauce. I couldn't find the ones pictured but did find a couple of others that are working well. The frilly lettuce dividers explained those little green pointy papers in sushi packs from the store.There is no question that the quantities are smaller than many Americans are accustomed to, but that in itself was a good lesson for me, and in my first few days of eating my bento lunch, I find I am completely satisfied. I think it is partly because of the variety of tastes and textures of foods included. The bright flavors make a few bites seem like more and each item is savored and appreciated from the first view upon opening the box to the last tasty morsel. I felt I'd had a more complete meal than the standard American box lunch of a sandwich, piece of fruit and chips. Speaking of sandwiches, I'm trying to cut down on gluten too and the rice works well instead of bread. When I choose to include a sandwich in the future, I'll put in just one trimmed half as it fits the theme better and already a full sandwich seems like too much.Another thing I really liked about this book was that a variety of bento boxes are shown as containers so regardless of which kind you have you can see the possibilities. I bought a Lock & Lock set--plebeian compared to the graceful Japanese boxes, but functional and I'm pleased with it.I'm so happy with this book, I immediately bought another for my daughter for her family. Highly recommended.