We are living in a fast-paced world and we seldom find the time to prepare delicious and nutritious meals at home. Fortunately, through the concept of meal preparation, it is possible for us to prepare food in advance. It also provides you with the opportunity to control portions of every meal and makes sure that it has the nutrients that your body needs.
If you are on the lookout for the best meal prep bags, there is no need to search far. In the rest of this post, we will be sharing valuable insights that will make it easier for you to reach the right decision. We will have a quick look at five of the best options that you will surely love.
Why Meal Prep?
What makes meal prep great in the first place? If you still have doubts that preparing your own meals in advance is a good thing, below are some of the reasons that can convince you:
- It Saves a Lot of Time: This is perhaps the best reason to try meal prep. If you have a busy week ahead, you can set aside a day of your weekend to cook meals for the week. This is better rather than cooking your meal every day.
- It Saves Money: If you are looking for budget-friendly food, meal prep will also be excellent. You do not need to buy food every time you have to eat. Say goodbye to expensive lunches in fancy restaurants!
- It is Good for the Health: Regardless if you would like to lose weight or build muscles, meal prep will be a big help. It will provide you with the assurance that each meal has the nutrients that you will need to achieve your fitness goal.
What To Look For In Meal Prep Bag
As you try to differentiate the possibilities in the market, below are some of the most important things that you need to consider:
- Design: There are different types of meal prep bags that are available, but the following are some of the most common designs that you will find:
- Backpack: As the way it is named, it comes with two straps and it is meant to be carried on the back. This is usually the largest. It can also be capable of holding more, even a laptop.
- Single Strap: This works pretty much like a duffel bag and is perhaps the most common. There is a strap that you wear on your shoulder to carry this bag. It is often more comfortable.
- Comfort: It is important to choose a meal prep bag that you will feel comfortable with. The straps should be padded so that carrying the bag will be comfortable.
- Size: Consider how big is your appetite or how often you should eat to determine the right size of the meal prep bag that will be perfect for your needs.
- Insulation: This is a good way to make sure that your food will retain its ideal temperature, even after hours of being stored in the bag.
- Inclusions: What are included in the set of the meal prep bag that you will purchase? Aside from the actual bag, consider how many containers are included. In some cases, a protein shaker is also provided.
- Design: You will be bringing your meal prep bag like a normal bag. With this, it is also important to consider the way it looks. A good option will also have several exterior pockets, providing ample amount of space for other things you have to bring.
Best Meal Prep Ideas to Consider
Especially for beginners, meal prep can be overwhelming. With this, to make things easier, below are some of the best ideas that you might want to consider:
- Chicken Fajita Bowl: If you are a chicken lover, this is one of the best meals that you can prepare. It is a combination of chicken, bell peppers, and rice. Add herbs and spices as desired, depending on the taste that you prefer.
- Mason Jar Salad: A mason jar is not only a fancy way to serve drinks, but can also be used for meal prep. Fill it with any salad that you like. Fill it with greens, fruits, and dressing of your choice to enjoy salad on-the-go.
- Grilled Chicken Veggie Bowl: Anyone who is on a diet would surely know that chicken breast is a good option for a filling meal. Grill the chicken and mix it with steamed vegetables. You can also add quinoa as a substitute for white rice.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Rice can be healthy, depending on the way you prepare it. If you want an Asian meal, forget your favorite fast food chain. Sauté garlic, onion, broccoli, and bell peppers. Add rice and egg.
- Spinach Salad: This is another healthy recipe that will allow you to increase your consumption of greens. Combine spinach with quinoa, chickpeas, and paprika dressing. Even after a while, this salad will not turn soggy.
If you are looking for healthy meals, on the other hand, here is a short video that will show some of the best recipes to try:
Top Choices for the Best Meal Prep Bags
Which meal prep bag is the best? If you are wondering, below are some products that are worth considering. We will also list down some of their features to help you narrow down the possibilities.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2021-02-25 at 13:36 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- BEST MEAL PREP LUNCH BAG: ThinkFit lunch boxes include 6 meal prep containers, a pill dispenser, shaker cup & 2 LARGE reusable ice packs. Popular with men and women who have active lifestyles, daily gym routines, hectic work schedules or body build.
- 6 PORTION CONTROL FOOD CONTAINERS: Each portion container has lids that tightly seal for the freshest food and taste possible. Sizes come in small (1.5 cups) and medium (2.5 cups).
- REUSABLE, MICROWAVE & FREEZER SAFE: Made with durable, heavy duty BPA-Free plastic. Our reusable lunch box with containers are microwavable, freezable and dishwasher safe.
- DOUBLE INSULATION TO KEEP MEALS HOT OR COLD: Our tactical lunch box has 3 compartments on each side. Pack your breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and salads. Now with 2 XL ice packs to keep food safe.
- 100% LIFETIME GUARANTEE: All thermal meal prep bags and meal containers are guaranteed. Not happy or need a replacement? Contact us for immediate help. We will refund or replace, no questions asked.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2021-02-25 at 05:38 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- MEAL PREP MADE EASY: Control portions, eat healthier and save money with JAXX FitPak, always BPA-Free
- VALUE: Our original FitPak includes everything you need; a durable, insulated bag, (4) 2-cup and (2) 1-cup reusable portion control containers, a shaker bottle, ice pack and vitamin case
- PATENTED SHAKER BOTTLE: Durable, 28-oz. water bottle has unique JAXX agitator that mixes protein powder with ease for smooth shakes every time
- LEAK PROOF CONTAINERS: Tight fitting lids seal out messy leaks and drips, containers are freezer-safe for advance meal prep, microwave-safe for easy reheating and top-rack dishwasher safe
- FOOD STAYS FRESH: Bag is compact and easy to carry with thick insulation to keep food fresh until you're ready to eat, measures 9"W X 7"D X 8"H, 12"W with shaker
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2021-01-23 at 19:37 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- FULL SIZE, ULTRA VERSATILE- EDC Meal Prep Bag comes with 3 of our top selling full sized meal prep containers, and one large non-toxic gel pack. Separately insulated top compartment fits an optional 4th container, or other food items, at a separately controlled temperature.
- COMPACT DESIGN + HIGH STORAGE - When designing the EDC bag we felt other bags were either too bulky or just too small. For that reason we built from scratch the high capacity yet sleek design you see today. The end result is a highly versatile meal management solution that insulates up to 4 meals, 2 protein shaker cups, and several collapsible mesh pockets for everything else.
- PREMIUM HEAVY DUTY MATERIALS - Diet success doesnt come from taking days off, so we built this bag to survive the daily grind. Super thick PEVA inner lining, EPA foam, metal hardware, all wrapped in a thick ultra-strong polyester.
- 3X INSULATED COMPARTMENTS - Versatility and flexibility should be key for any lunch box solution. Three independently accessible compartment systems allow you to organize your meals, supplements, proteins, shakers, fruits, and utensils. Side pocket are perfect for keeping water bottles, fruit, shaker cups. Top compartment is great for snacks, nuts, berries, supplements, or just a fourth container of food.
- 5 STAR EXPERIENCE GUARANTEE - Were very confident youll absolutely love your EDC Meal Prep Bag - or any of our other products! If somehow you arent 100% satisfied, just contact us! We are happy to help!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2021-02-25 at 06:38 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Adjustable Patented Internal Shelving Fits 3 Sure Seal Meal Prep Containers * Fully Insulated Interior Keeps Meals Fresh and Cold for 8+ Hours
- Two Side Pockets * Great for Holding Water Bottles, Utensils, Fruit, Shaker Bottles and Protein Holders
- 2 Freezer Gel Packs (included) slot vertically to maximize your meal carrying space.
- 3 Sure Seal Meal Prep Containers (Included) are BPA/PVC Free, microwavable, leak proof and dishwasher safe. * Do not Microwave Lids
- External Dimensions: 17"L x 9"W x 10.5"H * Weight: 5 lbs
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2021-02-25 at 06:38 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2021-02-25 at 13:36 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
The best meal prep bags will be your companion to a healthier and fitter lifestyle. For people who work in the office, this makes it easier to prepare your food and make sure that your body gets the nutrition that it needs. It should be pointed out, however, that not all products are the same. You need to be responsible to differentiate one from the other.
If there is only one that I can personally recommend from the five, it would be ThinkFit Insulated Lunch Boxes. More than its affordable price, it comes with high-quality containers and bags that are sure to be appreciated even by the most discerning users.
