Meal-Prep Tips to Stay Healthy and Happy in the Shared Workspace

Why should I meal-prep?

It might be tempting to crack open that can of baked beans for lunch - and it’s no wonder why. It’s cheap, tasty, and convenient when your days feel more like sprints than strolls in the park. That’s exactly why we’ve put together some simple tips and tricks for you. Meal-prepping is the way to a healthier you - and that’s a more productive, happy you.

Breakfast

Whether you’re a morning person or not, mornings before the office are normally a mad rush. This might mean you skip breakfast on a semi-frequent basis (not a good thing) or end up eating a bowl of sugary cereal. If it’s pink, it’s probably not a great way to start off the day. If you’re experiencing a crash around 11am or noon, it’s likely a sign your body isn’t too happy.

Tips

1. Prep the night before
2. Stay away from the screen while you eat the first meal of the day – take this time to prepare for the day alone or with someone while you focus on nourishing your body with simple, healthy food.
3. Get some fruit in – breakfast is the best opportunity to get some delicious fruits into your diet. These can be fresh or frozen, because either has the vitamins you need to spark your energy throughout the day ahead, without that dreaded crash.

Lunch

This might be the trickiest meal of the day to stick to the plan. When everyone’s going to the burger joint down the road, it can feel awkward to be the one bringing along your container of leftovers.

Tips

1. Bring along yesterday’s dinner for your lunch – it’s the quickest, cheapest way to have something delicious waiting for you in the office fridge
2. Get the right equipment – find a range of airtight containers of all sizes and make sure before using them that they’re completely leak-proof – nothing worse than pasta sauce through your briefcase. Make sure they’re microwaveable, too!
3. Go enjoy that fast food – but try for just once during the week!

Dinner

Don’t beat yourself up if you grab a $10 steak and chips dinner at the pub every now and then, but if you’re looking for a change, a clever dinner can be your saviour.

Tips

1. Make a huge batch of something you love on a Sunday evening. If you do this once, the difference it makes throughout the week is so great we doubt you’ll miss the chance next Sunday.
2. Get the right equipment – freezer bags will make sure your food stays crisp and fresh even after you defrost it, letting you enjoy your Sunday dinner for lunch on Friday.
3. Buy in bulk. Making enough dinner each night to bring lunch the next day means you can buy more fruit, vegetables, grains and proteins which lets you take advantage of great deals that come with buying in bulk.  

If you’re looking for more guidance on the art of meal prep, don’t worry, we’ve collected our favourite meal prep recipes for bringing to the office, and we think you’ll love them.