Going out for lunch every day really ads up. But consumer experts say you can cut calories, boost taste and save a bundle by brown bagging it.

Robyn Weltman packs a lunch every day, and enjoys the benefits.

"I do like it," she said. "Because A: it's more cost effective and B: it's less fattening. You know, I can pack what I want."

Consumer Reports Shopsmart says a few simple moves can add up to real savings.

A typical restaurant Caesar salad with grilled chicken costs almost $12 and packs 850 calories. But a homemade salad costs about $4 -- about one-third -- and contains 550 calories.

It's not just fancy items that can cost you a bundle.

A smoked ham and Swiss on whole-grain bread from a deli will set you back about $7 and 700 calories. A homemade sandwich costs a little over $2 to make and has about 400 calories.

If you think that $5 to $8 in savings doesn't add up, think again. If you brown bag just four days a week it means significant savings.

  • Weekly - $20 to $32
  • Monthly - $100
  • Yearly - $1200

And packing a lunch doesn't mean you always have to tote the basics.

Consumer Reports' Sue Perry says a frittata or quiche is a fun alternative to your average sandwich.

"Both are easy to pack and are great served warm or cold," she said.

Or dress up dinner leftovers like orzo, whole-grain pasta, brown rice, or couscous.

"Add some favorite chopped veggies, olive oil and vinegar, or whatever you like, and pack it up," Perry said.

Love appetizers? Instead of spending big bucks at a restaurant, bring your own. Pack up some cubed mozzarella or provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, crusty whole-grain bread, olives, and salami. Or consider a small container of hummus and some pita bread for dipping.

And don't forget to pack a drink! Buying them at work can be a budget and diet buster.

"The last thing you want is to get stuck in a rut. Mix it up," Perry said.

A salad is a really healthy choice at lunch. To avoid wilted and soggy lettuce, pack the salad dressing on the side.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen