Ready Meals Delivered
A new year usually means a fresh start to better habits, and one of the best ways to stick to your healthy goals is by getting ready meals delivered. Whether you’re watching your weight, dipping your toes into the vegan waters or need a break from cooking for the family, meal prep delivery services offer everything from chef-created recipes and freshly prepared foods to microwavable meals made with various diets in mind.
The key is to find the service that’s right for you. If you’re on a budget, consider a company that offers a subscription-based model where you pay for a certain number of meals each week. It’s also important to know whether you want ready-to-eat meals or prepackaged meal kits that require preparation.
Regardless of which option you go with, look for a service that delivers nutritionally-balanced meals to avoid food waste. Many companies make it easy to choose a plan for your whole household, which helps reduce the amount of food you throw away each week. The average American wastes 1 pound of food each day. This can be a major problem for people who are trying to lose weight and eat healthfully.
Another issue to keep in mind is the salt content in ready-made meals. To preserve the meals, many manufacturers add large amounts of sodium, which can be detrimental to those with high blood pressure or a tendency toward hypertension. Look for services that use minimal amounts of sodium or cook from scratch to avoid these unhealthy ingredients.
While meal prep delivery services have their benefits, they can be costly, especially if you’re purchasing a weekly subscription. The good news is that grocery retailers are starting to offer ready-to-eat meals to help shoppers meet their nutritional needs without the cost of a meal-prep service. Some stores even allow you to bundle your grocery order with a prepackaged meal for a lower fee, similar to curbside grocery pickup.
The most popular meal prep delivery service in the United States is Factor, which serves customers nationwide. Its menu includes more than two dozen dietitian-designed meals that are ready to heat and eat in minutes. Factor’s selections include low-calorie options, protein-based meals and twists on takeout favorites.
Another affordable option is Revive Superfoods, which provides nutrient-dense smoothies to deliver energy, calcium and potassium. The company also makes flavorful oatmeal, dairy-free desserts and soups that provide protein and potassium in addition to other essential nutrients. The company also makes a variety of healthy snacks to enjoy throughout the day, including acai bowls and falafel wraps.