Meal prep bloggers and ADHD coaches share the best budget-friendly products if you want to get started with this healthy habit.
1. One-compartment glass containers with easy, press-on lids

For both ingredient storage and something you can throw in a lunch bag, Moncel, Stinson and Lewis suggest one-compartment glass containers with easy lids. “The simple lids don’t have any latches or valves so there is less to break,” Moncel said. “The single compartment is super versatile and the containers are very durable.”
While you may want a set of same-sized containers for daily lunch, Stinson notes that getting a set of different-sized containers is ideal for storing prepped ingredients in the fridge. “I’d recommend buying one set, and then investing in a second if you find you need to,” Stinson said. “It’s best to make sure you’ll actually stick to meal prep first!”
And for those who forget what’s in the fridge, Lewis says clear containers that stack easily may help you better see the food you have. “It’s easier to make on-the-spot decisions when you’re starving if you can see your options,” Lewis said. “Anything hidden in a drawer inevitably rots, ugh.”
2. A colorful, fun container you’ll actually want to use

While it may sound silly, Sinfield suggests shopping around for a container you really like. Whether that’s because of the material, color or shape, it all goes back to motivation. “Using a container you love often increases your desire to want to do meal prep,” Sinfield said. “If you get excited about a jar and the way your salad looks in the jar, that’s an important consideration.”
This plastic container comes in three animal shapes, including this cute bulldog seen.
3. Easy grocery store containers

“Those blue-top Ziploc reusable containers are a great starter option for meal prep,” Moncel said. “They’re inexpensive, come in many shapes and sizes and they’re freezer- and dishwasher-safe. It’s simple, inexpensive and reusable.”
Lewis agreed, noting that freezing food can be a really great tool for adults with ADHD. On weeks you get into a cooking rhythm, you can make extra food and freeze it for weeks you don’t have time or energy to cook.
4. Cheap, microwave-safe plastic containers in bulk

To set yourself up for success, Sinfield suggests finding containers that are in your budget and getting a bunch of them. “That way, you’re all set and not waiting for containers to come out of the dishwasher,” she said. Having a surplus of containers takes away the “I have no clean containers” barrier of meal prep. “People with ADHD don’t like washing, and hand-wash-only things can stack up pretty quickly!” she said.
Additionally, getting containers that you can throw in the microwave saves you from using extra plates or pots to heat your food up.
Get a set of 50 microwaveable containers from Amazon for $32.99.
5. Hot and cold insulated containers for temperature control

If you don’t have access to a microwave or fridge at work or when you’re on the go, Sinfield suggests insulated food containers. If you tend to be picky with food temperatures (i.e., you don’t like to eat cold leftovers), this can help you want to eat the food you’ve packed with you, instead of going for takeout.
Get this 15-ounce vacuum-insulated Thermos container from Amazon for $21.99.
6. Reusable silicone plastic baggies

For Stinson, reusable food bags are a meal prep favorite. Reusable means limiting your use of one-use plastics, but it also means you don’t have to remember to get sandwich bags every week.
“They are great for storing soups and stews in the freezer, along with any prepped ingredients you would normally put in a Ziploc bag,” she said. “They are one of the top ways I save space in my fridge and freezer. They’re microwave-, oven- and dishwasher-safe. I can’t recommend them enough.”
Get a set of four 12-ounce silicone bags from Amazon for $36.
7. Glass Mason jars

If you secretly want to look like a meal prep influencer, look no further. In all seriousness, Stinton says Mason jars are budget-friendly and super versatile. That’s probably why so many bloggers use them. “Mason jars are other cost-effective containers that I use primarily for salads or bowls,” Stinson said. “You add the sauce and protein to the bottom, then veggies on top. Your food will stay fresh for days, and they save room in your fridge, too. Again, they’re dishwasher- and microwave-safe to make your life easier.”
8. Locking-lid stacking containers in the same size

For those prone to spilling, Sinfield suggests lock-lid, leak-proof containers. For extra organization, get packs of the same size containers to help you sort everything in the fridge.
“Get all the same size, according to the main dish and what side(s) you plan—for example, five for your sandwich or leftovers, and five smaller ones for berries for dessert,” she said.
These are microwave and freezer-safe.
9. A slow or pressure cooker insert that can fit in your fridge

Lewis’ best meal prep storage hack? Skipping containers altogether. “If I make something in the Instant Pot or Crock-Pot, I put a lid over it after it cools and store it in the pot,” she said. From stew to rice to meatloaf, make a week’s worth in the pot and take portions out when you’re ready to eat.
10. Multi-compartment Bento boxes

If you’re a tapas lover or prefer meals comprised of all different things, Stinton and Sinfield suggest Bento boxes or containers with little sections. These can help you get into an assembly line mode, where you prep lunch or snacks for the week. Instead of trying to find all the things you need the moment you’re super hungry, you can scoop out dips or peanut butter for the week, all at once.
“This way you can take a variety of things with you,” Stinton said. “This also works well if you are someone who gets overwhelmed by large quantities of food; you’re able to say, ‘OK I’ll take a few carrots, a few of this, a few of that.'”
This 37-ounce rectangular container comes with a spoon and fork.
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