These 4 products make my meal prepping process a breeze

Wed, May 31, 2023 at 3:32:39 PM EDT

Working from home is convenient, but it's also easy to fall into the trap of ordering food delivery every other day for lunch. To save money and keep myself from falling into that fast food slump, I’ve been meal prepping for the past four months, and it's been a game-changer — both for my wallet and my mood — and these are the four best meal prep products I constantly use that keep me on track.

From compartmented food storage containers for daily meals and the perfect slim food vacuum sealer that keeps my proteins and veggies fresh for months to the sleekest smart water pitcher that purifies my water super quickly, these products are now daily staples I can't live without.

If you had to buy one product from this list to kick off your meal prep journey, these Rubbermaid 5-Piece Brilliance Food Storage Containers are my No. 1 recommendation.

Every Sunday, after preparing my meals for the week, I store them in these containers and stack them in my fridge. When it's time for lunch, Monday through Friday, I just take one out of the fridge and pop it in the microwave.

These high-quality containers have built-in vents for splatter-resistant microwaving with the lid on. Just ensure that the latches on the side are opened. Also, since they have a two-compartment configuration, you’re able to keep your protein separate from your veggies for even heating and eating.

If you’re an overnight oats, breakfast oatmeal or yogurt lover, these 16oz Pint Jars With Lids will get so much use. They’re the perfect size for single-serve portions and, since they’re glass, are super easy to reheat. Also, the upright jar configuration makes these ideal for stacking salad ingredients or yogurt and oatmeal toppings.

If, like me, you prefer seasoning your proteins on the weekend and storing them in your freezer so they’re ready to go when you need them, this FoodSaver Space-Saving Vacuum Sealer is an absolute must-have.

This one's particularly impressive since it boasts full-size vacuum power in a super compact and thin machine that's perfect for small kitchens and apartments. It easily fits in my kitchen drawer with tons of extra space left over for other items.

Vacuum sealers are particularly useful since they keep food fresh for up to five times longer than ordinary storage methods. Plus, since the food's vacuum sealed and all the air pockets are eliminated, your food won't get freezer burnt.

This starter kit comes with the FoodSaver Space-Saving Vacuum Sealer, one 11″ x 8″ vacuum seal roll, six pre-cut quart-size bags, six pre-cut gallon-size bags, a handheld adapter, an accessory hose and a five-year limited warranty.

Since meal-prepping and working from home, I’ve upped my water intake and needed the perfect pitcher that filters my water and doesn't require constant filter changes. The LARQ Water Pitcher PureVis is, hands down, the best I’ve tried (and I’ve tried several).

In addition to being a pretty good-looking water pitcher, the LARQ does way more than meets the eye. The two-stage water pitcher removes over 100 contaminants from your water, including lead and heavy metals, PFAS, DEET, flame retardants, pesticides, BPAs and more. The plant-based carbon filters also remove chemicals like chlorine and particulates, which most water filters don't.

What I enjoy most about this water pitcher, though, is that the filter lasts up to 50% longer than traditional filters. In fact, one LARQ filter replaces more than 450 standard single-use bottles, so it's both better for your wallet and the planet. The LARQ Water Pitcher PureVis is also super easy to fill with one hand.

It also has smart capabilities thanks to its smart sensors that track the volume of water filtered through the pitcher. This all connects to the app (which you can download to your smartphone), which tracks the filter's health, your water consumption volume and more.

If you enjoyed this story, check out the 13 best weekender bags for travel, starting at just $43.

More from In The Know:

This air-circulating pedestal fan is so powerful that it feels like an AC — plus, it blows air in every direction

Want a Coach bag but don't have much to spend? These 13 affordable picks are all 70% off

The ultimate men's linen shop for summer — shorts, shirts, suits and more

This $10 shampoo is the industry's best-kept secret for curing bald spots and dryness: ‘It's a miracle, actually!’

Deformed hat brims are a vibe killer. These stay rock solid and are travel-friendly.

You’re welcome.

The plastic sandwich bags you’ve been using are not it.

Road trip season is here! Here's everything you’ll need to survive the long drive and hot weather.