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Say “Hello” to Ello Containers: 7 Reasons You Should Never Meal Prep Without Them

April 13, 2021 by Heather Garges Leave a Comment

Say “Hello” to Ello Containers: 7 Reasons You Should Never Meal Prep Without Them

Note: This post may contain affiliate links.

In October 2019, healthful eating became a major priority in my life and Ello containers quickly became the ultimate tool in implementing it… not right away though.

I started seeing a health coach, meeting twice a month. Who better than a certified health coach to know what to eat and when? I turned to Pinterest for recipes. Whom better than the masses to find what tastes good without first having to make what tastes bad? And I trusted myself with figuring out what to store my food in each week. Because who better to research and purchase the cutest (and most functional) meal prep storage system than a Type-A, organization lover?

When searching for the perfect “Meal Prep bowls,” I was met with a slue of glass or plastic varieties of the same color and size. All good and well, but I needed a clear, dividing detail to separate just another Manic Monday meal from Wednesday’s post-gym protein bowl.

cutting board with meal prep ingredients

Table of Contents

  • My Initial Criteria For the Perfect Meal Prep Bowl
  • It is Time to Say Ello to Your New Best Friend(s)
  • 1. Different Sizes
  • 2. Different Colors
    • Act of (Color) Kindness
  • 3. “Everything Tastes Better in Glass”
  • 4. Ello Containers are Leak (& Lose)-Proof
  • 5. Ello Containers Double as Baking Dishes
  • 6. Silicone Sleeve
  • 7. Ello Containers are Storage-Friendly
  • Sharing a More Organized, Intentional, Healthful Lifestyle
  • Comprehensive List of All The Ello Container Links Throughout this Post
    • You might also like…

My Initial Criteria For the Perfect Meal Prep Bowl

  • Individual Pops of Color
  • Made of Glass
  • Leak – Proof

You can imagine my surprise when all 3 “Must Have” criteria turned into 7 “How Would I Have Lived Without” upon searching and purchasing Ello brand containers. Sunday Meal Prepping has never been the same & neither will yours.

It is Time to Say Ello to Your New Best Friend(s)

GIF of the written word "Hello"

These are the 7 reasons you should never meal prep, or compartmentalizing food, without a proper “Ello” again

1. Different Sizes

The first 6 piece set I bought included their 3 most practical sizes for portioning out a work day’s meals. It came with a 3.4 cup, 1.75 cup, & 1 cup container (each with their own respective lid). At that time, I would use only these 3 sizes, portioning out my meals for the following day the night before. Here are some portioning ideas for your next meal prep with these sizes. Mix & match to make your perfect lunch:

  • 3.4 Cup
    • Mushroom, tomato, & kale salad w/ 1 cut orange
    • Mango salsa & pita chip crouton salad
  • 1.75 Cup
    • Cherry tomatoes & Cut, whole carrots (Wholly Guacamole (affiliate link) on the side)
    • Mango and Greek yogurt
    • 2 Pineapple rings
  • 1 Cup
    • 2 Breakfast egg cups, Pre-heat oven to 350, bake for 20-25 minutes & fill with whatever you want
    • Barbecue salmon
    • Blueberries and cottage cheese

Once I was sold on the 3 sizes I started with, I ventured into purchasing their other 3 sizes (as well as other colors in the same sizes I already owned).

GIF of the lunch bowl container getting filled with salad components

5.5 Cup Lunch Bowl Container: Perfect for Buddha bowls, salads, & leftover pasta

EXTRA FEATURE ALERT: This is their only container that has a domed lid. This extra room makes it perfect for shaking up ingredients

  • 5 Cups Food Storage Container: Perfect for storing bakes that will be separated into daily portions to bring to work or pack for kid’s lunches
  • Glass Baking Dish: Perfect for both baking desserts and dinners since it is more focused on flattened length then deepness.

2. Different Colors

I cannot tell you how many compliments I get within a few feet radius of the work mini fridge because of these little, glass powerhouses:

Those containers you bring are so cute.

The 3 colors you stacked today match so well.

I never saw that purple one. It is so bright.

It is so fun bringing a pop of color to their days.

stack of 5 colored meal prep containers

As of right now, there are 6 colors you can buy individually, varying in size, (while also making appearances throughout the meal prep sets)

  • Apricot – Orange (1 Cup)
  • Spring Green (1.7 Cups)
  • Antigua – Blue (3.4 Cups)
  • Red (3.4 Cups)
  • Midnight (5 Cups)
  • Glacier Blue (5 Cups)

Some containers don’t have individual color names due to the fact that the 6 to 10 piece set itself was named with a theme in mind. In which case they name the entire set based on the colors that are in it. I have a comprehensive list of their available sets and singles at the bottom of this page.

By purchasing these sets you are able to get a larger array of colors to organize the week into. By purchasing these sets you may also have doubles of some colors. For some, this may not bother them, but I was very sure of my desire to have all different colors with no repeats. Because of this, I came up with an “Act of Kindness” associated with the purchase of new color sets whenever they came out.

Act of (Color) Kindness

Upon opening my new containers, I keep the colors from the set that I don’t have in my collection and think of any of my friends or family who could benefit from having one or two containers (whether for just a salad at work) or to kick start their obsession with taking care of their eating habits and conscious decision making. Then, do the act. Try to make that person’s day.

me holding an ello container hat i gifted to a friend so she could use it while meal prepping

I drove to one of my girlfriend’s while she was at work and told her I thought she would appreciate this for packing her lunches. It was a win-win situation for both Hailey and me. I was able to keep my collection functional to my needs, we were happy to see each other (even if only briefly) during the work week, and she was eager to try a new tool in getting healthy.


3. “Everything Tastes Better in Glass”

Glass doesn’t “leach.” A term I’ve never known in regards to chemicals before looking for a good meal prep option. It means that, because glass is made out of natural materials, there is no fear of inorganic chemicals getting pulled into the liquids in your container when it is heated or cooled.

These 3 Meal Prep Ideas are no exception to that rule; everything really does taste better in glass:

  • Mahi Mahi, quinoa, & roasted brocolli
  • Cod, quinoa, & goat cheese taco bowls
  • Rosemary quinoa w/ lsauuteed onion and peppers, green beans, & lemon sockeye salmon

When food is heated or cooled in metal or plastic forms of storage, the most common complaint is food tasting like chemicals or tin afterwards. The beauty of glass is that you are tasting only the food you prepared.

An addition to the benefits of glass is that it doesn’t smell or stain. So load up on your heart (and taste bud’s) desire of red tomato sauce when packing your protein pasta.

4. Ello Containers are Leak (& Lose)-Proof

infographic of the benefits of ello containers

If this wasn’t a criteria for your container search, it’s probably because you thought it was a given. However, with Ello products it is a priority and an art. I say this because not only do they do the job of keeping the contents in it the container (not in the bottom of your lunch bag), it looks so good while doing it. The 4 locking tabs and rubber sealing band both match the color of the silicone sleeve on the base. This makes it easy to keep track of your collection’s matches.

The leak-proof capabilities also aid in stuffing your container wherever it can fit in the company fridge without fear of dressing Karen’s 6 pack of Dr. Pepper in your spicy red beans and basmati rice. “Nobody likes a lunch bag leak.” Whether placing it on its side or upside down, you can close the door knowing your lunch (and the Dr. P’s) are safe from intermingling.

5. Ello Containers Double as Baking Dishes

These products are both oven & microwave safe with the silicone sleeve (without the lid). These dishes (big or small) can withstand recipes that call for up to a 425 degree preheat.

all sizes of ello meal prep containers

6. Silicone Sleeve

This might be the single-handed, most defining feature of Ello containers for these reasons listed below:

  • Easy to pair color match lids
  • Doesn’t have to be taken off for any reason whatsoever: microwaving, cleaning, dish washing, or baking
  • Protects the glass from chips, scratches, and breaks
  • Allows for transfer directly from oven or microwave to a tabletop without fear of damage to receiving surface
  • Provides a no-slip grip

7. Ello Containers are Storage-Friendly

Every size container had storage functionality built right in. For example, if you have the 6 piece set with the three individual sizes; they perfectly within themselves. Then, just place each lid on top of the stacked pile from smallest to largest.

picture of meal prep containers stacked within each other for storage

Sharing a More Organized, Intentional, Healthful Lifestyle

I have been asked multiple times throughout my meal prep journey, whether in person or on social media, what containers I am using for organizing my week’s meals.

It took me no time to decide that I wanted to share a very in-dept review of my most used item when meal prepping on Saturdays or Sundays. These may be the first step in starting your healthful living jourey.

I am in love with these products and I know you will be too!

Comprehensive List of All The Ello Container Links Throughout this Post

  • 3 Pack, “Mixed Berry”
  • 3 Pack, “Multicolor”
  • Apricot – Orange (1 Cup)
  • Spring Green (1.7 Cups)
  • Antigua – Blue (3.4 Cups)
  • Red (3.4 Cups)
  • Midnight (5 Cups)
  • Glacier Blue (5 Cups)
  • 5.5 Cup Lunch Bowl Container
  • Quarts Bakeware Container

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Things I've learned from my 2nd ever flight: 1. T Things I've learned from my 2nd ever flight:

1. That not every airline has its own airport. I thought I was at an "American Airlines Airport" & it wasn't until I saw a large yellow airplane with the word "Spirit" on it that I realized my naivite. (Mashie & her whole fam got a real kick out of this realization) 😶‍🌫️

2. A carry on, personal item, & checked luggage is PLENTY of space for a 9 day trip (I felt a sigh of relief thinking of future vacas)

3. Cute sweat suits are the way to go both too & from your destination. So easy to quickly slip on & off the sweats / zip up depending on the temperature your headed into... and you just look plain adorable 🙆‍♀️

4. Global Entry & TSA pre-check is divine. It's a bitch to get it but it makes it so much quicker to get through the airport & book it home to my girl @Stitch_thebluefox 

5. THE BISCOFFS THEY GIVE YOU ARE DELISH! I HAD 8! 🍪

6. Don't watch a sad movie on the plane because you will be trying so hard to not be the "crying baby" that everyone so wishes they don't have on their flight & you'll get messy. ("Life of Pi" was my poison)

7. Check out the window every so often to catch the sun going down (or coming up) the horizon... Breathtaking 🌅

8. Eye mask. Bring one.

What I'd your fav "flight tip?" 🛩
Does anyone else get a 2nd wind on vacation just b Does anyone else get a 2nd wind on vacation just before your about to leave? 🥲

On the last night, we went to a Mexican restaurant where I was deemed "Senorita Grande" due to my height. After we sat down I asked for a shot of tequila and was given 2 because apparently if you are grande, you can drink grande.

The Sombreros were a nice touch 🥳

What a great last night of my first trip to Mexico ❤️
For those of you who don't know, this whole amazin For those of you who don't know, this whole amazing Mexico trip wasn't just a fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving, but was prompted by my friend Vika's destination wedding ✈️

Because we don't have the wedding pictures back yet, I'll tide you over with the pictures we got with the bride on the final 2 days of vaca when most of her guests have left and we had her all to ourselves 🤪

I can't wait to see the beauty (& chaos 🙆‍♀️) that was your wedding & reception in 3-4 months time 😶‍🌫️
Well, it didn't used to be "Always..." There used Well, it didn't used to be "Always..."

There used to be stipulations to my "Always."

1️⃣ Will I be back in my own bed at the end of the night?
2️⃣ Is the ride to & from the event not more than an hour & a half?

Okay, those were my main two 😶‍🌫️

Will I be home & will I be stuck in my head at night on the ride home?

I have what I call "Night time anxiety" where thoughts that could be motivating & non-threatening during the day could send me into a spiral at night 🌙

This was a huge concern of mine after being asked to be a bridesmaid in my friend Vika's wedding in Mexico for 9 days (I have never been out of the states before 🤯)

On March 7th of this year, I decided to finally start an anxiety / depression / OCD medication after 5 years of my PCP & 6 months of my therapist saying how it could really help with my overlow of strong emotions.

It has really helped. It took some time in the beginning, but now my stipulation-driven spontaneity has been flipped into a when-aligned "Always."

I'm really thankful for being open to taking chances that make adventures more possible for a wandering mind like mine.

Now my body can do a little more of that wandering for me 🥰
We were all so excited for the lazy river that we We were all so excited for the lazy river that we heard was going to be at the all-inclusive resort we'd be staying at 😃

... until we found out you needed your own tubes ... which none of us brought 😶‍🌫️

We still went down the river but by butts instead of body boats until the last day...

A woman stopped me & Mash on our way into the pool & said that she & her family are leaving & they didn't want to bring their tubes with them ✈️

Just like that we had 4 tubes to use on the lazy river on our last day ❤️

The coolest thing?

Once we got to live out our resort dreams, it was our time to leave.

I walked around the main pool & gave all 4 tubes to 4 different kids I saw playing by the shallow end.

They were all so happy & excited!

It was a full circle moment that was so heartwarming to be a part of 🥺🥰
If I'm gonna pay $4,347 pesos to get my hair & mak If I'm gonna pay $4,347 pesos to get my hair & makeup done for Vika & Jake's wedding, I'm going to repurpose my hair as LONG as I can 💁‍♀️
On Thanksgiving this year, I was the only contesta On Thanksgiving this year, I was the only contestant to knock down a target during a game at the main pool so I should have been the winner. However, the host of the target game decided to have a "Loser's Handicap," letting everyone have 1 more throw... at which point Canada won. 

At least I had the best dance moves, ay!
Maybe my fav morning from Mexico was this morning: Maybe my fav morning from Mexico was this morning:

🐚 Reading a spiritual book
📔 Self-awareness journaling
🌮 Authentic quesadillas
💦 Fresh water
☀️ Sunlight

If every morning could look like this, I would be one fulfilled girl 🥰 #Manifesting
But those harder days make the good days even bett But those harder days make the good days even better ❤️🥺
This vacation must have had astrologic signs that This vacation must have had astrologic signs that were ruled by feet & the tongue because they were used a lot (not at the same time)... unless it was my tongue & Mashie's foot. 

Uh, wait, stupid autocorrect! 😜
If I strengthened one part of my value system whil If I strengthened one part of my value system while on vacation in Mexico, it was this:

Animals bring me the closest to happiness, more than I ever thought ❤️

I've never been on this long of a vacation animals weren't a standard part of the environment.

Being in an all-inclusive resort for 9 days meant not seeing a single dog for 9 days 🐕

That was really hard for me.

I didn't realize how hard that was until I saw this cat on day 4 of our vacation.

I couldn't get enough. I think I spent 10 minutes with her the first time I met her.

To my surprise, this was her space & every day she would be on a different bench in this hall. 

I always needed to stop.

Even if it was about to start raining 🌧 

Even if we were already late to a reservation 🏃‍♀️

This cat (and all the other little critters running around) brought me SO much joy. 

Animals are a connection to my nirvana & after his trip I can NEVER take for granted the beautiful connection & purpose that animals bring to my life.

This realization became all the more clear when I watched "Life of Pi" on the airplane ride home (a story where a tiger is one of the 2 main characters) and I was inconsolably crying at any point that Richard Parker (the tiger) was on screen. 

I was in awe of his beauty, his instincts, his intensity, his trainabililty, & his drive to do what felt right for him (even in wake of leaving someone behind). That's what animals do to me as a whole. Fill me with so many emotions & bewilderment.

I am so thankful every day for every cat, dog, bunny, & bird that blesses my environment.

Thank you Mexico for bringing my purpose even closer to my heart & my smile even closer to my ears 🥺
He gave me a roach, so I gave him my heart ❤️ He gave me a roach, so I gave him my heart ❤️

A love story that took place at Halls of Horror (before I hit the electric chair for calling too many of the actors "daddy") 💀
Lots of puckered lips on the two-piggied petunia a Lots of puckered lips on the two-piggied petunia at the pumpkin patch 😘🎃
Carlin's 1st birthday party was an inner child hea Carlin's 1st birthday party was an inner child healing experience 🎠🧁🧼
I'm just as surprised as you guys that this was my I'm just as surprised as you guys that this was my first Ukrainian Festival seeing as though they had a painting of me 🙈

Major love for my Ukrainian's mommy's for always including me in their culture 💕
You may need one more than you know! My usual rou You may need one more than you know!

My usual routine is wake up, get ready for work, do my training lessons, head to my local coffee shop to work on the back end of my business, come home, work on keeping my apartment clean before going to bed and then repeating the next day ♻️

I never see anything wrong with it & generally love this routine but these past few days I've found myself slipping in 1 hour naps or leaving my coffee shop 3 hours earlier than usual to try a local Thai cuisine, or having a Pirates of the Caribbean marathon with my best friend 2 days in a row 🏴‍☠️

While these past few days have been so nice and relaxing (especially after having put up all of my Fall decorations), we still both felt guilty for not getting enough done or having the energy to. Despite this guilt, we let ourselves veg.

And guess what?

We woke up this morning with so much energy & excitement for the day (more than we would usually have if we would have just pushed through and kept going)!

We are currently back at our favorite coffee shop working on things that light us up. Then we'll go to Wegmans to shop for what we need for our Caramel Apple Cosmos & apple balsamic onion grilled cheese we'll be making for our Hocus Pocus Party tomorrow 🧙‍♀️

Again, just your friendly reminder to take breaks (even if it's 2, 3, or 4 days). You will feel so much better doing so!
When the doggie daycare babes get back together, t When the doggie daycare babes get back together, there's no telling which restaurant we'll design (or run into) in Sims 😉
Curly-Toed Curwin Girl is 1 years old ❤️ Plea Curly-Toed Curwin Girl is 1 years old ❤️

Please never lose your hilarious comedic timing ⬇️

Cheesy C has the funniest way of holding such a serious face throughout your whole production in front of her & then JUST when you are about to switch up your approach, your lips curl up & you brighten up our worlds 🌎 

I love you, ya silly turkey butt 🦃
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#carlin #curwin #turkeybutt #turkeybutts #cheesyc #niecelove #nieceslove #auntlifeisthebestlife #auntlife #auntlifebestlife #aunthippie #auntielife
I'm 2 months late to wishing my Petunia a happy 2n I'm 2 months late to wishing my Petunia a happy 2nd birthday 🙈

My itsy bitsy spider isn't so itsy anymore (scroll to see how she has grown in size & hair length 😭 - No more Dr. Evil baby 😉)

Here's hoping that in this next year you get a little less drooly & even more attached to your favorite Aunt 😎

I love you so much, Phoeberson 💕
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#goddaughters #goddaughterlove #goddaughtergoals #goddaughtersarethebest #aunthippie #petunia #petunias #petunialovers #Phoebe #phoeberson #niecelove #2ndbirthday #itsybitsyspider #fallbabypictures
To go from Hippie queen to driving my Uber's Tesla To go from Hippie queen to driving my Uber's Tesla Model 3 was definitley a culture shock ⏩️
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#philadelphiafolkfest #philadelphiafolkfestival #phillyfolkfest #phillyfolkfestival #phillyfolk #philadelphiafolk #philadelphiafolksongsociety #philadelphiafolksong #phillyfolksongsociety #oldpoolefarm #schwenksville #schwenksvillepa #keepcalmandfeston #communitysupport #communitylove #michaelfranti #michaelfrantiandspearhead #michaelfranticoncert #sayhey #sayheyiloveyou #teslamodel3 #teslamodels #teslamotors #teslauber #tesladriver #tesladriving #tesladrivinglessons #hippiequeen #hippiequeens #crystalcrown
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