As our goal is to make readers aware of the importance of taking good care of their health, let’s talk about nutritious meals. Between having lunch at a restaurant, buying ready-made lunch boxes, plastic box (กล่องพลาสติกใส่ของ which is the term in Thai) and taking lunch from home, the last option is the best, say, nutritionists. In addition to being more economical, it is much healthier.

When we eat the food we prepare, we know how much fat (and its quality) and salt is used in its preparation. We will have control over hygiene and its packaging, making it a safer option. Since taking lunch from home is the best option, some essential details should be noted:

1) The Type Of Container Used

See the most recommended:

Simple plastic pots (or lunchboxes) transport cold food and salads.

Glass jars with lid: for hot or cold food. They are the most recommended by nutritionists, as they can go straight to the conventional or microwave oven and are easier to sanitize.

Thermal lunchboxes: ideal for hot food.

Thermal bags: where plastic or glass pots can be stored.

2) Sanitation Of The Container

For the container to be sterilized, you need to sanitize it properly. See how to do it:

1. a) Remove leftover food.
2. b) Wash it well with water and neutral detergent, using the soft side of the sponge. Try not to scratch it from the inside to avoid the accumulation of particles in the grooves.
3. c) Rinse very well and dry.
4. d) Pass alcohol, let it evaporate, and keep it covered.

3) How To Pack The Food

The rule is simple: hot foods should be placed in thermal lunchboxes and glass jars; frozen foods in plastic and glass jars inside thermal bags. Place the portions of each food separately on the dividers. Avoid fried foods, which do not go down well after reheating. Milk-based sauces should not be taken on the go as they go sour quickly.

Salads should be taken in a separate container, away from the steam of hot foods. And they should be seasoned only at the time they are ingested.

4) Maximum Time Out Of The Fridge

Ready-to-eat food can only be left out of the fridge for an hour without risking contamination by bacteria. Therefore, you will only be able to take your food without thermal protection if you are within an hour of your destination. Lunchboxes and thermal bags protect food for up to three hours. Ideally, as soon as you arrive at your destination, put it in the fridge or consume it immediately. When heating food in the microwave oven, place it on suitable plates unless it is already in a glass jar. Never heat it in plastic pots. Some of them release toxins at high temperatures.

You will only be able to take ready-to-eat food on short trips. If you think the travel time will exceed three hours, buy the food when you arrive at your destination. Or, take other types of food, as healthy as they are, and that do not spoil easily, such as fresh, dehydrated, or oilseed fruits; whole-grain bread and cereals; box juices; etc.