Reddit mentions: The best reusable lunch bags

It sounds like a lot of containers, but you can easily use it within a month! Let's talk about meal-prep approaches for a moment. You have several standard options:

1. Once a month cooking (OAMC)
   
2. Once a week cooking (OAWC)
   
3. Once a day cooking (OADC)
   
4. "Whenever" cooking (meal-prep whenever you feel like it, or throw the dinner leftovers into trays, etc.)
   
   I'm currently doing #3, once-daily cooking or "OADC", which is where you have two options:
   
   
5. Meal-prep your dinner meal by making a large batch
   
6. Cook separately from your meals for the day
   
   At the moment, I've been doing option #2. I like this for several reasons:
   
   
7. Doing OAMC is super amazing, but you also need a huge amount of freezer space to make it happen, and sucks up an entire free Saturday to do
   
8. Doing OAWC is likewise amazing, but it still kills like half a day
   
9. Meal-prepping once a day meals that I only have to do one meal that day, which is pretty approachable...like, I can do 10 pounds of pork shoulder in my Instant Pot, shred it with my electric mixer, vacuum-seal it into 1-pound packages, and freeze them flat. Pretty easy, not too much work, and easy to do keep that momentum going every day.
   
10. I treat it like a chore...I get home, take the trash out, sweep the floor, do my meal-prep for the day, etc. I target about 20 minutes of cooking a day - sometimes it's less, sometimes it's more, and thanks to helpful appliances like the Instant Pot & Sous Vide, I can automate a large portion of my meal-prepping during the week
    
11. It allows me to build up a huge inventory, thanks to compounding interest. If you cook just one item a day, then at the end of the month, you'll have 30 items for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts, etc. times whatever quantity you chose to cook. So say a dozen homemade peanut butter granola bars on day 1, a dozen homemade chocolate-dipped granola bars on a day 2, 3x BBQ pulled pork quesadillas on day 3, 6x steak & cheese burritos on day 4, 12x mini cheesecakes in 4oz jelly jars on day 5, 6 trays of meatballs/veggies/rice on day 6, etc.
    
12. It also allows me to create a huge variety due to that approach. I get sick of eating the same crap day after day, so variety is really really important to me to avoid boredom, which used to cause me to hit up the vending machine or go out to eat (granted, that was when I had no idea what I was doing with food & was doing "clean eating" instead of IIFYM)
    
13. It doesn't wreck my brain or my motivation...I don't have a huge wall of food to cook, I just have one meal, after work, pre-selected, with all the ingredients I need, with a reminder to do it - that's it, easy peasy, do it & I'm done. I pre-plan using my meal-prep system, go shopping, and then each day, I have an alarm that reminders me to cook & triggers me into action, at which point I use the pre-selected recipe with pre-purchased groceries to create just one meal-prep meal, then divide that up, package it, put on a label with the name, date, and macros, annnnnnnnd I'm finished
    
    Sometimes I do just meal-prep my dinner leftovers, but for the most part, I like to keep my freezer inventory full by doing OADC, separate from whipping up dinner fresh or pulling it from the freezer. Aside from maintaining a huge variety of inventory, it's really just more approachable for me. I sometimes have a hard time focusing for long periods of time, so when I set things up so that my job is to only fill up one set of meal-prep containers per day, then that job becomes a LOT more approachable to me!
    
    Sometimes I just do a single food, or sometimes I'll just my appliances to whip up a multi-ingredient meal. For lunches, I typically like easy stuff like burritos, or maybe a smothered burrito that I can put in a meal-prep container & microwave. For dinners, I typically like to have four items:
    
    
14. Meat
    
15. Starch (rice or potatoes)
    
16. Veggies
    
17. Bread (dinner rolls, garlic bread, naan, etc.)
    
    I've been working on building up a master recipe system for different flavors of meatballs lately; one of the meal-prep containers I did a week or two ago was glazed Swedish meatballs, green beans, and Jasmine rice: (all done in the Instant Pot)
    
    https://i.imgur.com/mtDVmiB.jpg
    
    As far as bulk storage goes, if you have the room (space) & budget available, I would suggest saving up for an upright deep-freezer. I have a monster frost-free 20cf unit that goes down to -20F & only costs about five bucks a month to operate. MSRP is something like $800 or $900, but it goes on sale for under $649 all the time:
    
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Frigidaire-20-cu-ft-Frost-Free-Upright-Freezer-in-White-ENERGY-STAR-FFFH20F2QW/205556833
    
    This puppy has saved me soooo much money over take-out that I'm saving up for a second one to hold more food, so that I can use one for raw ingredients & one for cooked food. If you're space-limited, like in an apartment, they do sell compact chest freezers with flip-top lids. This one is is a 5cf unit & also comes in a 7cf unit if you have a bit more space: (bonus, you can attach a butcher block to the top & have it double as functional counterspace for prep!)
    
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Magic-Chef-5-0-cu-ft-Chest-Freezer-in-White-HMCF5W3/305468704
    
    >How sturdy are these? The ones I've gotten all tend to be very thin plastic that cracks and splinters if you twist it just wrong. Really unfortunate to accidentally render a container unusable because you snapped the edges off the lid while taking it off.
    
    The quality varies by brand. Keep in mind that while these are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer-safe, they are all made to be disposable & thrown away. Eventually the plastic wears down & cracks. On the cheap ones, it's sometimes on the first or second use, but the more expensive ones will sometimes last longer. Like, I have this lunchbox from Isolator Fitness: (really expensive, but fits all of my meal-prep containers for the day, has an insulated core thanks to slim ice packs, and has a lifetime warranty for repairs!)
    
    https://www.amazon.com/Isolator-Fitness-Management-Insulated-Containers/dp/B00MBMJ0RO
    
    It came with a variety of meal-prep containers, which have actually surprisingly held up pretty decently over time. The ones I recently got from Walmart, however, were a lot thinner & broke on the second use & shattered into my food. So there is a spectrum of quality between brands. The key thing is to view them as single-use disposable containers, and if you get extra life out of them, then that's a bonus, haha! I'd prefer not to use plastic at all, but cost vs. space vs. functionality etc. being what it is, this is a system that works really well for me. I do have some thoughts about plastic here, especially given the recycling program in my area:
    
    https://www.reddit.com/r/MealPrepSunday/comments/d1p3vs/im_a_huge_fan_of_meal_prepping_but_dear_god/ezpfn3h?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x
    
    So anyway, it's really nice to have a large supply of containers, because then it makes meal-prep really easy. My current approach of OADC has proven to be really effective in terms of both making it easy & approachable enough for me to do everyday, and also in letting more store a large variety of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and desserts in my pantry, fridge, and freezer, which has had the consequences of helping me get & stay in great shape, eat amazing-tasting food all the time, and save a truckload of money over getting take-out or going to restaurants! Not to mention helping me avoid the "what's for dinner?" argument every night, hahaha!

Ha! That's my topic, even though I am no truck driver myself but I find the whole culture around it in the US fascinating.

Anyway. For equipment, and maybe something for the colder months, a portable stove like this one seems to be the bee's knees https://www.amazon.com/RoadPro-12-Volt-Portable-Stove-Black/dp/B00030DLEE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503377054&sr=8-1&keywords=truck+oven From the threads I've read, people reheat tacos in them or huh whatever they fancy really.

The same thing naturally also exists for keeping stuff cold >> https://www.amazon.com/Knox-Electric-Refrigerator-Cooler-Warmer/dp/B00U9C322C/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1503377227&sr=8-5&keywords=truck+fridge

If storage is an issue or maybe the electricity these babies use, then I'd recommend this box which I also own and which keeps things nice and fresh thanks to the inbuilt cool pack https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Bento-Lunch-Box-Built/dp/B01IWEKNLQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503377293&sr=8-2&keywords=bento+box+healthy+packers

A thermos like this https://www.amazon.com/MIRA-Vacuum-Insulated-Stainless-Thermos/dp/B071CZ2RFZ/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1503377385&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=insulated+lunch+box&psc=1 again would be great for taking soups with you. Just add some bread and you have a nice satisfying meal without too many calories.

For stuff to put in these boxes, I currently have in my own one some home made mini granola bars, carrots with sour cream (sour cream is in a silicone muffin form), cucumbers, grapes and blackberries.

That's snackstuff only though, if I wanted something that keeps me full(er) I'd add cooked eggs, yoghurt, protein bars, meat cut into strips etc.

Insulated coffee cup, the good kind. People usually refer to them as Yeti cups because that’s the most well-Known brand but lots of other brands make the same quality for much cheaper. Ozark is the one I use, you can find it at Walmart. They are kinda hefty but they’re good for both hot and cold. I’ll put coffee in it around 5am and it’s still just as hot by 11am, same for cold.


If he has too much to tote around, you could think about ways he could condense what he carries. For example, if he carries a lunchbox and coffee mug and a bag for stuff like phone chargers or whatever, you could look into a combo lunch bag with big pockets for stuff that he can carry cross-body. Maybe include a carbariner so he can hook a coat or sling a scarf around the handle. Maybe something like this.


Alternately, instead of helping him to make his job easier, what about helping him enjoy his free time more? Maybe something to help him relax after a hard day, or something that makes his everyday chores a little easier/more convenient. A better snow shovel, a heated blanket, shower stuff that men don’t think about or buy for themselves (but will use the hell out of) like a back scrubber or some minty shower pucks, or maybe one of those automatic tub cleaners. Whatever it is, just think about his least favorite chore and try to make it easier or think of his most favorite activity and try to enhance that experience.

This is very different from high end handbags, but someone here recommended the [Renee Tote] (http://www.amazon.com/Pack-Fitness-Expert-Renee-Management/dp/B00KMP5LNE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452383902&sr=8-1&keywords=renee+meal+management) to me, and I LOVE it. There's room inside for a laptop, wallet, a few other things, extra pockets for keys/hairbrush/etc, and cell phone pockets on each side. But the real joy of this bag is [right here] (http://g03.s.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1O71rHXXXXXafXpXXq6xXFXXXT/221754054/HTB1O71rHXXXXXafXpXXq6xXFXXXT.jpg).

The main site carries their current colors, but you can find past colors on Amazon (and current like I linked here) - I have the bright orange in the second link, which isn't for everyone, but I love!

Have you ever seen the Stasher bags? Target or amazon has them (https://www.amazon.com/Stasher-Reusable-Silicone-Sandwich-Storage/dp/B01DZQT9CU) and they are a miracle worker. I have 2 kids under 4 and sometimes I have to make dinner in a split second. You can steam veggies (healthier than most options) in a minute, cook rice, scramble eggs, re/heat meat, I make applesauce quickly with these as well. They can be a sous vid container as well if you want to boil a meal prepped ahead of time (or cook fish PERFECTLY, really and truly. Let it marinate while you work and boil it for a couple of minutes and voila, a healthy meal). Really, I can't sing their praises enough. I would invest in a couple of these to make dinner easy on you. Also look into some meal prepping, when it's hard to cook it's hard to motivate yourself, having some meals made already will help you stay healthy.

The gf and I had a similar discussion when we got ours, so we just bought a few to start and now we use them so much that we are going to pick up some more. We love them. You can use them pretty much anywhere you can use a ziploc/plastic bag, but these will last so much longer. And they're dishwasher safe, so we just throw them in there across a few tines and they come out like new. We got ours locally, but if you can't find them, Amazon has the best price on them that I've seen. Good luck!

• Veg and hummus/peanut butter is hard to beat. Carrots and celery are fairly cheap, and home-made hummus is a relatively cheap option too. They may not be a substantial meal, but it will keep you going. Plus, there is no real need to keep them cold. Add an apple or a banana and it can be quite filling.
  
• Make your own granola bars. Some Agave syrup/honey, semi-sweet chocolate chips, dried fruits, quick oats, flax seed flour (or your choice of protein-rich flour), peanut butter (optional), generic rice crispies, and nuts can go pretty far in curbing hunger while not being too bad for you (just go easy on the sugars). At ~$3-4 per batch of 18, you can make them ahead of time and take a couple with you each day. I pretty much always use no-bake recipes.
  
• It's not inherently the tastiest thing, but canned/pouch soups can be eaten at room temperature as well.. If you can find a microwave (a number of gas stations still have them, just buy a banana or something if they act annoyed at you using it), just pack the meal cold with some ice (or use a pack-it lunch bag).
  
• Pack-It bags https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HJ8DFGC and an insulated thermos https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HJ8DFGC can be your best friends in keeping food hot/cold throughout the day.
  
• Bagged salad mixes are pretty cheap and can keep you going for less than $1.50 per meal.

My suggestions- I'm a special Ed teacher who works with kiddos with behavior. It's very easy to lose my planning time/after school pumping time/lunch time to behavior/meetings/staffings/legal meetings/team meetings/staff meetings/and so on.

I have 5 planned pumping times. I require myself that I meet at least 4.

I pump on the way to work, at my planning time, at lunch, as soon as the students leave since I don't have dismissal duties, and between school and daycare.

Pumping in the car while driving has been very doable for me. It's "wasted" time anyway, might as well make it productive.

I always wear an underwire nursing bra (38f) and cami under any top. This way very little is exposed when I pump. (Bra flaps down, pull cami neckline under boobs, pull overshirt up). I have had people walk in on me accidentally, including my principal! Her response-nice! Very discreet!

I suggest http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GDJRQPY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1420177680&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SY200_QL40 for your hands free action. This is what I use at work and in the car. It is so easy to put on even in the car, totally adjustable, and very easy to use even over bulky sweaters!

Have a cooler in the car. I use http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HJ8DFGC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420177817&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40 so I don't have to grab separate ice packs-just grab one thing in the am and go.

Some medela wipes for the car for your pump parts.

I know oatmeal has a big (2-3oz effect) on my supply so I eat oatmeal or oatmeal bar everyday for breakfast.

Do what others said and check out /r/abrathatfits

I found http://www.barenecessities.com a great place to find nursing bras for a whole range of sizes. And even with a larger bust i still found a couple bras I really like for under $30/each.

Is there a way you could buy him kind of like a lunch cooler or a thermos to keep with him on the road? I work long days too and got sick of fast food, so I use This lunch cooler and really like it! and my all-time favorite thermos is this one, which can be used to keep drinks or food hot (or cold!) for a really long time! If you combine it with reusable ice packs he can have anything he likes on the road and not worry about it spoiling through the day!

I know it's not exactly what you were asking, but I thought I would share. Good luck!

I just did my sous vide marinade and cooking of lamb riblets using this I have a few of each size and they are pretty much my go-to now.
Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag

They are GREAT for any cooking time/temp and keep a REALLY good seal. To a point I have to make sure my hands are dry prior to opening them hah!

You have a few options depending on the size of the items.

1. This will be the most insulative but isn't very big so only travel sized version of sunscreen and such would fit.
   
2. This or something similar is your next bet. For these types of coolers fill the extra space with water bottles, they can be cooled, frozen or room temperature, but the extra mass of water will help keep the inside of the cooler cool.
   
3. A portable fridge, like [this](https://www.amazon.com/Chefman-Portable-Personal-Capacity-Freon-Free/dp/B076X7HF7F/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=1XYI8QOJ9TFA2&keywords=portable+refrigerator&qid=1554274730&s=gateway&sprefix=portable+ref&sr=8-5, same tip with water applies here.
   
   A few additional Notes: use a sun reflector for when your car is parked. Put the cooler box or bag in a shaded area, oftentimes it will be cooler under a seat or in the trunk. Lastly all the items I linked are just examples, I don't endorce any(except the hydroflask).

I don’t have any experience with them; but there are quite a few silicone sous vide bags. Anova backs Stasher Bags I’ve seen these for a while now too, and they seem to have good reviews. These pique my interest the most though. The main reason I haven’t acquired and used any reusable sous vide bags is ability to pull a vacuum. It’s pretty much essential for some things, mostly vegetables.

Get a plastic cup (large size from a Starbucks or similar place). Put your vials inside it, in their original foil. Then put that cup inside a cooler bag. I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HJ8DFGC/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1496014511&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=freezer+cooler+bag&dpPl=1&dpID=51iR9i1OV3L&ref=plSrch

It works well bc you freeze the entire bag! It's gel lined. You can also add more ice packs to this type of bag. If you use a regular style of cooler bag you'll obviously need lots of ice packs. But I've had TSA agents tell me I can only have so many ice packs, which is bullshit...but not much you can do. With gel lined bag that isn't as big a concern.

Then, bc I am a worrier, I use a thermometer with a long cord on it. I zip the gauge end of the thermometer in the bag, taped to the top so it's not actually touching any icepacks. And then I can keep an eye on the temp from outside without opening the bag and letting any of the cool out! Mine is the type of thermometer people use in aquariums/reptile tanks.

Typically this set up can keep my stuff at fridge temp like ~6 hours. Not opening the bag helps big time. Which is why I love the long cord thermometers! After that I have to ask for ice (like from the flight attendant or at the airport when I land). I don't know how far any method will get you on the length of flight you describe. But it's a good start.

Edit: pack some empty large gallon size plastic bags for putting ice into (like when you add ice during your layovers). Most bags, including mine, are not water tight. Better if the ice melts inside a baggie rather than your cooler. Mine leaked all over the floor of the plane. Whoops

If you are flying, I'd highly recommend the "wine diaper" if you ship it via a checked bag: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004FLK2IU/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_JJ5QCbKCAJ79Q

I've had different versions of this, but 2 factors you want to have are:

• absorbent: If it breaks you want most of the liquid "sticking" to something other than clothes
  
  
• reusable: Cheaper versions of this have a 3M sticky like thing that you could use a couple of times, go for the ziplock type system.
  
  I periodically business travel and will fly out with an extra duffle, coming home that gets converted to the beer bag. Great way to import

I was in the market for a new purse and splurged on this tote. I love it. It's nice looking, has plenty of pockets for purse things, has an insulated cooler complete with food storage and ice packs, fits a laptop, fits my 20oz water bottle in the side pocket, and juuuuust fits under the seat on an airplane. Would recommend :)

Hey fellow trucker! Great first post, thanks a ton, really looking forward to your suggestions. Just looked up that roadpro, is this it on Amazon? And is it better than just using a microwave?

Hot Logic Mini - 12V Version

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TZKCCV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7WzSAbVPCY6CD

Hey you should check out the Hot Logic! You can get glass dishes that fit it perfectly and can be reused. There are 12v and 120v versions. We use the 120v with an inverter for the car. My wife plugs her lunch in around 3-4 hours before she wants to eat it and it comes out perfect temperature every time.

Hey OP, I'm in the same boat as you! I'm finding meal prep to be the biggest helper, along with a very large lunchbox. I invested in this one for the semester. It's fairly large, but I need to pack a lunch and a dinner (plus snacks of course) on certain days since I'm on campus for ~12 hours. It also has a very long-lasting icepack (has not melted on me yet) and an insulated compartment that can hold two shaker bottles.

I also second what others have said about learning to eat cold food. I don't have easy access to a microwave, so I've been trying to prep and pack foods that would be good heated up, but aren't terrible if eaten cold. Can't go wrong with salads. Stews and chilis haven't been bad, and quinoa/rice bowls with chicken and veggies also don't suck.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018TCJ1HI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

i love this one. with the freeze pack it includes, it will keep everything pretty cold for a good 8+ hours, as long as it's not sitting in a hot car baking in the sun. and if you buy a pack of the meal prep containers that company sells, they send you a coupon for some money off on the lunchbox

It's good cold or a little less cold (Because I don't like it refrigerator cold). For years, I packed up my lunch, not put it in the company fridge and left it in a thin insulated lunch [bag] (https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Thermal-Insulated-Cooler-Lunch/dp/B01145L2JM/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1497293172&sr=8-7&keywords=insulated+lunch+bag) that can still contain the smells of strong foods. I'm asian and I love my kimchi and my coworkers do freak out when they catch a whiff of it down the hallway.

All-in-all, it won't get to room temperature but it taste just as great.

The packaging and having a habit/system may be just as important as what you are packing, from the wording of your question. Here's what works for me. I have two of the lunch cubes and pack them both so I'm ready for a couple of days. The lunch cube fits perfectly in the bag with two of the slim ice packs and a can of sparkling water. For me, investing in the gear more than paid back when I stopped eating out. Also, I bit the bullet and started doing e-books where possible which really made my life better! I was very resistant from moving away from paper books.

lunch cube

lunch bag

ice packs

Yeah, that's a good point, plastic wrap in particular would be fiddly AF. I only did four burritos, so I was able to wait for them to cool and then cram them in sandwich bags. I'm thinking these might work, too -- they're zero-waste and pretty big.

I will keep an eye out for the breakfast burritos!

I've seen silicone "zip-top" bags that are more like press-to-seal. I have heard that they're difficult to clean, so if I ever got them, I would probably just use them for dry snacks -- especially since silicone tends to mold and take on smells.

I just found some where you put a "zip" on top to close, but I wonder how good the seal is.

​

I'm sure other people have had more experience with this, so please chime in if you have!

That would be the dream once I'm living the yacht life. Unfortunately this is just a small center console. I found a 12v lunchbox warmer here:

​

https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Logic-Mini-Version-Blue/dp/B074TYC7DY/ref=pd_sbs_79_2/139-7451475-6640247?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B074TYC7DY&pd_rd_r=a2392dc0-7bf9-11e9-a5c7-5965a5328207&pd_rd_w=5ab0o&pd_rd_wg=wGM3t&pf_rd_p=588939de-d3f8-42f1-a3d8-d556eae5797d&pf_rd_r=9YHBEFTXND10PFZP6C6P&psc=1&refRID=9YHBEFTXND10PFZP6C6P

​

I'm hoping that I can get a black delivery box, put that on my T-Top and then combination solar rays and that little 12v warmer gets me enough heat for something delicious.

Get something like [this].( https://www.amazon.com/Everest-Cooler-Lunch-Black-Size/dp/B006HMPV4A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1474900499&sr=8-3&keywords=lunch+box)

There are lots of different sizes and shapes and brands. Hard sided boxes, soft sided boxes, soft bags, pack packs... with insulation so that cool foods will stay cool.

These can go in the freezer overnight, then go in the lunch bag to help cold foods stay even colder. Again, there are lots of brands and sizes.

A wide mouth thermos will keep soups hot. Any thermos will work for hot coffee, and you can make it with mct oil, butter, cream, for some extra fat fuel.

Don't snack. All of these will help if you need lunch, or a coffee break, but study, take a break, then study some more. Or have a big breakfast, then do 10-12 hours IF and study, then go home and eat again. Or do a longer IF and eat one meal a day at home, then you can save the expense of an insulated lunch bag.

I forgot a couple of things I was going to say in my extremely long comment...

As far as the ingredients, the main ones you need are produce and meat. The others (flours, coconut milk, etc.) you can order online and have delivered if you feel strongly that you need them. I would suggest not getting a whole lot of those to start out, I didn’t tolerate them well until about 6 months in, and I can only have AIP baked goods in limited quantities now after about 15 months strict AIP.

As far as lunches on the road, I had a similar issue, and I would suggest something like this portable heated lunch box. With this one you can either plug it into the wall or 12V outlet in the car. Pack It frozen lunch boxes are fantastic for keeping your food at a safe temperature until lunch time without a lot of extra work.

Good luck to you both, we are here if you have any questions or just need to vent about this crazy way of eating. It helps so much, but it’s hard to get started!

It depends on what you like to eat at work. There are a bunch of different recipes.

I initially started off with sandwiches, which is basically deli meat, cheese, and bread. I liked it initially, but it got really boring after a bit of time. If you end up going with the sandwiches, I'd suggest getting the Deli cuts of meat and cheese(Like the ones they cut in front of you). If you get them cut decently thick, it'd makes it more filling. I liked them because they were super quick to eat, which was really helpful in the beginning. I'd just make 10-20 sandwiches on my day off. Just grab one or two on the way out the door.

Now a days, I take curried rice or pasta. Same deal with the prep. Make it the week before and store in tupperware (which is why I like to have the glass tupperware - no grime). If you'd like recipes, let me know.

Couple things:

• If you're taking the sandwiches or pasta, make sure you have access to refrigerator. The meat can (will) go bad and get you sick.
  
• Alternative to this is to get a solid lunch box, that keeps things at a decent temp. I use this one.
  
• Take snacks. My favorites are rice crispies, chocolate pudding, or granola bars. Toss a few of them in there for your mid morning munchies.

I love these silicone stasher bags. I actually use them for my onion halves too! Haha

https://www.amazon.com/Stasher-Reusable-Silicone-Sandwich-Storage/dp/B01DZQT9CU?th=1

I will second the bag side welds issue mentioned above. I haven't done any super long cooks, but a friend was doing a 24 hour pork butt and had a side seal on a zip lock go bad, and that was no fun at all.

Short of getting a vac machine, getting a reusable bag specifically meant for sous vide is a good way to go. This one by Stasher is endorsed by Anova.

In the short term, perhaps someone here could comment on double-bagging using the zip locks? Perhaps two levels of failsafe might suffice?

I bought a lunch bag that you stick in the freezer. It has built in ice packs so it stays really cold for about 10 hours. It's really great for times when I don't have a fridge. Sometimes I will stick additional ice packs inside to keep it extra cold.

It comes in different styles. I bought the one that looks more like a satchel.

https://www.amazon.com/PackIt-Freezable-Lunch-Bag-Black/dp/B004WZ95T6

Any sort of Glad containers really. Blender bottles are a life saver for me; fill with water while at work or throw in some protein powder if needed.

I use this to store my lunch:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0078K40OC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you don't have a refrigerator at work, get some ice packs; Amazon also has these as well as glad containers. I don't know if this is what you are looking for but hope this helps.

Lots of cheap healthy ideas here /r/MealPrepSunday

Get an Insulated lunch box and some of those blue freezer things and you're good to go.

Also picked up one of these to keep the water bottle cool all day.

I use this cooler bag to hold two tall cans in my bag. With two tall cans, it fits perfectly in my bag's side compartment.

My chick uses a dynamic discs soldier cooler with the backpack straps.

These are great. I'm sure something similar exists in europe!

MIER Adult Lunch Box Insulated Lunch Bag Large Cooler Tote Bag for Men, Women, Double Deck Cooler(Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FQA0YDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dvW5CbZ35T241

It fits perfectly and enough space for all original accessories + extra external battery pack + other stuff.

You should try these instead of using ziplock bags. They're really easy to use and you save money in the long run from not having to buy any ziploc bags.

In for suggestions too. We're still in decent fruit season (at least where I am - a box of of peaches at Costco is a good option and they're decent size), and I always find that I row better when I have fruit in the morning. Bananas are easy as /u/elliottld noted, though I get tired of them after awhile and need a break.

It never feels like quite enough; I'm always craving something else though.

You could carry around things like salami, dry-ish cheeses, and crackers that could go for at least a few hours without refrigeration. 7am-8am is going to be tough though. You could consider a freezable lunch bag:

https://www.amazon.com/PackIt-Freezable-Lunch-Bag-Black/dp/B004WZ95T6/ref=pd_sim_79_3?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004WZ95T6&pd_rd_r=RTVG025A9JPBWQS1MTAT&pd_rd_w=gEuuN&pd_rd_wg=ucV5R&psc=1&refRID=RTVG025A9JPBWQS1MTAT

• Instead of ziplocs we use reusable silicone baggies something like this. Once you have em you realize how few bags you use at one time and that you don’t really need boxes of baggies (depending on lifestyle, of course).
  
• Use a cleaning rag instead of paper towels when appropriate
  
• Try to use all the product (use bones and trimmings, etc. to make broth, etc.)
  
• It’s more of a side effect, but we don’t buy much processed food so we have less packaging
  
• Bring reusable bags when shopping
  
• I buy my meat from a local butcher who sources from sustainable, ethical, local farms
  
• Another side effect, but I eat very little beef - my main animal protein is chicken followed by fish. Also, my wife is vegetarian on the cusp of vegan.
  
• Reusable containers

What exactly are you storing, there may be other options depending on the object, otherwise the vacuum jars might be the best option.

I haven't tried them, but BlueAvocado Seems to be trying to make bags as you describe. I don't know how durable they are and the cost benefit in both price and environment seems hard to determine.

Hot Logic Mini - 12V Version - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TZKCCV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N9WFDbV2PEJRP this has been a lifesaver for me! Plug it in to your cigarette lighter before leaving your client’s home. I usually drive 30 mins between clients and it’s warm by the time I get to my next. It allows me to take leftovers

Step 1: buy lunchbox with a freezer pack in it. PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag with Zip Closure, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HJ8DFGC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sQmezbTR9MCBN


Step 2: buy meal prep containers. btw these meal prep containers fit in the lunchbox I linked you and to give you an idea of the size of the lunchbox, that's the only thing that will fit in there. Meal Prep Haven 3 Compartment Food Containers with Airtight Lid, Bento Box, Fitness Lunch Box for Meal Prep, 21 Day Fix and Portion Control, Set of 7 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011SY4P9I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ARmezbD10DBBX


Step 3: buy food. You say you don't want to do any prepping which is fine but if that's the case buy applegate chicken breast. Not very high in sodium but not very low either. If you have the energy for just a litttttle bit of prep, try a rotisserie chicken. You will have to cut it up initially when you get it but once it's done, it's done for the whole week. You can eat this cold too if you don't have access to a microwave. Get canned vegetables. Rinse them off, it will lower the sodium content. Get fruit and vegetable platters that people get for parties, they are pre cut already. Other sides that do not need to be prepared can include string cheese, yogurt, mixed nuts (unsalted), granola bars, protein bars, veggie chips, boiled eggs, guacamole, hummus (this hummus company has their hummus paired with like pretzel chips on the bottom it's really just an open and eat thing).


Step 4: distribute into your meal prep containers

Reusable silicone food bags. Just like a ziplock but reusable and dishwasher safe.

An example: https://www.amazon.ca/Stasher-Reusable-Silicone-Bag-Clear/dp/B01DZQT9CU

Just bought this freezable lunchbox the other day, and so far it's been great. Keeps food/drinks cold until lunch if I freeze it the night before.

PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag with Zip Closure, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HJ8DFGC

Just an idea but what about something like this for that occasion??

https://www.amazon.com/Triangle-Power-Personal-Portable-Electric/dp/B07R7RRQ3X/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?

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Or this brand/style

https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Logic-Mini-Version-Black/dp/B074TZKCCV/ref=sr_1_4?

​

​

https://www.copymethat.com/r/RGBSxjN/mexican-vegan-burrito-bowl-mason-jar-sal/

I use this Built lunch bag. It's sturdy and also stretches, so you can fit a LOT of stuff in there. When it gets dirty or has spills, I throw it in the washing machine and then lay flat to air dry. I've had it for almost 2 years I think, and it's held up pretty well.

Stasher Bags are great, they come in 2 sizes and will be releasing a larger half gallon size very soon

https://www.amazon.com/Stasher-Reusable-Silicone-Sandwich-Clear/dp/B01DZQT9CU

If you have a bit of spare cash, buy an insulated lunch box and a gel ice pack. That will allow your lunch meats and other perishables to stay nice for hours.

For example, you can get this insulated lunch box for $11

http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Lunch-Blox-medium-durable/dp/B0078K40OC

For the salad, stash the various ingredients separately (in zip locks) and then combine just before you eat it.

I picked them up from Amazon. I also ordered myself a new Lunchbox to go with them. It has made this week really easy.

There are nicely sealable reusable silicone bags and tubes my SO uses for backpacking, and you can add boiling water right to the bag.
They're not uber light like a disposable, but not glass heavy either. Endlessly reusable.
Amazon has many choices.
https://www.amazon.com/HoShip-Silicone-Popsicle-Non-Toxic-Reusable/dp/B06XMZNT1P/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1538510101&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=Silicone+tubes&psc=1.
https://www.amazon.com/BlueAvocado-Re-Zip-Seal-Reusable-Storage/dp/B00LX4FXMM/ref=sr_1_26?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1538510425&sr=1-26&keywords=reusable+silicone+food+bag

I use a BUILT lunch bag. Easy peasy

Have you checked these out? they are reusable and should function in a sous video application. I agree with you about the instant pot getting more every day use

For example:
https://www.amazon.com/Stasher-Reusable-Silicone-Food-Aqua/dp/B01DZQT9CU

These are exactly what you get if you buy the Anova bags. I have 2 of them and they work pretty well. They're a lot sturdier than a ziplock bag and there's no waste when using them. I will say that they seem to affect the cook times for shorter cooks, like those under 30 minutes or so.

Might sound crazy, but the shoulder strap from a lunch box can usually be adjusted to be the right size for a belt quite easily. I'm been using one as a belt now for 2 years.

Specifically the shoulder strap from this one. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FQA0YDQ/

Thank you! I found it here on Amazon

Here's what I used:
A bag to carry everything in.

Bigger bottles to transfer into for easy storage.

Small lunchbox for milk storage

Flat ice packs to keep milk cold.

Also I got some small make up containers like these but just from the pharmacy to keep coconut oil in to use before and after pumping as lube and to keep from cracking.

These bags are made to protect liquids in your checked luggage.

Use something like this https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B004FLK2IU/

https://www.amazon.com/PackIt-Freezable-Lunch-Closure-Black/dp/B00HJ8DFGC

Use something like this.

I use a Stasher bag and it works well!

I bought a pack of JetBags and bubble wrap and brought a fair amount of bottles back in my checked bag. Ask your airline to add a fragile tag to your bag, too.

A freezable lunch bag. I got one at Walmart for a little over $10. It keeps mine cold until lunchtime and then keeps them from getting too warm if I take a late lunch. I usually pack two a day and freeze the bag again overnight.

Not a regular here, but you can use reusable silicone cooking bags. Amazon has a few different kinds.

I just use a standard insulated lunch bag ( something close to this : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FQA0YDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_a9nxDbV7QZN51) for my 30 min commute. It goes straight from my fridge into the fridge at work.

I have a small cooler and I put an ice pack in the bottom of it with my lunch on top. It keeps food cold until lunchtime under my desk.

It is similar to this:

http://www.amazon.com/Everest-Cooler-Lunch-Black-Size/dp/B006HMPV4A/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1426712352&sr=8-5&keywords=6+pack+cooler

Do you have an insulated lunch bag? The one I have keeps stuff cool the whole day and I don’t use an icepack, just put it in the bag right before you go. I’ve had it for years and no longer available, but here’s a similar one

> b, l,

I have no idea what these abbreviations refer to but I have this and I love it: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B018TCJ1HI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Some people use these silicone bags: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DZQT9CU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_eRarybBD3TVVX

Hoo boy have I got the product for YOU! https://www.amazon.com/Stasher-Silicone-Reusable-Bag-Sandwich/dp/B01DZQT9CU

use this:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GRZINNS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Carry it in my fjallraven backpack.

Also have https://www.amazon.com/PackIt-Freezable-Lunch-Closure-Black/dp/B00HJ8DFGC/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1492636830&sr=1-1&keywords=freeze+lunch+bag

I use one of these. Keeps my lunch cold for hours:

https://www.amazon.com/PackIt-Freezable-Lunch-Bag-Black/dp/B004WZ95T6

https://www.amazon.com/RoadPro-12-Volt-Portable-Stove-Black/dp/B00030DLEE

https://seekingthefeatherthings.wordpress.com/2015/04/25/working-from-your-car-essentials-food-and-drink-guide/

https://www.afar.com/magazine/7-ridiculous-food-gadgets-you-can-take-on-a-road-trip

https://www.complex.com/sports/2013/09/a-guide-to-cooking-food-with-your-car/most-towelletes

https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/no-heat-lunches-bring-to-work/#!caprese-waffles

https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Logic-Mini-Version-Black/dp/B074TZKCCV/ref=pd_sim_79_6?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B074TZKCCV&pd_rd_r=89934b1c-cd1c-11e8-84cd-5d1350972647&pd_rd_w=iFnor&pd_rd_wg=wFj5V&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=N2163CXD0SEYC97PB4XH&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=N2163CXD0SEYC97PB4XH

Silicone bags, y'all.

This one has ice packs built into it.

Combination of a freezable lunch bag and a double insulated thermos should work. They claim 24 hours but it won't really stay cold that long without ice.

PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag with Zip Closure, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HJ8DFGC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cFY6xb87R8HES

I use one similar to this. Try searching for an insulated lunch bag.

MIER Adult Lunch Box Insulated Lunch Bag Large Cooler Tote Bag for Men, Women, Double Deck Cooler(Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FQA0YDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dzslDbX5B026S

This is it, chief.

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Thermal-Insulated-Cooler-Lunch/dp/B01145L2JM/ref=pd_sim_79_6?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01145L2JM&pd_rd_r=BAT68AK1ASWMZSCZEZD6&pd_rd_w=XU9Rm&pd_rd_wg=Scram&psc=1&refRID=BAT68AK1ASWMZSCZEZD6


It says it's for kids but no reason why an adult couldn't use it too.

Ouch lunch thieves are the worst. Maybe something like this would work for those days you need to keep something cold to give you more options for healthy lunches.

I use this Vera Bradley lunchbox from several years ago. It doesn't look like they make this style anymore.

I like it because it's tall and narrow, so it fits well in my work tote, but my larger tupperware doesn't fit well. When I have something big or oddly-shaped to take for lunch, I steal my husband's Built Neoprene lunchbag.

Or sometimes I just throw everything in a medium-sized handled paper shopping bag.

Both are washable, so that's really handy.

Search "freezable lunch bag" on amazon or similar: convenient bags with gel freezer packs built in like this. Put it in your freezer over night, pack it with loaded shaker bottles to keep cold all day.

2000 cal of powder mixes with about 2L of water = 2Kg weight give or take. Plus some for the freezer bag, 3Kg, 6-7lbs heading out the door.

If you can establish a nightly routine of: mix one pitcher of powder, put in fridge to mellow overnight; throw freezer bag in freezer; wash bottles. Should be about 10 minutes with practice. Morning, pour drink into bottles, put bottles in bag, leave pitcher in sink full of water (because soylent hardens to plaster if left alone), head out door.

Living a busy stressful life such as you describe there is absolutely no problem with having a bag of potato chips/crisps when you want some salt. Or an apple or orange if you want to chew something. It's food, not a religion!