Meal prep in a jar: Your healthy lunch without plastic waste
Meal prep in a jar: Your healthy lunch without plastic waste
Do you know that feeling? Lunch break, your stomach's growling, and you end up back at the bakery or supermarket. The result: a quick sandwich wrapped in plastic, an expensive "to-go" salad in a plastic container, and then a guilty conscience – about your diet and the mountain of trash.
The solution is so simple and is probably already in your recycling bin. Meal prep in jars isn't just a huge Instagram trend, it's the perfect way to save money, eat healthier, and drastically reduce your plastic waste. And the best part? It looks incredibly stylish.
Here I'll show you how to make your new lunch buddies out of old pickle and sauce jars.
1. The perfect glass upcycling
Before you begin, you'll need containers. You don't need to buy expensive "Mason jars." An old pickle jar (about 700ml) is the perfect size for a main course salad. Smaller jam jars are great for yogurt with fruit or overnight oats.
Pro tip: To prevent your food from tasting like pickles, wash the lids several times with hot water or briefly soak them in baking soda water.
2. The layering technique: How to keep everything crisp
The biggest mistake when making salad in a jar? Pouring the dressing all over the leaves. Then you'll just have mush at lunchtime. The golden rule for meal prep in jars is: liquids at the bottom, delicate ingredients on top.
- Base: Dressing, vinegar & oil or hummus.
- Base: Solid ingredients such as chickpeas, cucumbers, carrots or pasta (which can marinate in the dressing).
- Topping: Leafy greens, spinach or nuts on top.
To prevent half the contents from spilling when filling narrow jars (and to keep the rim clean), a wide-mouthed stainless steel funnel is a real game-changer. This way, rice and lentils end up in the jar and not on the countertop.
3. Pack snacks and side dishes
Not everything fits in a jar. Perhaps you also have a sandwich, apple slices, or a piece of cake. Aluminum foil and cling film have no place in your zero-waste kitchen.
A sustainable alternative is a beeswax wrap set . The warmth of your hands causes the wraps to mold to the shape of your bread, keeping it fresh. And if you're preparing a hot meal that can't be layered, a sturdy stainless steel bento box is the perfect companion. It's virtually indestructible, lightweight, and doesn't absorb odors.
4. The cleaning afterwards
As beautiful as the tall glasses look, washing them can be annoying, especially when remnants of dressing are stuck to the bottom and your hand doesn't fit through the opening.
Do yourself a favor and use a dish brush with natural bristles and a long handle. This will allow you to effortlessly reach every corner of your upcycled jars without wearing out plastic sponges. That way, your jars will be ready for the next round in no time.
Conclusion: Preparation is everything
Meal prep doesn't mean you have to spend all Sunday in the kitchen. Start small: Grab two old jars and prepare breakfast or lunch for the next two days. Your wallet and the environment will thank you!
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