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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

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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Happy birthday to not only my baby sister but also Happy birthday to not only my baby sister but also one of my best f•r•i•e•n•d•s 👭

I didn't mean for this to be the 2nd themed surprise party for you with a "Friends" theme (the first being your bridal shower), but when I found out about "The Friends Experience" taking place in the King of Prussia mall during your birthday month, I knew you'd allow for an exception 🙈

We all had so much fun spoiling you & reenacting iconic scenes from your favorite show 😍

I love you so much & thank you for being my lobster 🦞
When it comes to habits, I have always been a bit When it comes to habits, I have always been a bit of a hardcore girlie 💥

I would decide I want better habits one night, and then the next morning, I would wake up at 6 AM, make a protein smoothie, get in workout clothes, go to the gym, etc. 

I could maintain this for about a month, and then something would throw it off, like getting sick or going on vacation & then having a hard time starting up again.

Why? 

Because I didn't pace myself.

I know this is a pain point for my training clients as well, which is why I created my training package to trickle out material, build foundational change, and add on weekly.

I help owners flourish with slow, steady, positive change & was expecting overnight miracles from myself. #MajorOlderSisterVibes 😶‍🌫️

This past month is the first time I think I have ever given myself the grace to build habits slowly (even if that means seeing results less quickly in the name of foundation forming first).

The first 3 weeks all I focused on was waking up at 7:15 every day, going on a 2-mile walk, and washing my face 🫧

Then last week, I brought the wake-up time down to 6:45, as well as reading 20 pages of whatever personal development book I'm currently reading and making a hearty breakfast 🍳

2 weeks from now I'll bring my wake up time down to 6:15 (I'm trying to be a part of the 5 AM club) and see what I have time to add into my morning routine then 🙈

I can feel the difference this time around with changing my habits because I'm not treating it like a race to the finish line 🏁

It's a journey. There is no need to rush all the good parts 🥰

🎨 = @morganharpernichols
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Wine & coochie board with MY GIRLS... Oh, and Ody Wine & coochie board with MY GIRLS... Oh, and Ody 🐾 Oh, and also Everett 👶 Oh, and almost forget Matt 🙆 

Ended the night with some midnight, outdoor cuddles & some riveting conversations that really bit my ear off & removed a rib or two 🍖
"This is probably the only time I'll be able to sa "This is probably the only time I'll be able to say this, but today, we are drinking for a cure" 💜
Would you "Add to Cart" or help a sista "Out of Ca Would you "Add to Cart" or help a sista "Out of Cart?" 🛒🤭
Happy belated 37th birthday to this old man who lo Happy belated 37th birthday to this old man who loves old cars & old tricks - that he won't show @mnorman4 btw 🌼

I'm sorry that I bite you, but it means that I love you. Happy birthday, broccoli bro 🥦
Yesterday, I woke up to my @ouraring telling me th Yesterday, I woke up to my @ouraring telling me that my readiness score was an 81 (Good), but the heading underneath it was "Feeling alright?" followed by "Your body temperature is higher than usual. If you're feeling low on energy, don't push yourself too hard today."

Before going full time as the owner of @handfulofleashes I would work 12 hour days, multiple days a week, at my old job, and then leave just to work my business right after. I was sick for a week out of the month every single month. I pushed myself past what my body could handle to get where I am now. 

But what's beautiful in having that previously lived experience? Realizing that it may have been "necessary" then, but is not desired now.

When my Oura ring informed me of this, I decided:

🚫 I wouldn't get up at my usual 7 AM alarm clock (I'll be in the 5 AM club with you soon @shelbysacco5 ) but I would keep drinking the glass of water by my bed

🚫 I wouldn't go for my 2 mile AM walk, but I'll keep taking my supplements

🚫 I wouldn't work on any computer work, but would have a "The Fosters" marathon with @briannasturges

Oddly enough, I measured these past 2 days with huge amounts of success because of the balance I struck with myself to get me back to tip-top shape quicker.

I woke up this morning to an 82 (Good) as my readiness score (only 1 point higher) but with the heading "Signs of Recovery" followed by "Your resting heart rate indicates that your body and mind are getting the rest they need. To support your recovery, keep making time for things that help you relax and recharge." 🔋

Whereas I used to be sick a week out of every month while "Doing it all and never stopping," I now only had 2 days in the last few months where I allowed my success to be measured by "Recovering" instead of "Results."

I'm so thankful for all my body allows me to do. I'm glad I could show her that these past few days with some couch time and early bedtimes 🌙

🎨 = @oliviaherrickdesign
I did a "breath in, breath out" mediation & was as I did a "breath in, breath out" mediation & was asked to look into myself to see what my body, heart, & spirit needs in this season & here's what came up for me:

🤲 Body - Relaxation & Nourishment

🩷 Heart - Courage & Spontaneity

🌻 Spirit - Variability & Movement

How cool is it that we get to live a life aligned with our own desires ✨️ #AtPeace
Take a gander with some geese, push a redhead up a Take a gander with some geese, push a redhead up against a castle, & kiss some cheeks... that's how Vika wanted to spend her b-day (and honestly, I don't know who enjoyed it more 😉)

Happiest of birthdays to my giggly, kind, & rather fine kukenchik, Vika. I love you 🩷
“’If you stay in the moment, you’ll have wha “’If you stay in the moment, you’ll have what is called spontaneous right action, which is intuitive, which is creative, which is visionary, which eavesdrop on the mind of the universe" 🌌✨️
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What a beautiful day to say "Wee Wee Wee, drink st What a beautiful day to say "Wee Wee Wee, drink starbies & have Phoebe's physical therapy 🏰
The last of my brother-in-laws siblings got marrie The last of my brother-in-laws siblings got married (Congrats, Danielle & Ryan 🥳). Now we'll have to find new ways to throw ragers that don't include tying the knot 🎀
Today, I was going to finish up at the chiropracto Today, I was going to finish up at the chiropractor & with my 1 training lesson and use the majority of this "day off" working on my to-dos ✅️

I work on my to-dos every day. I have made a "recurring to-dos" Notion doc that auto populates all of my to-dos so I don't have to remember them. They just re-show up on my to-do list when they are due again.

Nice, right? 😎

In most cases, it's great! I love checking things off my to-do lists, habit stacking by listening to my fav podcasts, etc.

BUT I tend to put the enjoyment of checking things off a seemingly neverending, always re-populating to-do list over the enjoyment of where I am now (or where I could be) if I let my to-do take a back seat on 72 degree April days 🌞 

For that reason, when my sister asked me to go for a car ride with her & go to my goddaughters physical therapy at Kids Castle, I said "Yes" happily.

I love my hyper-diligence. It's what has made so many of my goals possible, but as ever, "balance" is the secret sauce of life 🩷

How are you enjoying where you are now? 

🎨 = @luna_design_co
Pups & piercings: a great way to spend a random Th Pups & piercings: a great way to spend a random Thursday night with my Applebebe's 🐝
Whenever Dory comes home from Florida, you bet we Whenever Dory comes home from Florida, you bet we are getting margs or getting down (whether its because of our kitty cat claws in Margaritas or because "they turn the lights down" in Dtown)🍹

Miss you already, Judy Garland 👩‍🦰
Last Happy, Sappy, Hippie birthday post... and it' Last Happy, Sappy, Hippie birthday post... and it's probably the most important ✨️

Words can not describe how lucky I am to have been able to spend yet another year with my best girls 🩷

These ladies spoil me endlessly & I'm so unbelievably grateful for their beautiful souls, giving personalities, (& sexy bods 🤪)

Special thanks to Mash for doing a toast (she knows my love language is "Words of Affirmation" 🙉) & making me want to ooze all over the floor in a puddle of love 🥰

Thank you, ladies, for throwing me the best Hippie themed 28th birthday party EVER ☮️

I love you all from the bottom of my heart 🥹
To the decor crew: how you managed to turn my apar To the decor crew: how you managed to turn my apartment into a Hippie haven in less than 3 hours is beside me 😭

Brianna, Hailey, Jasper, Josh, & Kristen - you are such a dynamic crew.

Watching all the videos Brianna took while y'all were setting up made my heart melt with gratitude watching my favorite people work so well together 🫠

P.S. It's been 2 weeks since my birthday & ALL the decor is still up 🩷
The pictures I'm putting in an envelope & sending The pictures I'm putting in an envelope & sending to "30." Maybe if they like what they see, they'll let me stay 28 forever? 🤪 // Especially the last one 🍑

28 & feeling great... quite groovy, actually ☮️
So... "Surprised" was an understatement 😳 I mov So... "Surprised" was an understatement 😳 I moved through the whole gambit of emotions here, folks... 

Making guesses that seem logical ⬇️

Pumping myself up for a night of dancing ⬇️

Getting taken to a reservation at Stella's in New Hope (I was confused but VERY PLEASED) ⬇️

Coming home after an already amazing day to a completely unexpected surprise, Hippie Themed Birthday Party ✨️

So again, I say, surprised was an understatement 🫣
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