Here are my fave useful & sustainable containers for bringing to work and storing food – in the pantry, fridge, and freezer!
But! Let’s start with some meal prep basics – If someone is just getting started with meal prep what are the essentials they need? What will they use them for and why are these your picks?
Make single servings
A good way to control portions is to buy single-serving packages of food. This may be a little more wasteful, but it’s more convenient. If you have the patience and self-control to make your own single-serving packages, even better! Foods that are great to buy in single-serving packages are guacamole packets, string cheese, nuts, and nut butters.
Be realistic about how often you will eat out
When creating your meal plan, try to be realistic about how often you will eat out. If chicken & veggies just isn’t going to cut it on Friday night, don’t even plan (and buy groceries) to last you that long. You will end up SAVING money in the end when you plan for what is realistic in your life!
Buy certain foods in bulk
Especially once you get the hang of meal prepping and shopping for yourself, buy certain foods in bulk that you know you’ll get through. I typically recommend these foods you buy in bulk if you can – e.g. at the grocery store or at bigger stores like CostCo. These foods last a long time – which is important especially if you’re only cooking for yourself.
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Frozen non-starchy veggies like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and green beans
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Packs of nuts like peanuts, cashews, etc. (or better yet get a variety!) – if you want to make your own little packs, go ahead by all means! For me, it’s worth it to buy the pre-packaged packs because I’m lazy (I’m sure some of you can relate!)!
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Jerky – lasts for so long!
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Frozen protein – like burger patties, shrimp, chicken breasts
So what do we want in containers?
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No leakage
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Limiting of plastic / any potential chemicals or compounds that can get into our food
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Ability to go from the freezer, to the fridge, to the microwave, etc.
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Dishwasher safe
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Oven & microwave safe
I really love and prefer glass containers with lock lids for the reasons listed above. However! They can be pretty heavy. If they’re too heavy for you to cart around – consider leaving some at work to transfer your food to so you can heat it up. AND! Don’t put the lids in the microwave 🙂
SO! With all of that being said, here are my favorite containers.
Meal Prep Containers
2-Compartment Glass Lock-Lid Containers
I prefer 2-compartment so you don’t feel so stressed to fill up every section with a different food 🙂 And I love the lock lids to prevent spilling. These aren’t perfect though – make sure they’re stacked vertically in your lunch bag and don’t carry at any kind of angle.
Large Glass Containers
I think I have 10 of these I’m not joking 😂 They are SO handy because they’re so big, they can go from the freezer to the fridge, they can go in the stove (without the lid), etc. My absolute favorite! At this point I don’t use any other storage containers besides these.
3 oz mini containers
These aren’t 100% leak-proof, but they’re pretty good! Pack them in your insulated lunch bag. ALSO! These actually aren’t dishwasher safe so just wash them by hand.
16 oz (2 cups) Thermos with Spoon
Thermoses are excellent for non-spillage and keeping foods hot – especially helpful if you’re somewhere without a microwave!
Metal Containers
I get so many Qs about this one! Fewer sections is always best because it’s less stressful.
Cute Lunchboxes
Here are my faves, and they’re insulated. Click on the images to be taken to them.
AND
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