Stop pre-building your sandwich

Stop pre-building your sandwich — the only foolproof way to keep bread crisp is to keep the wet stuff separate and assemble at lunchtime.

It sounds annoying, but it works. Pack the bread, protein, cheese, and a small container with lettuce, tomato, and any dressing. When lunch rolls around, you build it and get a proper sandwich. No sogginess, no excuses.

If you absolutely must assemble in the morning, you can slow down the process. First, dry your lettuce and tomato thoroughly with a paper towel — you’d be surprised how much water they carry. Then put a barrier on both slices of bread: a smear of butter, mayo, mustard, or a slice of cheese. That keeps moisture from soaking in. Use thick, crusty bread and toast it if possible. And if you pack it in a container, throw in a folded paper towel to catch extra moisture.

The real fix is the separate-assembly move. The other tricks just delay the inevitable.

Future you gets a crisp bite.