Packing Healthy Lunches On The Go: Meal Prep Edition

We all know just how hectic mornings can be, right?

You're trying to get ready to leave the house, and suddenly you realise you don't have a plan for lunch.

You end up grabbing something quick and, let's be honest, not-so-healthy.

We've all been there…! 

What if we told you there's a way to make sure you've always got a nutritious and delicious lunch ready to go?

Enter the world of MEAL PREP. 

In this article, we'll dive into the amazing benefits of packing healthy lunches, give you some tips on essential tools, share a step-by-step guide to meal prep success, and even throw in some tasty recipe ideas.

Ready to level up your lunch game?

Let's go!

Why Meal Prep Matters

No More Stressful Mornings

You know those chaotic mornings when you're scrambling to find something to eat for lunch?

With meal prepping, you can say goodbye to that stress! Imagine waking up and having your lunch ready to grab and go.

No more settling for unhealthy options or wasting time in the kitchen when you should be heading out the door.

Consistency with Your Health Goals

We all have health goals, but it's tough to stick to them when life gets busy.

Meal prepping ensures you have nutritious meals readily available, making it easier to stay on track.

Plus, when you plan and prep your meals in advance, you can easily incorporate a variety of nutrients, helping you maintain a balanced diet.

Reduces Food Waste

Ever bought groceries with the best intentions, only to find them wilted or spoiled before you had a chance to use them?

Meal prepping helps reduce food waste by encouraging you to use the ingredients you have on hand.

When you plan out your meals, you can make sure you're using everything in your fridge and pantry, cutting down on waste and saving money.

Portion Control Made Easy

Let's face it, sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomachs. With meal prepping, you can control portion sizes and avoid overeating.

Having a pre-portioned meal ready to go makes it easier to resist the temptation to grab extra snacks or indulge in larger servings.

Customizable and Fun

Meal prepping doesn't have to be boring! You can get creative with recipes and ingredients, tailoring your meals to suit your taste buds and dietary needs. Plus, you can mix and match different meals throughout the week, so you never get bored of your lunch options.

Components of a Healthy Lunch

A balance of macronutrients

When you're planning a healthy lunch, it's essential to include a balance of macronutrients - that's proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

You'll want to make sure you're incorporating lean protein sources like chicken, turkey, tofu, or beans to help keep you full and fuel your muscles.

Don't forget about healthy carbs like whole grains, fruits, and starchy vegetables to provide you with energy throughout the day. And of course, healthy fats from sources like avocado, nuts, and seeds are essential for overall health and satiety.

Colourful fruits and veggies

Aim to include a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables in your lunch to ensure you're getting a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, fruits and veggies are low in calories and high in fibre, which can help keep you full and satisfied.

So go ahead, add some red bell peppers, leafy greens, or juicy berries to your meal - your body will thank you!

Stay hydrated

While not a "component" of your lunch, per se, staying hydrated throughout the day is super important for overall health.

Be sure to pack a water bottle along with your meal or consider incorporating hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, or oranges into your lunch.

Mindful Snacking

Sometimes, we need a little pick-me-up to power through the afternoon.

If you find yourself needing a snack, opt for healthier options like nuts, yoghurt, or fresh fruit.

These snacks can help keep your energy levels stable without causing a sugar crash.

Steps To Create A Meal Prep Plan

Set Your Goals

Before you start meal prepping, it's essential to establish your goals.

Are you aiming to lose weight, save money, or just make your mornings less hectic?

Knowing your objectives will help guide your meal planning process and ensure you're staying on track.

Plan Your Menu

Once you've got your goals in mind, it's time to plan your menu.

Spend some time looking up recipes and creating a meal plan that includes a variety of flavours, textures, and nutrients.

Don't forget to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have, as well as how much time you have available for meal prep.

Shop Strategically

Armed with your meal plan, head to the grocery store with a list of ingredients you'll need for the week.

Shopping with a list helps you stay focused, avoid impulse buys, and ensure you're not forgetting any essential items.

Pro tip: Organise your list by the sections of the store (produce, meats, dairy, etc.) to make your shopping trip even more efficient.

Prep Your Ingredients

Now that you've got all your ingredients, it's time to get choppin’, slicin’, and dicin’! Prepping your ingredients ahead of time can save you tons of time during the week.

Wash and chop your veggies, cook grains or pasta, and marinate or cook proteins as needed.

Remember to store your prepped ingredients properly in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh until you're ready to assemble your meals.

Assemble and Store

With your ingredients prepped, it's time to put everything together. Assemble your meals in individual containers or create "meal components" that you can mix and match throughout the week.

Be sure to use airtight containers and store your meals in the fridge or freezer, depending on how long it will be before you eat them.

Meal Prep Ideas for Healthy Lunches On The Go

Mason Jar Salads

Mason jar salads are all the rage, and for good reason! They're portable, customizable, and super easy to make.

Just layer your ingredients in a mason jar, starting with the dressing at the bottom, followed by hearty veggies, proteins, grains, and finally, delicate greens on top.

When you're ready to eat, just give it a shake, and voilà - a fresh and tasty salad on the go!

Grain Bowls

Who doesn't love a good grain bowl? They're filling, nutritious, and super versatile.

Start by choosing a whole grain like brown rice, quinoa, or barley as your base. Then, add a variety of veggies (both raw and cooked), a protein source like chicken, tofu, or beans, and top it off with a flavorful dressing or sauce.

You can mix and match ingredients to create endless combinations, keeping your lunches exciting and delicious.

Protein-Packed Wraps

For a quick and easy lunch option, try making protein-packed wraps.

Choose a whole-grain tortilla or wrap, then layer in your favourite protein (like turkey, chicken, or tempeh), plenty of veggies, and a tasty spread like hummus or avocado.

Roll it up, slice it in half, and you've got a portable, healthy lunch that's ready in minutes.

Bento Boxes

Bento boxes are a fun and creative way to pack a healthy lunch.

These Japanese-inspired lunch containers usually have separate compartments for different food items, allowing you to create a balanced meal with a variety of flavours and textures.

Fill your bento box with a mix of proteins, grains, veggies, fruits, and even a small treat for a well-rounded and satisfying lunch on the go.

These meal prep ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to creating healthy lunches on the go.

Remember, the key is to find options that work for your lifestyle, taste preferences, and nutritional needs.

Don't be afraid to get creative and try new recipes - you might just discover your new favourite lunch!

Tips for Staying on Track with Meal Prep

• Schedule it in: Set aside dedicated time each week for meal planning, grocery shopping, and prepping. Treat it like an appointment you can't miss!
• Keep it simple: Don't over-complicate your meal plan with too many complex recipes. Stick to a few tried-and-true favourites and throw in a new recipe occasionally to keep things fresh.
• Batch cook: Cook large portions of your favourite recipes and freeze individual servings. This way, you'll always have a healthy meal ready when you're short on time.
• Prep the basics: Make sure you have staple items prepped and ready to go, like cooked grains, chopped veggies, and marinated proteins. This will make assembling meals throughout the week a breeze.
• Invest in good storage containers: High-quality, airtight containers are essential for keeping your meals fresh and delicious. Opt for glass or BPA-free plastic containers with leak-proof lids.
• Create a meal prep playlist: Put together a fun playlist or find a podcast you love to keep you entertained and motivated while prepping your meals.
• Repurpose leftovers: Get creative with your leftovers by turning them into entirely new meals. For example, transform leftover roasted veggies into a delicious stir-fry or frittata.
• Stay accountable: Share your meal prep plans and progress with a friend, family member, or online community. This can help keep you motivated and committed to your meal prep routine.
• Plan for flexibility: Build some flexibility into your meal plan to account for unexpected events, last-minute invitations, or changes in your schedule. It's okay to have a backup plan!
• Celebrate your successes: Acknowledge your meal prep accomplishments and treat yourself to a reward, like a new kitchen gadget or a fun cooking class. Recognizing your progress will help keep you motivated to stay on track.

Wrapping Up:

Meal prepping is an effective and practical solution to the morning chaos, helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay on track with your health goals, and reduce food waste. 

By incorporating balanced macronutrients, colourful fruits and vegetables, mindful snacking, and proper hydration into your daily routine, you'll experience the benefits of a well-planned, nutritious lunch.

With a step-by-step guide to meal prep success and a variety of tasty recipe ideas, you'll be well-equipped to level up your lunch game.

Stay consistent, get creative, and enjoy the rewards of a healthier, stress-free lifestyle through meal prep. 

Happy prepping!