Prepared meal delivery services experienced a rise in popularity because many people are considering them as an easy way to have a healthy diet. With busy schedules, days and weeks full of responsibilities people don`t have time to prep their meals themselves. That is where meal prep service steps in.
Choosing the best meal prep service can sometimes be a little bit difficult. There are a lot of companies to choose from and a lot of things we need to consider while doing that.
We will talk about important things that you should think about before you choose a service that is the best for you. Additionally, we will mention some companies that you can choose from. With both of these things, we hope that you will find the best choice for you.
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Things to consider when choosing meal service
Meal delivery services are companies that will plan, shop for, and prep your meals for you. Therefore, your job will be only to open the package, cook or heat it, and enjoy it. With them, you will get your meals on the table quickly even when you don`t have the time or motivation to cook yourself.
Here is the list of the things you should consider before you choose the best-prepared delivery service:
1. Think about solutions
Before you start, you need to decide what type of service you need. It is up to you to choose if you want fully prepared meals or pre-measured ingredients and a recipe card. Therefore, if you want fully prepared meals they will be delivered refrigerated or frozen and ready to be reheated.
If you want pre-measured ingredients and a recipe, you can choose that when you have at least a little bit of time on your hand. This way, you won`t have to worry about shopping and you will be able to prepare meals yourself.
There are services that only provide main course options. However, if you want more, you choose a service that includes drinks, sauces, snacks, side salads, and other additional things.
2. Sizes of portions
Some people just want a certain amount of help with meal preparation, while others prefer finding the best meal prep service possible. As previously mentioned, you need to decide in which group you fit. Check and see what are the offers in terms of portion size and how many servings you get with each box.
This is the way to balance your orders according to the number of members in your household. Also, when you have complete nutritional information about each meal you will be able to monitor carbohydrates, protein, fats, added sugar, and calories.
3. Nutrition is important
Eating well and having a good meal are more than just calories. Find a meal delivery service that includes a complete nutrition panel for every dish they make. Therefore, total carbs, fiber, sodium, saturated fat, and other nutrients should be present.
Quality delivery service will take nutrition seriously and that is especially important if you have to manage your weight carefully or watch your blood sugar levels. Whatever your goal or requirement make sure that your meal service provides you with a perfect mix of nutrient-dense ingredients and that you have access to detailed information before you order.
Read the list of ingredients, complete nutritional panel, dietary restriction warnings, and portion sizes on each dish of your weekly meal option. This is how you will know exactly what you are eating and you won`t worry if your food is healthy or not.
4. The quality of ingredients
We need to be mindful of what we put into our bodies regarding food quality. We should find a delivery service that offers organic, antibiotic, GMO, and hormone-free ingredients. That is why the source of the foods and the quality of ingredients is very important when choosing a meal service.
A company that worries about this is the company that you should consider. The source of the produce and protein should come from a place that we know and trust and there should be ingredients that we want to use in all our meals.
5. Consider variety and options
If you are a picky eater or you like to venture out and try different food, you need to find a company that provides different menu options each week. That way you will be able to pick out meals that you will like to eat.
This is also important if you have any allergies or you just have dietary preferences. For instance, maybe you are allergic to gluten or you just want to eat gluten-free. So, you have to check if options like gluten-free, organic products, or others, are something that the company provides.
There are companies that offer a lot of different diet plans. If you are on a vegetarian, vegan, or keto diet, you will be able to find that meal plan. Variety and options are a great thing and they are essential. You will ensure that your menu rotates and that it is creative so you will more likely stick to it.
6. Preservation as a factor
If you are one of those who think that green eating is an important factor when choosing meals, you should consider a service that uses sustainable packaging and ingredients that are ethically sourced.
This subject became important today, so choose your provider of meal services carefully. Materials and processes should be environmentally friendly with as less as possible waste.
For example, green cell foam is one way to pack and ship products sustainably because it is compostable material made from corn. It can dissolve under running water, so it can literally disappear in front of us.
7. The matter of price
Meal delivery services vary a lot when it comes to costs. When you consider the price of services, think of some additional factors such as premium ingredients, optional add-ons, and shipping fees.
Considering these will help you find a budget-friendly service that you will be satisfied with. However, services can be pricier than shopping and cooking for yourself. But, if you take into account that you don`t have time for that and that you will cut down the time of going to the store, cooking, and cleaning, it can come to a similar expense. Additionally, it is certainly less expensive and healthier than eating out.
List of meal services that you can choose from
Jet Fuel Meals
You can choose a plan that fits into your goals and lifestyle. Whether you are looking for something convenient or to lose, maintain or gain weight. You can choose what ingredient options you wish or do not wish to receive. You can get your meals delivered three times a week(Monday, Wednesday, Friday) so your meals will be fresh and quality. There is no obligation of commitment, you can cancel at any time and resume as you wish.
Cook unity
It accommodates a variety of dietary needs and offers delicious, chef-created selections. You can get vegan, calorie-limited items, and dairy-free options. However, it has a limited delivery area. You have to choose how many meals you want to purchase per week.
Pete`s Real Food
They offer paleo-friendly meals and you will receive them ready to heat. Their paleo meals are made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes every week and for an additional cost, you can add on breakfast items.
Veestro
There are fully prepared, plant-based, and organic meals. It is a vegan meal service. You have to choose ten meals minimum and the menu doesn`t rotate. They deliver frozen and ready-to-heat meals.
Fresh N Lean
You can choose fully prepared meals. There are options for special diets, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and also snack options. However, most meals are pre-selected. You need to subscribe to a meal plan and choose the number of meals and days you want those meals delivered.
Factor
Offers fully-prepared, keto meals. They have around twenty options per week. However, there are not many options for vegetarian, paleo, vegan diets, or severe food allergies. You can choose the number of meals you would like when you subscribe.
BistroMD
Offers meals suited for a variety of health conditions. When you choose the program and the number of days, you can also choose different options for those meals.
Trifecta
Products arrive fresh and the diet that they offer is macro-balanced and organic. There are options you can choose from and all three meals are available. There are clean, paleo, keto, vegetarian, and vegan. However, most meals are pre-selected.
The bottom line
With meal delivery service you will spend all your time doing things you like. Your time in the kitchen will be reduced to a minimum, which is liberating if your schedule is packed.
This way you can commit to a healthy lifestyle and you, and your family, will eat well every day. When you choose the delivery service, just consider the factors that we mentioned and enjoy your delicious, healthy, and ready-to-eat meals.
Choose a meal plan that you want, and if you have additional concerns, feel free to contact us, we are at your service. Enjoy your free time and the feeling of achieving your fitness and health goals.