☀️ Power Through Your Afternoon
Your midday meal is crucial—it needs to energize without causing that dreaded afternoon slump. This satisfying lunch recipe is specifically designed to keep you alert, focused, and productive throughout your busy day. Perfect for meal prep, office lunches, or working from home, this recipe balances energy-sustaining nutrients with delicious flavors. Say goodbye to vending machine snacks and hello to sustained energy and mental clarity!
💼 The Ultimate Work Lunch
This video will show you how to make easy and healthy rice cooker Japanese Meal prep!! These recipes are quite useful for people who have busy lifestyle, or not willing to spend much time and money for cooking👍
👉Subtitle is available
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🍚Ingredients list is in individual recipe video:
Chicken Bento: https://youtu.be/92PzHR_-NB4
Salmon Bento: https://youtu.be/0D0oYM2FQkE
Pork Bento: https://youtu.be/FQ8bJxBCsB0
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🎥Rice cooker recipes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpdhLra5W3waP9SnO0DXskC38k1npmn_E
Healthy / Meal prep Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpdhLra5W3wa9CWY8fHGv2_7ZxivHulA_
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🍙 FAQ about the ingredients: https://www.chefslabo.com/general-7
FAQ examples:
-What is kombu?
-How much dashi powder should I use?
-Which brand of soy sauce should I buy?
-Is there any substitute of sake, mirin, kombu?
-Some Miso has different colour. Which one should I buy?
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(Chapter)
0:00 Chicken Bento
5:51 Salmon Bento
12:01 Pork Bento
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If you could learn something from this video, please hit the 👍 button!!
And consider supporting me!! That helps me to keep going!!
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🧑🍳About me: https://www.chefslabo.com/about-the-chef
💻 Website (Recipe blog): https://www.chefslabo.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefslabo/?hl=ja
🛍️CHEF’S LABO Original Unisex Full zip Hoodie
https://my-store-ca2fa6.creator-spring.com/listing/unisex-full-zip-hoodie-rectan?product=1027
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🥬Korean Kombu that I use in Australia :
Australia: https://asianpantry.com.au/products/kwangcheonkim-dried-kelp-kombu-80g
Other Regions: Search “Kwangcheon Healthy Dried Kelp”
(These links are NOT affiliate links. So I don’t get money even if you buy it. I simply want to share what I liked just like normal friends)
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My Tools📷
(Amazon affiliate link)
Veg scraper: https://amzn.to/3EqACAX
Rice cooker (white one): https://amzn.to/3ZJvzDB
Rice cooker (black one): https://amzn.to/3DsjVUN
Gas stove (temporary unavailable)
Air fryer: https://amzn.to/3zzMLB3
Camera: https://amzn.to/4elxW41
lens: https://amzn.to/3zzRumh
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Microphone: https://amzn.to/3N63b7b
Tripod: https://amzn.to/4dHHMxB
Quick release plate: https://amzn.to/4kPnkxn
[Toys]
White Robot (Gundam) https://amzn.to/3HlmIRB
Red Robot (Guncannon) https://amzn.to/4mGayCO
Blue one with cannon (Guntank) https://amzn.to/3HticR3
Big one with claw (Z’Gok) https://amzn.to/4kV01Cg
Slightly taller white one (Gundam) https://amzn.to/4dROAsJ
Air plane toy (Vic Viper) https://amzn.to/3Za8mtl
(There aren’t the same thing. so it show you varieties)
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Blue and yellow dog (Bluey and Bingo) https://amzn.to/4dSbqQM
Gray Raccoon (Totoro) https://amzn.to/43RZIBq
White dog toy (Cinamoroll) https://amzn.to/4jL1FFz
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🍽 [The plates I used in the video] 🍽
You can check the detail from the link below
5 % off for any purchases with my promo code: CHEFSLABO
[MUSUBI KILN website] https://musubikiln.com/?ref=chefslabo
[Black plate] https://musubikiln.com/products/hibino-gyro-mino-ware-round-plate-l?ref=chefslabo&variant=40551257538749
[Blue bowl] https://musubikiln.com/products/hibino-ice-mino-ware-round-plate-6-7in?_pos=1&_sid=c431de2a0&_ss=r&ref=chefslabo
[White bowl] https://musubikiln.com/collections/stylish-and-modern-collection/products/hibino-sahara-mino-bowl?ref=chefslabo
[Grey bowl] https://musubikiln.com/products/hibino-foodie-mino-ware-bowl?ref=chefslabo&variant=39638651961533
[Black rectangle plate] https://musubikiln.com/products/hibino-kokuto-black-mino-ware-rectangle-plate-8-5in?ref=chefslabo
[Blue & Red Side plate] https://musubikiln.com/products/rinkuro-kiln-old-imari-story-chimon-imari-round-plate?ref=chefslabo
[Cat teacup] https://musubikiln.com/collections/yunomi-japanese-teacup/products/atelier-yu-cats-in-sunny-spot-kutani-yunomi-japanese-teacup?ref=chefslabo
*International Shipping available.
*Discount shipping for over 5000 JPY
*Free shipping for over 50000JPY
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(The website will show the price in your currency)
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BGM providers
MusMus: http://musmus.main.jp
DOVA-SYNDROME: https://dova-s.jp
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#ChefsLabo
#cheflabo
#mealprep
In this practical tutorial, CHEF’S LABO 自宅で出来るプロの味 shows you how to create a lunch that delivers:
- ⚡ Sustained Energy: No afternoon crashes or brain fog—stay sharp all day
- 🎯 Mental Clarity: Nutrients that support focus and cognitive performance
- 💪 Filling & Satisfying: Keeps hunger at bay until dinner time
- 📦 Meal Prep Friendly: Travels well and tastes great hours later
- 🚫 No Afternoon Slump: Balanced macros prevent the post-lunch energy dip
⚡ Midday Fuel Breakdown
| Nutrient | Per Lunch Serving | Afternoon Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 400-550 kcal | Optimal midday fuel |
| Protein | 30-45 g | Sustained satiety |
| Complex Carbs | 35-50 g | Steady energy release |
| Fiber | 8-12 g | Blood sugar stability |
| Healthy Fats | 15-25 g | Brain function support |
| B Vitamins | Excellent source | Energy metabolism |
| Iron | Good source | Prevents fatigue |
*Nutrition optimized for midday energy. This lunch provides the perfect balance to fuel afternoon productivity without causing drowsiness or energy crashes.
🎯 Lunch Success Strategies
- 🥗 Balance is Everything: Your lunch should include protein (palm-sized portion), complex carbs (fist-sized), healthy fats (thumb-sized), and lots of vegetables (2 fists). This combination provides steady energy release and prevents blood sugar spikes that lead to afternoon crashes.
- 🚫 Avoid Heavy Carbs: Large portions of pasta, white rice, or bread can spike blood sugar and then crash it, causing drowsiness. Choose complex carbs in moderate amounts—quinoa, brown rice, or sweet potato paired with plenty of protein and vegetables.
- 💧 Hydration Matters: Dehydration causes fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Drink at least 16 oz of water with lunch and keep water accessible throughout the afternoon. Set phone reminders if you tend to forget.
- ⏰ Timing Your Lunch: Eat lunch between 12-1 PM to maintain consistent energy levels. Waiting too long causes blood sugar drops and poor food choices. Eating too early may leave you hungry before dinner.
- 🥤 Skip the Soda: Sugary drinks cause rapid blood sugar spikes followed by crashes. Even diet sodas can trigger hunger and cravings. Choose water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water with lemon instead.
- 🧠 Brain-Boosting Additions: Include foods rich in omega-3s (salmon, walnuts), antioxidants (berries, dark leafy greens), and B vitamins (eggs, lean meat) to support cognitive function during afternoon work tasks.
📦 Meal Prep Mastery
- 🍱 Bento Box Method: Use divided containers to keep components separate until eating. This prevents soggy vegetables and maintains optimal texture. Pack dressings and sauces separately in small containers.
- 🥗 Salad Assembly Strategy: For meal prep salads, layer ingredients strategically: dressing on bottom, hearty vegetables next, grains/proteins in the middle, and delicate greens on top. Shake before eating.
- ❄️ Freeze for Freshness: Some lunches freeze beautifully—soups, grain bowls, and casseroles. Make big batches on Sunday and pull out one portion each morning. They thaw during the morning and are ready by lunch.
- 🌡️ Temperature Matters: Invest in a good insulated lunch bag with ice packs, or store lunch in an office refrigerator. Food safety is crucial—keep cold foods cold (below 40°F) until eating.
- 🔥 Reheating Right: If reheating at work, add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to prevent drying out. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Let stand 1 minute before eating.
- 📝 Rotation System: Prep 2-3 different lunch recipes weekly to prevent boredom. Monday/Wednesday one recipe, Tuesday/Thursday another, Friday something different or leftovers from dinner.
- 🥄 Pack Smart Extras: Keep office supplies stocked: salt, pepper, hot sauce, napkins, and utensils. Having these essentials means your lunch is always ready to enjoy.
❓ Lunch Diet Questions
😴 Why am I tired after lunch?
Post-lunch fatigue typically results from eating too many refined carbohydrates, eating too much overall, or not drinking enough water. Large, carb-heavy meals trigger insulin spikes that can cause drowsiness. Focus on balanced portions with adequate protein and vegetables. Also ensure you’re sleeping well at night—lunch doesn’t cause tiredness; it just reveals existing fatigue.
🥪 Is it okay to eat the same lunch every day?
While convenient, eating identical lunches daily may limit nutritional variety and lead to boredom that triggers unhealthy choices. Rotate between 3-5 different lunch options weekly to ensure diverse nutrient intake and maintain interest. However, if you genuinely enjoy the same lunch and it meets nutritional needs, consistency can simplify meal planning.
⏰ What if I can’t take a full lunch break?
Even 15-20 minutes away from your desk makes a difference for mental health and productivity. Quick lunch options like pre-made mason jar salads, protein boxes, or bento boxes require minimal prep time. Eating at your desk while working isn’t ideal, but if necessary, choose meals that don’t require utensils and can be eaten slowly in small bites.
💰 How can I save money on work lunches?
Meal prepping lunches saves $50-100+ monthly compared to buying lunch daily. Cook once, eat 4-5 times. Use leftovers creatively—tonight’s roasted chicken becomes tomorrow’s salad topping or grain bowl protein. Buy ingredients in bulk and prep on weekends. The time investment pays off financially and health-wise.
📺 Recipe by: CHEF’S LABO 自宅で出来るプロの味
🎬 Posted: 2024-10-19 11:16:33 | 🆔 Video ID: df8AHID8UQI
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