‘Meal prepping’ is booming – but beware the health dangers

Influencers post enticing pictures of prepared food in colourful rows to make your mouth water. But nutrionists have raised concerns. Photograph: Andrey Popov/Getty

Just after his food shop is delivered at 10am on a Sunday, Sean Willers starts his weekly routine. Bolognese, chilli, potatoes, rice, chicken and vegetables are all cooked and stored in the fridge for lunches and dinners until Wednesday.

The routine – he eats the same thing “80% of the time” – means he has similar food every week for 17 of his 21 meals so he can control calories, eat healthily and save money.