Prepared meal delivery services have sprouted up across the globe in recent years. Specialties run the gamut, from packaged diets to organic meal delivery. CalorieLab, a syndicated website that tracks diet and nutrition news, maintains a list of prepared meal delivery companies. There are over 27 national meal delivery services in the U.S., and more than 23 regional U.S. companies that offer healthy meals delivered locally. The website also lists over 18 international prepared delivery companies, mainly based in the U.K. and Japan.
Gourmet Meal Delivery--The Round-up
Obviously, the choices are plentiful for any person or family that wants to try gourmet meal delivery. Some healthy meal services specialize in weight loss, some diet deliveries are geared toward new mothers, and some offer only organic meal delivery. To find out how they work, here's a run-down on four prepared meal delivery services in the U.S.:
- The Biggest Loser Meal Plan This is a specialty plan produced by Bistro M.D. (see below). Five days of gourmet prepared meals are delivered every week. Plans start at $21.95 per day and are geared toward weight loss. Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks for one person. Standard shipping is an additional $24.95.
- Bistro M.D. Developed by Dr. Caroline Cederquist, this plan can be ordered for seven days a week or five, and plans are available with or without snacks. Three meals a day are provided. Plans are charged weekly, starting at $129.95 for five days, no snacks. Shipping is also an additional $24.95.
- Freshology The focus here is on fresh fruits and vegetables and low-processed healthy gourmet meals. Special kids lunch box and whole family prepared meals are available, starting at $28.95 per day. Includes three meals a day plus desert. Freshology pioneered the "Fresh Mommy" meal plan for expecting and new moms. Rumor has it Jennifer Lopez used this gourmet meal service after her pregnancy.
- RAWvolution Purely organic, raw food meals are shipped to anywhere in the Continental United States. Each shipment includes two soups, four main dishes, four side dishes, and two desserts for $120 plus shipping. Shipping varies by location. Raw entrees include unexpected dishes like Nut Loaf with BBQ Sauce and Sloppy Joe Sandwich.
Other popular diet meal delivery services are:
- eDiet Focuses on whole body transformation, including emotional support.
- Jenny Direct The meal delivery program for Jenny Craig members.
- Nutrisystem Features plans for women, men, and seniors with a focus on low Glycemic Index offerings.
Almost all gourmet meal delivery services operate the same way. Meals are shipped frozen in special boxes, usually packed with dry ice. When the box arrives, unpack into the freezer immediately. Some items may only need refrigeration. Then simply defrost and heat, just like any frozen dinner.
Gourmet Meal Delivery Could Save Money
How much does the average person spend on food every week? It depends on how many lunches are purchased, how many take out meals are ordered after work, and how much food from the grocery store expires and is wasted every week. Spend one week writing down all food expenses to find out if gourmet meal delivery is a cost savings or not. The results may be surprising.
Prepared Meals can Help Busy Families
Some of the organic and healthy meal delivery services may provide better nutritional value than boxed macaroni dishes or frozen dinners from the supermarket. There are more healthy frozen dinner choices available now than there were five or ten years ago, but meal delivery services also offer time savings. No trip to the supermarket or standing in line. Gourmet meal delivery may be a better option for busy families when factoring in home delivery.
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