If you equate Tupperware with tired leftovers, allow us to change all that. Spending Sunday night batch prepping a week’s worth of food is no longer just a ritual for bodybuilders and health food fanatics. Meal prep is having a moment. And the #tupplife movement (yup, that’s a thing) is looking more appetizing than ever. Don’t believe us? We’ve got 21 pics straight from Instagram, showing just how epic the planning can get. Scroll through for all kinds of #mealprepporn inspiration — from a foodie’s take on crockpot chicken (hello, tacos for days) to plastic container formations of Guinness Book of World Records proportions. And for more tips to meal prep like a pro, head here.
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21 Meal Prep Pics to Inspire You to Eat Clean
1. @floordeboor
Allow this meal prep maven to help you rethink your nutrition game. On tap for this week: PB and berry overnight oats for breakfast, salmon and veggies for lunch, then meatloaf, rice and broccoli for dinner (and don’t forget the fresh fruits and veggies for snacks). That’s 1,650 calories a day, this “Dutchie getting fit” estimates.
2. @annietarasova
You heard it here first: Pre-prepped food can be oh-so-pretty. Take a cue from this vegan foodie, whose typical “uni lunch” includes bamboo-infused rice salad, fresh-cut strawberries and mangoes, plus an antioxidant-rich batch of berry tea. Favorite new lunch buddy, confirmed.
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3. fitmencook
According to this clean eating boss, “#TuppLife is all about being prepared!” Cod plus mediterranean quinoa means healthy eats for the week, especially with this blogger’s jam-packed travel schedule ahead. Time to recalibrate our squad goals — by breaking out these black reusable containers and the kitchen scale.
4. welovecleanfood
Chocolate coconut protein bars…You have our undivided attention. Skip the pitstop at GNC. Making your own homemade protein bars over the weekend will be the best thing you do for yourself this week.
5. @squirrel_kitchen
A rainbow of bagged veggies is a pot of gold for the time-pressed chef! Instead of whipping out the cutting board every night, minimize time in the kitchen by getting all your produce washed, chopped, sliced and ready to go. “With this technique, I only have to choose a protein and I have a meal ready in no time,” says the blogger behind A Squirrel in the Kitchen.
RELATED: 9 Easy Overnight Oats Recipes
6. @kobutachan531
Mason jar salads, FTW. This Japanese food photog’s masterpieces will inspire you to create a feast for the eyes — and the belly. First stop, farmer’s market.
7. @thadeus_jr
Beware of protein fatigue by alternating your favorites throughout the week. Ground beef taco meat followed up by fragrant grilled chicken will stave off taste bud boredom. When you’ve committed to counting macros, it’s the little things.
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8. @pbfingers
Real talk: Sunday meal prep is “the only way I’ve been able to avoid cereal for dinner most nights,” says Julie Fagan, fitness instructor and PB Fingers blogger. Hard-boiled eggs, homemade almond butter, sweet potato hash — all great make-ahead ideas (though we don’t recommend eating them together!).
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9. @noraminnord
Leave it to RD and DailyBurn Fitness/Nutrition Coach Nora Minno to practice what she preaches. Healthier swaps in her kitchen means choosing spaghetti squash instead of empty carbs. “One cup of this nutrient-rich vegetable contains only 31 calories as opposed to 220 calories in one cup of regular spaghetti,” she says. Not sure what to do with a week’s worth? Try this Spaghetti Squash Recipe with Chickpea Tomato Sauce.
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10. @paleofortwo
Maybe you’ve hopped on the paleo bandwagon, or you’re giving the Whole 30 diet a whirl. But that doesn’t mean your breakfast needs to be boring. This one combines baby spinach, bell peppers, a hard-boiled egg and mini turkey meatballs in durable glass containers. Caveman approved.
11. @dannysfitfood
Here’s proof from one fitness-loving foodie that variety can in fact fit your macros. Beets, olives, berries and greens? BRB we’re re-writing our grocery list.
12. @fitnesscherry
Scrambled eggs or egg whites, plus your favorite proteins and veggies — baked to perfection in 20 minutes or less. What more could a meal prepper ask for? We strongly recommend kicking off your week with one of these 10 Healthy Egg Muffin Recipes.
RELATED: 16 Brilliant New Uses for Your Muffin Tin
13. @mealplanmagic
#MealPrepPorn at its best. (Seriously, you’ll want to follow this feed!) When motivation wanes, feast your eyes on mouthwatering ‘grams like these. We’re thinking Taco Tuesday, every day of the week.
14. fitfoodiefinds
Need one more taco option? How about this Crock-Pot chicken recipe from meal prep master Lee Hersh. While you’re at it…here are 9 more slow-cooker recipes you’ll want to bookmark for a rainy day.
15. @mealprepmondays
Freezer-safe plastic containers filled with fresh-cut fruit means you’re smoothie-ready, any day of the week. Add a couple scoops of protein powder, a splash of almond milk and blend. Your morning just got berry delicious.
RELATED: 13 Quick and Easy Protein Shake Recipes
16. @nmcleoddd
And the win for straight-up commitment goes to…this personal trainer, who preps 20 meals in one go. If there’s a world record for most prepped-out Tupperware, we’re thinking this is it.
17. @fitchickscook
Mason jars, snack containers and Ziploc baggies. No transportation method goes untouched in this high-functioning meal prep kitchen. We’ll take four of everything, thanks.
18. @fabbylousness
Meat and potatoes will get old — fast. That’s why this self-described “lazy cook” comes up with creative new takes on lunchtime classics. Turkey sammy rut? Try these turkey bacon enoki rolls.
19. @foodprepprincess
Food Prep Princess, allow us to take a whirl through your picture-perfect meal prep world. The fitness and nutrition coach’s motto: “Let your food work for you…It’s not hard, just takes practice!” Preparation plus dedication equals happily ever after.
RELATED: 10 Healthy Ways to Get on the Egg Muffins Trend
20. @theleangreenbean
Sweet potato bites, homemade guac…this CrossFit-loving RD knows the way to our hearts. Follow her feed for a behind-the-scenes look at the gorgeous (and healthy!) recipes she posts to her blog, The Lean Green Bean.
21. @nomnompaleo
OK, so maybe by now you’re tired of plastics. Don’t let that be your excuse, though. Take your prep game up a notch with one of these stainless steel containers from LunchBots. After all, sticking with food prep helps when your lunch box makes you smile.
RELATED: 8 Next-Level Lunch Boxes That Make Meal Prep Easy
BONUS! @jujimufu
We can’t make any promises, but side effects of extreme prepping can look something like THIS. If you, too, are a Michelangelo of meal prep, show us your pics in the comments below!
Originally published October 2015. Updated May 2017.
