Best reusable lunch bags according to redditors
We found 280 Reddit comments discussing the best reusable lunch bags. We ranked the 167 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 280 Reddit comments discussing the best reusable lunch bags. We ranked the 167 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
This one might be it
Here you go, guys
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.
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.
http://www.amazon.com/Luckies-London-Brown-Paper-USLUKBRW/dp/B006UH4D9G/ref=sr_1_1/191-6082208-0602935?ie=UTF8&qid=1457644453&sr=8-1&keywords=brown+paper+bag+lunch+bag
Hoo boy have I got the product for YOU! https://www.amazon.com/Stasher-Silicone-Reusable-Bag-Sandwich/dp/B01DZQT9CU
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
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!
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.
I use a Stasher bag and it works well!
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:
First, you need to take over cooking and grocery shopping. Sucks, but it is what it is. Your husband can eat what he wants, but your kids need at least one parent who is modeling healthy behavior.
You said you already do fruits and nuts and berries to have available to the kids. Keep doing that. If a fruit is about to go bad, just serve it with dinner. If your kids will eat raw veggies, its not a bad idea to keep those pre-cut in the fridge, with hummus or low-fat ranch or peanut butter or something to dip in (I'm usually not one to tout "low fat" anything, but the idea here is to have a low-calorie snack). Good ones to have are baby carrots, cut up peppers, cucumbers, snap peas, and celery.
Consider getting some "portion" plates for the kids. Something like this could work. No, its not an exact science, but it definitely helps. They sell adult ones and kid ones too. Also, your children should be encouraged to serve themselves (at an age appropriate level of course), with their plates as a helpful guide.
If you're going to be doing the grocery shopping and cooking, I'd suggest looking into easy meals - like slow cooker meals, one pot meals/casserole-type meals, and make-ahead/freezer meals. Pinterest is amazing for this type of stuff. You seem concerned about cost, so the make-ahead/freezer meals are great for budgeting. Also, the slow cooker meals are great for allowing you to take cheap cuts of meat and make them much more delicious. (Also, the freezer meals and slow cooker meals tend to go hand in hand, which is a plus).
You have a few options depending on the size of the items.
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).
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
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
Not a regular here, but you can use reusable silicone cooking bags. Amazon has a few different kinds.
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
PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag with Zip Closure, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HJ8DFGC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cFY6xb87R8HES
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Luckies-Brown-Paper-Lunch-Bag/dp/B006UH4D9G
Couldnt resist. Im on a Vamo V2 with an Evod tank. Wanna group buy?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Silicone bags, y'all.
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!
This is all excellent. I would add that you can store the pump assembly in a bag in a fridge and reuse it each time you pump during the day. That saves you time washing things! Also - since I live somewhere that's hotter than hell, I found a freezable cooler, I used a PackIt, to be a necessity.
Casserole dish - I make a lot of bakes
Stackable meal prep containers
Good lunch bag
Portion controlled peanut butter because peanut butter
I use one similar to this. Try searching for an insulated lunch bag.
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.
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
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!
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
I found this. Not quite the same thing but it was all I could find
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
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!
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.
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
https://www.amazon.com/Lunch-Waxed-Canvas-Durable-Biodegradable/dp/B072JG67VT
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
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
I picked them up from Amazon. I also ordered myself a new Lunchbox to go with them. It has made this week really easy.
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.
Sure, something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L7140HE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PkBsDbHRF03KM
It's just the first one I saw pulling it up on amazon, but theres multiple designs and sizes so if the toiletry bag doesnt work it's a decent second option.
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
https://www.amazon.com/PackIt-Freezable-Lunch-Closure-Black/dp/B00HJ8DFGC
Use something like this.
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.
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.
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.
I use a BUILT lunch bag. Easy peasy
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'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!
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.
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
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.
I also recently started an office job and had a similar internal struggle. The thing to consider is that you only need to transport your lunch from your car to the office refrigerator, then maybe later to wherever you are eating it. It's not like you're lugging it all over town.
I got one of these waxed canvas lunch bags on Amazon and it gets the job done. It looks better than a dorky cooler bag, is distinctive in the refrigerator so you can easily find it if it's a full fridge, and it folds down small.
I use this. It's cheap, has a good handle and fits most things you'd want to put in there.
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
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.
have you thought about maybe something like this?? you could take leftovers from home for lunch and have a hot lunch once in a while
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Logic-Mini-Version-Blue/dp/B074TYC7DY/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?
https://www.copymethat.com/r/qOBhAzW/adobe-chicken-wraps-betty-crocker/
https://www.copymethat.com/r/RGBSxjN/mexican-vegan-burrito-bowl-mason-jar-sal/
https://www.copymethat.com/r/wGSDhPK/vegan-quinoa-burrito-bowls/
I use these. Last year, I would need to pack a lunch and dinner with me so I needed something that would stay cold all day/night and this did the trick. The inside is lined with ice packs, so you keep it in the freezer the night before and it stays cold pretty much the entire day.
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.
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
I'd say invest in a small cooler bag that fits in your suitcase or carry-on, or what-have-you. If you're only looking to carry a bunch of small things like fatbombs, you shouldn't need more than something lunch-bag sized.
This one looks like a good option. And you would probably have enough room inside to throw in an icepack just in case. You can also use this in a hotel with no refrigeration by bringing a ziplock baggie and filling it with ice from the hotel.
When I first started, I bought a portion plate for my food. It may seem dumb and a bit childish at first, but it works. I got it from Amazon.
This one has ice packs built into it.
These are great. I'm sure something similar exists in europe!
Back in the day, I had a brown paper-bag-style lunch box like this or this. I lost it years ago (so I would not be able to tell you the name), but it was a fun design and it worked.
https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Micro-Journey-Hogwarts/dp/B005J3Q872
http://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?isRefine=false&_nkw=harry+potter+tin+box
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.
If anyone finds this online, please let me know. The only one I can find is
this, and it looks nothing like OPs.
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:
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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
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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.
I use one of these. Keeps my lunch cold for hours:
https://www.amazon.com/PackIt-Freezable-Lunch-Bag-Black/dp/B004WZ95T6
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
Use something like this https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B004FLK2IU/
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!
Some people use these silicone bags: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DZQT9CU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_eRarybBD3TVVX
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.
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/
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
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:
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 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.
If you're looking for a more stylish way to carry your lunch outside of your backpack, I have something similar to this
I got this reusable brown paper lunch bag. It has a magnetic snap closure and is very unpretentious. Looks like your typical brown paper lunch bag but is Mylar I believe.
Luckies of London Ltd USLUKBRW LUD9W Paper Lunch Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006UH4D9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_w6AsMmSMlJdYB
These bags are made to protect liquids in your checked luggage.
Thank you! I found it here on Amazon
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.
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.