For working women, bringing lunch from home can be quite a bargain financially and nutritionally. Brown-bagging automatically saves money (no more spending cash to eat out), saves calories (now you can control portion size) and saves time (no more waiting to be seated)!

Extra chicken from the night before? Fix this tasty treat in a snap! All you need is ... 1 chicken breast 1 tortilla spinach shredded mozarella cheese ranch dressing Cut chicken into pieces. Layer chicken, spinach and cheese onto tortilla. Drizzle with ranch dressing.

Here are some healthy lunch ideas to keep in mind for your afternoon meal.

SANDWICHES

If the idea of a brown bag lunch conjures up thoughts of smashed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, think again!

First, start with breads: Say goodbye to white and start using whole-grain or rye breads. Not only are they better for you, they also hold up better during the day before lunchtime.

Next, try to incorporate 1-2 ounces of lean meat, such as smoked turkey. Good meat substitutes are beans, eggs and hummus.

Now for the fillers — good fillers are low-fat cheeses, mustard and fresh veggies such as sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots and spinach leaves (these also add a variety of colors and flavors).

And remember, if plain, square sandwiches are just too boring, stock your pantry with different breads (whole grain, of course). Bagels and pita bread are good substitutes, along with wheat tortillas for yummy wraps!

SALADS

Toss your favorite ingredients together, mix in a non-fat dressing and viola! You've made an easy, healthy meal.

To prepare your salad, buy several kind of greens, cull the limp leaves and put handfuls in baggies lined with paper towels. They'll stay fresh for days!

Chop up some veggies along with a good source of protein (chicken, tuna, egg, etc.) to top the salad. Put your non-fat dressing in a separate container and add it when you're ready for lunch — salads soaked in dressing for too long lose their zest!

LEFTOVERS

If you have a microwave at work, why not bring leftovers? Dishes such as lasagna, meatloaf and stew only get better the day after they're made!

When you prepare a meal the night before, always try to make more than your family can eat. You could even save some time by preparing your lunch while you cook that night.

EXTRAS

A well-balanced lunch will include at least one serving of veggies or fruit. Try any of these raw foods:

- cauliflower or broccoli florets

- cucumber or zucchini slices

- carrot or celery sticks

- green pepper strips

- bananas, peaches or oranges

SWEET TOOTH?

Instead of buying sweets, make your own cookies or cupcakes with less sugar and fat. Use whole-grain flours and oatmeal; add shredded vegetables or dried fruit for nutrients and fiber.

Or stop by the nearest grocery store and try these little treats:

- World Gourmet Marketing's Soy Crisps

- Jell-O pudding cups

- Quaker Oats rice cakes

- Almonds

- Nabisco Reduced-Fat Nilla Wafers

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

If you get tired of doing prep work every morning to get ready for lunchtime, why not start a Brown Bag Bunch at work?

Get a few coworkers to form a group with you. Everyday, one of the members can be responsible for bringing lunch for everyone. This can be a great way to enjoy healthy new foods, get to know your co-workers better and gather some great new recipes for your healthy and cost-effective eating plan.