Meal planning: how to take food to the office or university without losing quality?

Organizing snacks and wholesome lunches away from home eliminates the need to buy random fast food or spend money on lunch specials. The basis of a successful takeout diet is proper equipment. Get a quality lunch box with multiple compartments or a set of airtight containers that won't leak in your bag. A food thermos is a great investment if you love hot soups or porridges in the middle of the working day.

The secret to keeping dishes fresh lies in separating the ingredients. Never dress a salad with sauce in advance, otherwise the leaves will wilt and the vegetables will release water. Take the dressing in a small separate bottle and add it right before eating. The same goes for side dishes and meat: if you put a wet sauce next to dry rice in the morning, the texture of the dish will be hopelessly ruined by lunchtime.

Variety in your diet at work helps maintain high energy levels throughout the day. Instead of monotonous lunches of buckwheat and chicken, plan your menu so that the dishes alternate. For example, on Monday it could be quinoa with baked fish and vegetables, on Tuesday a whole grain wrap with turkey and fresh herbs, and on Wednesday a hearty salad with chickpeas and avocado.