As another user mentioned, prep was a key. There was also the aspect of having a customized diet based on my specific needs and tastes. Takeout is a great move and what I've currently settled on for the time being but it isn't perfect. Aside from not being able to get highly custom meals that fit my exact demands, I also still have an issue with actually picking the food up during rush hour. Generic order delivery services are pretty great at this thankfully and I've just been having them deliver food to my car as I leave the office for the day.

I’ve hired a chef to do meal prep, it’s not that expensive and the food was fantastic.

A personal chef to come to your house is much more expensive than a takeout salad. I would love to see a link to such a service that is affordable.

This conversation is pretty meaningless without numbers on "not that expensive" and "more expensive than you think".

You’re right. I paid $300 plus food costs for a week of meals.

15,000 a year. That's a lot.

hmm i’ve thought about this but thought it would be way too expensive. any more details on how you did this? what area do you live in? how much approx was it? you let them in your house in the afternoon and they cook and have it ready for when you go home?