If you’re tired of dropping $15 a day on soggy sandwiches or mystery takeout, this cookbook could be exactly what you need. The Workweek Lunch Cookbook: Easy, Delicious Meals to Meal Prep, Pack and Take On the Go by Talia Koren isn’t trying to impress you with gourmet fluff. It’s built for real life, messy schedules, short lunch breaks, and zero interest in cooking every single day.
Who’s Talia Koren?
Talia Koren runs the Workweek Lunch meal prep platform, and this cookbook is an extension of her mission, helping busy people eat better without spending their whole weekend in the kitchen. She’s not a trained chef. That’s a good thing. She’s one of us, and her recipes reflect that.
What This Book Does Right
1. Recipes That Actually Hold Up
There’s nothing worse than meal-prepping five lunches that turn into fridge mush by Wednesday. Koren avoids that. These meals stay fresh, and their textures remain intact. Recipes like:
- Italian Turkey Meatball Orzo
- Chicken Banh Mi–Inspired Wraps
- Kimchi Mushroom Quesadillas
…aren’t just tasty, they reheat well or don’t need reheating at all.
2. Flexible for Real Life
Don’t have a microwave? No problem. Plenty of recipes are grab-and-go friendly. Vegetarian? There are solid meat-free options that don’t taste like cardboard. Working long shifts or commuting? These meals are designed for your convenience.
3. Meal Prep Without the Stress
You’re not stuck in the kitchen all weekend. Most of these meals can be knocked out in a couple of hours. Storage tips and reheating instructions are clear. Bonus: Koren even suggests remixing leftovers so your lunch doesn’t feel like Groundhog Day.
4. Budget-Friendly Without Being Bland
Let’s be honest, ordering out adds up. Prepping these meals means you’re saving serious cash and eating better food. And you won’t be stuck with rice and broccoli on repeat.
What Could Be Better
1. Prep Times Are… Optimistic
Unless you’re a food prep ninja, add 10–15 minutes to the listed time. There’s chopping. There’s cleanup. Koren doesn’t sugarcoat the method, but the time estimates are a bit ambitious.
2. Legume Overload
If you’re not into beans or chickpeas, or you have allergies, you’ll need to swap ingredients in several recipes. Koren leans on legumes a lot. It’s not a dealbreaker, but you’ll notice it.
Standout Recipes Worth Trying First
- Italian Turkey Meatball Orzo – Filling, flavorful, and reheats perfectly.
- Kimchi Mushroom Quesadillas – Weird combo that somehow works.
- Chicken Banh Mi–Inspired Wraps – Fresh, tangy, and no sogginess on Day 3.
Who This Book Is Perfect For
- People working 9–5 who want healthy meals that travel well
- College students with a mini fridge and zero interest in dining hall slop
- Remote workers trying to break the Uber Eats habit
- Meal prep beginners who want structure without being overwhelmed
My Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Yes. The Workweek Lunch Cookbook is one of the few meal prep books that respects your time, your budget, and your taste buds. It’s not trying to win a Michelin star. It’s here to help you stop skipping lunch or eating junk. Minor flaws aside, it’s a solid guide that makes weekly prep feel manageable and even enjoyable. It’s available online at Amazon in Paperback and Kindle.
Final Call
If you want to stop stressing about lunch and start eating like someone who has their life together, without spending hours every night cooking, grab this cookbook. You won’t regret it.