For most office workers, thinking about what to eat for lunch seems like an everyday dilemma. It's common to grab food from the same fast food chain, buy prepared meals in convenience stores, or have food delivered to their workplace. All of these means are convenient and time-saving. 

However, eating out or mindlessly consuming ready-to-eat food can be bad for one's health, especially if done often. There's a way to prevent this lifestyle — prepare healthy packed meals for the office (which can last for a week if stored properly). 

Read on the following ideas on how to help you get going for your next guilt-free meals.

Why Packed Meals?

• Saves money –  It prevents you from buying food every day.
• Saves time – Preparing your meals for the whole week ahead means less time cooking during the week.
• Reduce stress – It solves your daily problem when choosing lunch.
• Eat healthier – You get to control and select every ingredient of your meals.

Preparing Packed Meals

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to start your journey to having healthier meals.

1. Make a healthy meal plan

Before anything else, create a plan. Depending on your shift and preference, decide on what kinds of food you'd like to eat — be it breakfast, lunch, snacks, or dinner. You can also choose to eat the same meals every day, choose alternately repeating viands, or have varying meals (it is really up to you.) For meat choices, it's best to opt for fish or lean meat. Ensure that fruits and vegetables are also added to your menu and that they have bigger portions.

2. Prepare your ingredients and buy them

After writing down your planned meals, it's time to list all the ingredients you will need, including portions. To save money, go to your local wet market. This way, you can even haggle prices when buying. Don't forget to prepare (or purchase) containers for your meals. Find reusable and reliable plastic containers, zip locks, lunch boxes, or mason jars. Make sure these can last for the whole week.

3. Start meal prepping

Now that you have your meal plan and ingredients, start with your actual meal prepping procedure, and get cooking.

Tips and Tricks for Meal Prepping

• Chop essential ingredients ahead of time. Put them on separate bowls.
• Maximize your freezer. Freeze your food in small batches of containers so it can last longer and avoid spoiling.
• Store your prepared meals properly.
• Pre-cook some meals. These are for days you don't have enough time so you can simply reheat and you're good to go.

Healthy Delivery Packed Meals

On another note, not all people have the luxury of time and ability to do meal prepping and cooking. If you are one of them, you can simply find a reliable, healthy food delivery that caters to your food preference and budget. This is also great if you are the kind of person who wants to have different meals every day since they have a set menu for each day. What's more, you can also select the calorie count and make requests if you need a specific diet such as vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian.