5 great items for on-the-go meals

Dining out is fun, but regularly eating homemade meals can keep your wallet heavier and fuel your body with more nutritious foods. In a 2017 study, researchers linked eating home-cooked meals with a better quality diet.

You can’t exactly head to the fridge and whip up a nutrient-rich meal if you’re working from the office or out at the beach, though. Enter brown-bagging it. The practice of packing your own meal may feel like a grade-school throwback. However, it’s a way to fit in a home-cooked meal away from home.

If it’s been a while since you packed your own lunch, allow us to update you: The humble brown bag is something of a relic. These days, there are plenty of reusable options to cut down on your carbon footprint. There are also new ways to ensure your drink stays temperature-controlled. Consider these five items when you’re eating on the fly.

Modetro Ultra Slim Leak Proof Bento Box

They say variety is the spice of life, and this bento box from Modetro makes it easy to have a full meal. The three compartments allow you to separate food, such as salad in one compartment, dressing in another, and some fruit in the third. The ultra-slim box also fits easily in a backpack or laptop bag, so bringing it to work won’t weigh you down.

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Cooler Shock Ice Packs For Coolers - Thin, Reusable, Long Lasting - Freezer Ice Pack Set For Bags, Insulated Totes - Stays at 18-Degree F

If you’re packing perishables, you’ll want to ensure they stay cool until you’re ready to eat. These Cooler Shock ice packs are built to, and previous reviewers on Amazon swear they keep food cold — and even frozen when desired — in piping-hot weather. They’re perfect for lunch days and beach days.

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Neoprene Glass Water Bottle Sleeves Holders

Food isn’t the only item you need to keep temperature controlled. You may be toting along a beverage, too. These colorful Otis Classic insulated sleeve holders will ensure your coffee stays hot and your water stays cool. They’re stylish to boot, coming in colors like hot pink, purple, and a more muted gray. The sleeves also protect your bottle from getting scuffed up during your adventures or commute and are anti-slip, so you’ll be less likely to drop your coffee mid-sip.

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Pour Over Coffee Travel Mug

Ditch the $5 cappuccino and enjoy your own beverage on the go. This pour-over coffee mug isn’t your average tumbler, though. You can add ground coffee to the mesh filter, pour hot water, and watch as your cup-of-joe brews. The durable mug travels well — take it to work, on hikes, or camping so you can kickstart your mornings in a delicious fashion.

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Wise Owl Outfitters Backpack Cooler - Insulated, Leakproof & Waterproof Cooler Bag for Camping, Kayak, Hiking, Picnic and Beach - 30L (Blue)

Warm days call for outdoor adventures and plenty of heat that can cause food to spoil. A durable cooler can keep food cool and dry, regardless of where your day takes you. Owl Outfitters’ cooler comes with a strap, making it easier to carry than those old box coolers people used to lug to picnics. It’s larger than a lunchbox, though, and can fit up to 24 cans with ice. The cooler is durable, waterproof, and keeps food ice-cold.

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Eating on the go doesn’t always have to involve takeout. Instead, you can brown-bag it using more modern products. Indulging in homemade meals is typically a healthier way to fuel your body. You can nix added salt, sugar, and grease. It can also save you money, though you’ll want to invest in some reusable products to keep your food at the right temperature and from spilling. Bento boxes can separate items like dressings, and coolers are ideal for adventures. Travel mugs, bottle sleeves, and ice packs can ensure your food and drink keep until you’re ready to dig in or drink up.