As we savor summer’s last strawberries and prepare for pumpkin-flavored everything, it’s time to make some new season’s resolutions, starting with these lunch ideas and tips to help you create more thyme…er, time. Special guest writer Elaine Westcott has you covered with some awesome tips. Lettuce begin!

This simple salad strategy will help you:

• Streamline your morning routine

• Save cash by bringing your lunch to work

• Win the “Most Instagrammable Lunch” award in your office fridge (and make your coworkers green with envy!)

Jar Salads 101: It’s just like building a salad in a bowl, except backward!

• Simply flip your jar salad into a bowl at the office, and you’re ready to dig in.

• Build your salads on Sunday, and you’ll be set for the week!

Dressing: Helps all your ingredients mingle deliciously

• For an easy vinaigrette, swirl some olive oil and vinegar in the bottom of the empty jar, add salt, pepper, or your favorite spice.

• Bonus: the dressing marinates the bottom-most ingredients for extra flavor!

Proteins + carbs: Stay energized through the afternoon

• Put last night’s leftovers to work: quinoa, beans, fried rice, curry, roasted veggies or chicken, even hummus—it’s all fair game!

• If it’s saucy or oily, you can skip the dressing.

Greens + veggies: The base of your salad

• Sturdy greens like raw spinach and kale will last several days in the jar without wilting.

• Fresh out of greens? Shredded cabbage, carrots, and beets are colorful alternatives.

Toppings: Add texture, crunch, and variety

• Crunchy: Mix it up! Use any seeds, dried fruits, or nuts in your pantry (pro tip: keep crispy croutons and tortilla chip crumbles separate until mealtime).

• Creamy: Sliced avocado, crumbled feta, olives, cubed cheddar cheese—whatever complements your other flavors.

Go forth and create! We hope you loved these delicious lunch ideas and tips from Elaine!