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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to think batch cooking is a bit soulless?

214 replies

iCod · 06/09/2025 19:12

I get the logistics practicality, time saving etc ...
but apart from that (!) when you see the sad plastic boxes it seems to reduce food to fuel rather than joy

I prob am unreasonable, obseity prob etc but YANNOW

OP posts:
AnneLovesGilbert · 06/09/2025 19:25

When I used to work in an office I batch cooked lunches and saw it the opposite way, I invested time in advance so I knew I’d have something really nice, well made, healthy, filling and available quickly when I had time to eat it.

InterestedDad37 · 06/09/2025 19:24

iCod · 06/09/2025 19:21

I just think they look SAD

Present it nicely, and that disappears 😋
I'm about to have something I cooked a month ago. It'll be presented properly, on a plate, with loads of fresh veg.
Eat it out of the tub, and yeah, it's soulless 👍

notacooldad · 06/09/2025 19:24

Im not getting you op, sorry.
When my little box comes out of the freezer and once heated up all I have to do is add cheese or avocado slices or something and some salad and that gives me joy!

Surroundedbyfools · 06/09/2025 19:23

I don’t batch cook as I don’t have the time to and I hate cooking to begin with so so the thought of standing doing it for hours while 2 toddlers scream and smash kitchen cupboard doors n drawers off my legs so I can enjoy a week of reheats doesn’t really inspire me

iCod · 06/09/2025 19:22

haha @MidnightPatrol same

No tubs

OP posts:
iCod · 06/09/2025 19:21

noworklifebalance · 06/09/2025 19:18

Reframe it OP - see it has a delicious dinner waiting for you and more time in the evening after work.

I just think they look SAD

OP posts:
TrousersOfTime · 06/09/2025 19:21

I can't eat gluten. Batch cooking is essential for me - if I don't batch cook, the available choices for a quick meal when out and about/busy/at work are pretty dire (and often insanely pricey)...whereas if I batch cook, I always have something I actually enjoy eating available!

noworklifebalance · 06/09/2025 19:18

Reframe it OP - see it has a delicious dinner waiting for you and more time in the evening after work.

MidnightPatrol · 06/09/2025 19:17

OP I deal with this by just making too much of meals, so there’s always leftovers.

Reduces overall cooking, healthy meal for lunch the next day, not too much repetition.

iCod · 06/09/2025 19:16

yes i agree about shit tired food choices.
I don't have takeaways more than twice a year as I always prefer egg and chips LOL

Maybe its the TUBS

OP posts:
MidnightPatrol · 06/09/2025 19:16

Snorlaxo · 06/09/2025 19:14

My lunchtime at work is about satiating hunger and not joy.

Ah this is just now how some of our brains approach food!

Snorlaxo · 06/09/2025 19:15

travailtotravel · 06/09/2025 19:13

Yeah but it means I get a delicious calorie counted dinner on nights there's no time or will to cook ... so overall a win.

This too.
My meal preps are often healthier than the convenience food I’d reach for because of tiredness.

Snorlaxo · 06/09/2025 19:14

My lunchtime at work is about satiating hunger and not joy.

travailtotravel · 06/09/2025 19:13

Yeah but it means I get a delicious calorie counted dinner on nights there's no time or will to cook ... so overall a win.

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