Bento contents:

• Fried tofu (atsuage) with negimiso, 150 calories
• Konnyaku sautéed with ginger, garlic and chili peppers (variation of Konnyaku aglio olio e peperoncino), 50 calories
• Sweet pepper and carrot confetti, 30 calories
• Steamed baby pak choi with sesame oil, 20 calories

Total calories (approx): 250 (how calories are calculated)

Time needed: 30 minutes (if all components are made in the morning, much less time if you make things in advance)

Type: Japanese, low carb, low calorie, vegan, "zen"!

Bento contents:

• Quinoa with green peas and dried sausage, 1/3rd of the recipe (about 1 1/3 cups), 340 calories
• Raw asparagus, radish and Parmesan salad, 1/2 of the recipe (about 1 1/4 cups), 100 calories
• Fresh strawberries, about 1 cup, 50 calories Total calories (approx): 490 (how calories are calculated)

(1 cup = 240ml (US measurements))

Time needed: 25-30 minutes the night before; 10-15 minutes in the morning

Type: Not Japanese, alternative grains, gluten-free (note: please make sure the sausage you use is wheat-free if you are gluten intolerent.)

Bento contents:

• One pan braised kale with bacon and new potatoes, 1/4th the recipe, 430 cal
• Angel shaped cheese cutout (Gruyere), 30 cal

Total calories (approx): 460 (how calories are calculated)

Time needed: 5-10 minutes in the morning (from leftovers of dinner the night before: see recipe for timing of kale dish)