Calories In A Bento Box

Bento boxes are Japanese lunches designed to go.

Image Credit: y-studio/iStock/Getty Images Bento boxes are Japanese style packed lunches containing protein, rice and vegetables. The size of the bento box determines the portion size and can impact the total calorie count, as can the food choices you make for your bento.

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Size

As a rough estimate, the number of milliliters a bento box holds is equivalent to the total calories contained within the bento, according to Makiko Ito, author of “The Just Bento Cookbook.” To determine the capacity of your bento box, fill with water, then pour off into a measuring cup marked with milliliters.

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Types

Bento boxes filled with generous portions of rice, fried foods or other fatty ingredients will be higher in calories. Choose bentos with a smaller amount of rice, lean protein and plenty of vegetables to lower the total calorie count.

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Considerations

Packing your own bento boxes is an easy way to control calories, but purchased bento box lunches can be a reasonable choice. A purchased bento box lunch from a Japanese fast food restaurant has about 525 calories, according to Livestrong’s MyPlate. Larger portions or higher-fat foods may increase calorie counts.

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  references
  
      LIVESTRONG: MyPlate
    
      JustBento: Skinny Bento vs. Not Skinny Bento
    
      JustBento: Selecting the Right Bento Box
       




  references
  
      LIVESTRONG: MyPlate
    
      JustBento: Skinny Bento vs. Not Skinny Bento
    
      JustBento: Selecting the Right Bento Box
    




Bento boxes are Japanese lunches designed to go.

Image Credit: y-studio/iStock/Getty Images

Image Credit: y-studio/iStock/Getty Images

      LIVESTRONG: MyPlate
    
      JustBento: Skinny Bento vs. Not Skinny Bento
    
      JustBento: Selecting the Right Bento Box