Order Now
Order Now
Countdown To The Next Order Deadline
CALL/TEXT 224-480-3700 TO
ORDER YOUR MEAL PLAN

New customers take $25 off your first order with code Fresh25

Order by:
Wednesday, August 21st 7:00 PM
—————————
To get delivery for:
Monday,  2024
Order Now
Memorial Day Weekend Sale | 20% OFF All Orders | Sale Ending Soon

Category: Uncategorized

Can You Save Money with a Weekly Meal Prep Service?

The Freshplan

You might hear lots of people tell you about the benefits of a weekly meal prep service. But you probably have an extra question in mind – how much does it actually cost? To be more specific, how much can you actually save?

Changing your eating habits and picking different ingredients can affect your food expenses. So, how exactly does a meal prep service become cheaper?

Let’s delve into the average cost of these services, what they offer, and how the expenses compare to typical food prep methods.

Average Cost of Meal Prep Service

Various factors can affect the price of a meal delivery kit. Portion size and ingredients used are a few of the top elements that could determine whether they really help you save. Still, you should keep in mind it considers the time and effort you put into food prep.

You can find meal kits for less than $10 a meal. For instance, The Fresh Plan generally costs around $9 to $17 per meal, depending on the subscription you choose. Some also throw in cost-effective additions, like free shipping, discounts, or an extra meal for a specific plan.

What Can You Get from a Meal Prep Service?

Now that you have an idea of the cost of a weekly meal prep service, you want to know what it really offers. Saving time and effort is a big factor, among other helpful benefits. Sometimes, those are enough to get people to religiously subscribe to these services.

But how do you determine its cost value? You look into what meals it offers in comparison to what you usually have.

Fully Prepared Meals

The whole idea of a meal prep service is to provide fully prepared meals that you can easily set up within less time. Some of these come in packages you only need to heat up, while others come with pre-portioned ingredients you simply need to put together.

Either way, it provides you with the ingredients at the perfect portion and the recipes to follow. So, you won’t have to spend time pondering in the kitchen as you decide what to make.

Custom Subscription Plans

A weekly meal prep service will likely allow you to customize your plan to fit your tastes and diet. So, you can feel at ease knowing your meals effortlessly follow your specific eating lifestyle or needs.

Customization gives you the freedom to change your eating habits. This way, you can maintain a balanced diet every time while keeping it within your budget and preference.

How Meal Kits Compare to Regular Food Prep

Getting a weekly meal prep service may sound like a large expense. But if you put it in the right perspective, it offers more benefits than you think.

Here’s how it compares to commercial meals and grocery costs.

Commercial Meal Expenses

The approximate cost for a commercially prepared meal is $13 to $20 or so, whether you eat it in the restaurant or have it to-go. With these prices, you can easily spend up to $300 or higher in only a week. Moreover, you have to consider the cost of delivery, app service fees, and tips.

While some meal kits come at a similar price, there’s less work to worry about. Moreover, you can save about half of those expenses if you subscribe to cheaper plans.

Grocery Trips

Families spend an average of $270 a week on groceries, depending on the number of people in the family. Admittedly, making your own meals is cheap in itself. But compared to meal kits, you have to spend time sourcing ingredients and preparing them before you get to your dish.

These factors add to the value of these kits and contribute to their worth. Additionally, buying them in bulk makes it easier for you to feed bigger families. Since they come pre-portioned, it also takes away food waste, whether from ingredients or extra servings.

Maximize Savings with a Weekly Meal Prep Service

You can get the best value for your money when you opt for the right weekly meal prep service for your needs. At the same time, you get to save tens to hundreds of dollars in total that usually goes to extra fees or wasted food. So, it helps you stay cost-efficient without sacrificing meal quality.

Quick Tips for Finding the Best Meal Prep Service

The Freshplan

We all have days where we want to eat a hearty meal but don’t have the time or energy to make it ourselves. That’s exactly what a meal delivery kit plan is for!

But with all the options available, you’ll find yourself asking, what is the best meal prep service? You could find lots of answers, but in reality, it varies from person to person.

So, where do you start? Here are a few tips from The Fresh Plan to find the ideal meal prep service for you.

Focus on Nutritional Value

Most people think of a burst of flavors when they think of a good meal. But with a meal prep service, it also offers a full nutrition plate. Generally, it means having veggies, grains, protein, fruits, healthy oils, and water.

The best meal prep service should provide you with the perfect balance of ingredients and portions, from carbs to sodium. It’s a bonus if they give you recipe cards or dietary warnings to keep you aware of what you’re eating.

Look Into Variety

Next to nutritional value, a good meal prep service will give you variety. This way, it can cater to both picky and spontaneous eaters.

Here are a few things to consider when it comes to variety:

  • Customization: Consider selecting a meal prep service that allows you to customize your plan according to your specific needs, like food allergies or calorie counts.
  • Recipe Options: It’s best to have an array of recipes, as well as the option to decide on what type of food you can choose from. For example, high-protein or keto meals.
  • Subscription Plans: There’s no telling when you will need more kits than usual, so consider a service that allows you to order in bulk.

Consider Sustainability

Aside from the meals themselves, you want a meal prep service that promotes sustainability. It means using green packaging to limit environmental impacts and accurately portioned meals to reduce food waste.

Moreover, it helps to check where they source their ingredients from. This way, you can determine if they contribute to keeping the economy sustainable with the produce they use.

Check Ingredient Quality

The quality of ingredients plays a big role in deciding on the best meal prep service. Some recommend picking services that prepare their meals from farm to table. So, you can feel comfortable knowing their ingredients are as fresh as they can be once they reach your doorstep.

Ingredient age and quality also determine each meal’s shelf life. A study shows that the fresher the ingredients used are, the longer they can maintain their quality.

Evaluate Value for Money

At the end of the day, the cost can determine whether you proceed with a meal prep subscription plan. Take into account the basic services they offer, then consider the add-ons.

Not only does it help you find a budget-friendly option, but it also helps you determine if they fit your budget. This way, you can confidently say you chose the best meal prep service accessible to you!

Find the Best Meal Prep Service for Your Needs

From the cost to the quality, finding the best meal prep service is about understanding what you’re looking for and how they deliver it. You want to be sure it fits your taste and preferences as much as possible. This way, you can save time on food prep while fulfilling your nutritional needs.

How Fully Prepared Meals Maintain Your Calorie Intake Per Day

The Freshplan

Whether you’re into fitness or looking for health tips, you might come across calorie counting one way or another. While it varies from person to person, one way to keep up with it is by having fully prepared meals.

With food prep services, you can ensure your meals follow your recommended calorie intake without compromising their balance. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits it offers!

How Fully Prepared Meals Contribute to Calorie Intake

Food prep services are a great way to regulate your meals while opening you to unique and healthy dishes. At the same time, it saves you time and money.

Storing meals in the freezer can make them last up to two to six months, depending on the type of food. So, you can keep your meal delivery kits for a longer period without worrying about losing their quality.

With that, here are a few ways fully prepared meals can help you maintain your average calorie intake per day.

Allows You to Personalize

Most fully prepared meal services give you the option to personalize your plan. It can be through deciding the type of food or the total amount of calories. This way, you can choose your meals according to your diet without feeling restricted, whether you need more protein or are on a keto diet.

Regulates a Balanced Diet

With fully prepared meals, you won’t have to think too hard about your portions or how much carbs and protein you need to add to the dish. Usually, they create balanced meals to promote health at all times. Because of this, you can slowly adjust your eating habits and shift towards a healthier lifestyle seamlessly.

Follows Specific Meal Plans

Meal prep services often follow unique plans according to your preference. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding certain ingredients and looking up recipes that fit your diet. This makes it easier for people with food allergies or specific food restrictions.

Should You Know Your Recommended Calorie Intake?

Some people suggest knowing your recommended calorie intake to maintain body health. However, others state it’s best to avoid focusing too much on calorie counting due to inaccuracies and other negative effects.

Instead, it’s best to understand your average calorie intake per day and how to adjust it accordingly. This way, you can maintain a good relationship with food and your body.

Moreover, knowing more about your recommended calorie intake per day helps you focus on mindful eating and following a balanced diet. You can also consult a professional if you want to be extra sure about your recommended average.

Stick to Your Calorie Intake Per Day with Fully Prepared Meals

Fully prepared meals are a quick and easy way to stick to a healthy calorie intake per day. Not only do they come pre-portioned, but your options also come in the perfect balance of everything you need. So, you can enjoy your food all the more while focusing on healthier and sustainable eating habits!

Meal Prep Plan for Beginners

The Freshplan

Meal prepping is not just a trend but a valuable strategy that can revolutionize the way we approach mealtime. Individuals can enjoy a plethora of benefits that extend beyond convenience, by investing a little time upfront to plan, prepare, and pack meals ahead of time. From saving time during hectic weekdays to promoting healthier eating habits and reducing food waste, meal prepping has become a cornerstone of efficient and mindful eating.

Moreover, In the modern, fast-paced society we live in, the popularity of pre-made meal plans that are ready to go has attracted considerable interest as a time-saving remedy for the laborious chore of preparing meals.

In this guide, we will delve into the concept of a 5-day meal prep plan tailored for beginners from The Fresh Plan, offering a structured approach to meal prepping that sets the foundation for a successful and stress-free workweek. Let’s embark on this journey towards simplified meal planning and wholesome eating habits together.

Planning Your Meals

When selecting recipes for your meal prep plan as a beginner, it’s essential to opt for dishes that are simple to prepare yet packed with flavor. Look for recipes with clear instructions, familiar ingredients, and minimal cooking techniques to build your confidence in the kitchen. Additionally, choose recipes that can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences, dietary restrictions, and ingredient availability, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable meal prepping experience.

Most of the pre-made meal plans offers healthy options that is surely fit to your calorie intake preference. These don’t only keep you healthy, but also helps you free up most of your time alloted for food preparation.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage techniques play a vital role in preserving the freshness and quality of your prepped meals throughout the week. Utilize airtight containers or meal prep containers to store individual portions securely, preventing exposure to air and moisture that can lead to spoilage.

Consider labeling containers with the date of preparation to track freshness and prioritize consuming meals based on their recommended shelf life. Additionally, refrigerate perishable items promptly after meal prepping to maintain optimal food safety standards and extend the longevity of your prepared dishes.

  • Reheating Guidelines for Various Meal Types

    When it comes to reheating prepped meals, it’s important to follow specific guidelines based on the type of dish to ensure safe consumption and preserve flavor and texture. For soups and stews, gently heat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Casseroles and baked dishes can be reheated in the oven at a moderate temperature to retain their original consistency and taste. For microwave-safe meals, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and heat in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.

  • Minimizing Food Spoilage and Waste

    To minimize food spoilage and waste in your meal prep routine, implement strategies that promote mindful consumption and efficient meal management. Plan your meals based on perishability, aiming to use more delicate ingredients earlier in the week and saving heartier options for later days. Consider repurposing leftovers into new dishes or incorporating them into future meals to reduce food waste and maximize ingredients’ potential. Regularly assess the freshness of stored meals and ingredients, discarding items that show signs of spoilage or degradation.

Maintaining a Healthy Meal Prep Routine

To maintain a healthy meal prep routine, it’s relevant to adapt your plan based on feedback and personal preferences. Pay attention to what works well for you and what may need adjustment, incorporating feedback from your own experience or others’ input. Flexibility is key in refining your meal prep strategy to better suit your needs and goals.

Bottom Line

Meal prepping is not just a trend but a valuable strategy that can revolutionize the way we approach mealtime. Individuals can enjoy a plethora of benefits that extend beyond convenience by investing a little time upfront to plan, prepare, and pack meals ahead of time. From saving time during hectic weekdays to promoting healthier eating habits and reducing food waste, meal prep plan has become a cornerstone of efficient and mindful eating.

Most pre-made meal plans offer healthy options that are tailored to fit your calorie intake preferences, helping you stay healthy and freeing up valuable time usually spent on food preparation. Check out our meal plans now!

Embracing Fully-Prepared Meals for Time-Strapped Individuals

The Freshplan

According to a study, individuals are constantly navigating the intricate web of work responsibilities, familial obligations, and personal pursuits. The demands of a career, coupled with the responsibilities of managing a household or attending to family commitments, often leave little room for leisure or self-care. The resulting time crunch can lead to heightened stress levels and a constant struggle to find moments of respite amidst the chaos of daily life, including preparing home-cooked meals.

Fully-prepared meals emerge as a beacon of relief in the midst of this time-strapped reality. These ready-to-eat options offer individuals the chance to reclaim valuable time that would have been spent planning, shopping for, and cooking meals. This paradigm shift presents fully-prepared meals as more than just convenient dining solutions; they become a strategic tool for regaining precious moments in the whirlwind of modern schedules.

The Time-Saving Paradigm of Fully-Prepared Meals

Fully-prepared meals herald a transformative liberation from the time-consuming rituals of meal planning and preparation. Individuals can redirect their focus towards other meaningful endeavors by simply eliminating the need to brainstorm recipes, compile grocery lists, and spend hours in the kitchen. This newfound freedom from culinary chores presents a compelling opportunity to infuse more leisure and relaxation into busy lives. Rather than being tethered to the stove or embroiled in meal-related tasks, individuals can savor moments of tranquility, pursue hobbies, or simply unwind without sacrificing the enjoyment of wholesome, satisfying meals.

Nourishment Without Sacrifice

The advent of fully-prepared meals shatters the misconception that convenience equates to compromising on nutrition and wellness. These meticulously crafted meal options provide access to a spectrum of nutritious, balanced choices without necessitating the time investment typically associated with cooking from scratch. This paradigm shift redefines convenience as a conduit for nourishment, underscoring the compatibility of time-saving practices with a commitment to healthy eating.

Streamlining Daily Routines

Fully-prepared meals seamlessly integrate into the fabric of daily routines, alleviating the time constraints associated with traditional meal preparation. Individuals can reclaim considerable blocks of time in their schedules. This newfound time efficiency extends beyond the realm of meal-related activities, empowering individuals to redirect their focus toward other areas of life.

Tailored Time Management

The personalized nature of fully-prepared meals epitomizes a revolutionary approach to time management, offering individuals the opportunity to prioritize their dietary requirements and preferences without sacrificing precious time. These culinary offerings are meticulously tailored to accommodate a myriad of dietary needs, spanning from specific nutritional goals to allergen considerations, ensuring that individuals can uphold their unique wellness objectives without the burden of extensive meal planning and preparation. Emphasizing a bespoke approach to catering to the time constraints of diverse lifestyles, fully-prepared meals align seamlessly with the rhythm of each individual’s schedule, underscoring the fusion of customization and time efficiency in modern culinary solutions.

Bottom Line

In today’s fast-paced society, the concept of meal planning and fully-prepared meals is not only a matter of convenience but also one deeply rooted in scientifically proven benefits. Research has shown that meal prepping is linked to a more diverse, higher-quality diet, offering nutrients that individuals might not typically obtain without deliberate planning. The time-saving advantages of fully-prepared meals are abundant, ranging from simplifying the weekly routine to eliminating decision fatigue regarding what to prepare and eat throughout the week. This streamlined approach not only saves time on grocery shopping, cooking, and cleanup, but it also facilitates access to healthier, balanced meals while minimizing food waste.

In the midst of hectic schedules and the perennial quest for convenience, the prospect of fully-prepared meals emerges as an oasis of time-saving grace. These culinary solutions not only cater to the demands of modern lifestyles but also serve as a conduit for individuals to reclaim valuable time, fostering a harmonious work-life balance.

5 Benefits of a Fully-Prepared Meal Plan

The Freshplan

In today’s fast-paced world, the convenience of fully-prepared meal plans has garnered significant attention as an efficient solution to the time-consuming task of meal preparation. With the rise of meal delivery services, individuals and families are increasingly turning to fully-prepared meal plans to streamline their dining experiences while maintaining a focus on health and nutrition.

In this blog, we will delve into the multifaceted 5 benefits of a fully-prepared meal plan, shedding light on how it can positively impact various aspects of daily life. From time-saving convenience to culinary exploration, the advantages of fully-prepared meal plans extend far beyond the realm of traditional meal preparation, offering a compelling proposition for those seeking a harmonious balance between convenience and quality dining.

Delving Into The 5 Benefits of a Fully-Prepared Meal Plan

  • Time-Saving Convenience

    Embracing a fully-prepared meal plan provides a lifeline for busy individuals and families, offering a respite from the demanding chore of meal preparation. This liberation from the traditional burdens of meal preparation allows for a significant reduction in stress and time spent on mundane tasks.

    Furthermore, eliminating meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking time is a game-changer for those with packed schedules. It removes the need to meticulously plan meals, navigate crowded grocery stores, and dedicate extensive periods to cooking and cleanup. The seamless integration of fully-prepared meal plans into daily life presents an opportunity to reallocate this invaluable time toward pursuing personal hobbies, spending quality moments with loved ones, or simply indulging in self-care activities.

    The value of time regained extends beyond the immediate relief from meal-related responsibilities. It fosters a sense of liberation and empowerment, affording individuals the luxury of investing their time in endeavors that truly enrich their lives, ultimately promoting a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
  • Health and Nutrition

    Fully-prepared meal plans place a premium on nutritional quality, aiming to offer a wholesome dining experience that aligns with health-conscious lifestyles. These plans often prioritize the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, carefully curated to ensure optimal nutritional value and flavor.

    The emphasis on fresh, balanced ingredients and portion control is a hallmark of fully-prepared meal plans, underscoring a commitment to promoting healthy eating habits. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to strike a harmonious balance between essential nutrients, fostering a sense of well-being and vitality. Moreover, portion control plays a pivotal role in managing caloric intake, offering individuals a structured approach to meal consumption that supports their health and fitness goals.
  • Variety and Culinary Exploration

    Fully-prepared meal plans also introduce a world of culinary diversity, offering a tantalizing array of cuisines and dishes that cater to a broad spectrum of palates and preferences. From savory international delights to comforting regional classics, these plans present an opportunity for individuals to embark on a gastronomic journey without leaving the comfort of their homes. The curated selection of dishes reflects a dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that patrons can savor an eclectic mix of flavors and cooking styles, thereby transcending culinary boundaries.

    This culinary abundance not only satisfies the appetite but also serves as a gateway to new flavors and cooking styles. Fully-prepared meal plans encourage individuals to broaden their gastronomic horizons by introducing them to ingredients and techniques they may not have encountered otherwise. This exposure to diverse cuisines cultivates a spirit of culinary adventure, fostering an appreciation for global gastronomy while nurturing a sense of cultural enrichment.

    Moreover, the enjoyment of culinary exploration within the framework of fully-prepared meal plans is uninhibited by the logistical challenges of sourcing ingredients and recipe planning. Individuals can revel in the discovery of new tastes and textures, knowing that each dish has been expertly crafted and meticulously prepared for their indulgence. This seamless integration of culinary diversity into everyday dining experiences underscores the transformative power of fully-prepared meal plans in redefining the boundaries of home cooking, making culinary exploration an accessible and enriching endeavor for all.
  • Reduced Food Waste

    Fully-prepared meal plans play a significant role in reducing food waste through their meticulous approach to ingredient portioning, effectively minimizing leftovers. This precision in portioning not only aligns with the needs of individuals and families but also contributes to curbing unnecessary food waste. This deliberate measure not only streamlines the dining experience but also underscores the commitment to sustainability by mitigating the disposal of surplus food items.

    The environmental benefits of reduced food waste associated with fully-prepared meal plans extend beyond the individual level, carrying implications for broader ecological conservation. With minimized leftovers and precise ingredient allocation, these plans pave the way for a tangible reduction in organic waste, thereby alleviating strain on landfills and reducing methane emissions. Embracing fully-prepared meal plans as a means to combat food waste aligns with the overarching goal of sustainable consumption practices, resonating with the growing global emphasis on environmental stewardship and resource efficiency.
  • Stress-Free Dining Experience

    Fully-prepared meal plans offer a gateway to mental and emotional well-being by providing a stress-free dining experience that alleviates the burdens often associated with meal preparation. For individuals navigating hectic schedules and demanding commitments, the prospect of relieving meal-related stress through curated meal plans represents a significant source of respite.

    Individuals can savor the benefits of nourishing, chef-crafted meals without sacrificing precious moments dedicated to self-care, leisure, or family activities. This newfound equilibrium permeates into various facets of life, empowering individuals to navigate their professional responsibilities and personal pursuits with greater ease and equilibrium. The appreciation of a stress-free dining experience fostered by fully-prepared meal plans thus emerges as a catalyst for holistic wellness, promoting a harmonious interplay between career aspirations, familial connections, and individual fulfillment.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, fully-prepared meal plans present a myriad of advantages that resonate deeply with individuals seeking convenience, culinary diversity, and a harmonious approach to well-being. From introducing diverse cuisines and minimizing food waste to fostering stress-free dining experiences, these plans emerge as a compelling solution for modern lifestyles. Embracing fully-prepared meal plans signifies a departure from traditional meal preparation woes and opens the door to a world of culinary exploration, environmental conscientiousness, and mental respite.

As you navigate the demands of daily life, we encourage you to consider the invaluable impact of integrating a fully-prepared meal plan into your routine. The prospect of savoring chef-crafted dishes while reclaiming precious time and reducing food waste is an enticing proposition that holds the potential to enrich your lifestyle in multifaceted ways.

Take the first step towards a stress-free, diverse, and sustainable dining experience by exploring our fully-prepared meal options. Delve into the world of curated culinary delights that not only tantalize your taste buds but also align with your values of convenience and sustainability.

How To Stay Healthy When You’re Busy

The Freshplan

If you live a busy life and are always out and about doing things, you need to take proper care of yourself. You need to get all the nutrition that you need so that you will have the energy to take on your tasks everyday. You also need to develop healthy habits to make sure that you are in tiptop shape and ready for whatever you might face.

A busy lifestyle, however, doesn’t make it easy to do all of that. You spend a lot of your time working and chasing deadlines, and you don’t have enough time to do what’s good for your health. If you’re living this kind of lifestyle, this article is for you.

Healthy With A Busy Lifestyle

Living a busy lifestyle doesn’t automatically mean living in poor health. There are many things you can do to ensure you remain healthy. Before we proceed to the steps to living healthy despite having a lot of things to do, let’s talk about some myths that need debunking.
Myth #1: A busy lifestyle means making poor health choices
While people think that a busy lifestyle means jumping from one activity to another without time to focus on one’s health, research has actually found that the opposite is true. According to a study, people who have busy mindsets tend to have a better sense of self-importance, which results to them having better self-control. This means busy people tend to make better lifestyle decisions and avoid those that negatively affect health and performance.
Myth #2: A busy lifestyle means getting enough physical activity
Just because you’re busy running around doesn’t mean you get all the exercise you need. Many workers today spend a lot of their time just sitting down in front of a desk or computer. Studies show that because of the rise of the work-from-home job structure, workers now spend up to two more hours sitting down as compared to when they had to commute to and from the office. This has caused people to live sedentary lifestyles. Busy with work? Yes. But getting enough exercise? No.
Myth #3: A busy lifestyle means no work-life balance
Some people think living a busy lifestyle means just focusing on work and producing results, and neglecting other things like family time and socializing. That is not true. While you can become busy out of habit, living a hectic yet productive lifestyle is actually impossible if all you care about are deadlines. Research shows that workers become more efficient when work-life balance is prioritized. This means you can enjoy the things that matter to you, while your company enjoys your performance as well.

How to Stay Healthy When Busy

Now that we’ve established what a busy lifestyle isn’t, it’s time to talk about how you can live healthy despite your hectic schedules. Here are some things you should do:
Get enough sleep
No matter how many tasks you have to finish and deadlines you have to chase after, it’s important to remember to get around 8 hours of sleep on a daily basis. There are only 24 hours per day, and spending all of it for work won’t be good for you. Fun fact: studies have shown that workers around the world spend an average of 15 hours for sleep and leisure. This leaves you with enough time to be productive at work.
Incorporate exercise into your routine
Next, carefully consider how you can incorporate exercise into your daily routines so that you stay physically active and fit. If you work in an office, try to walk to and from your workplace from a bus stop a few blocks away. You can also opt for the stairs instead of the elevator, especially when you’re about done with work.

If you’re part of the work-from-home population, make sure to stand up from your seats every 2 hours and do some stretches for a few minutes. Take a walk around the house every now and then to avoid being sedentary. Better yet, invest in standing desks so that you can continue working without having to sit for 8 hours a day or more. You can also jog or take walks around your neighborhood. Think of it as another reason to walk the dog.
Include health reminders in your calendar
Take advantage of technology and put crucial health reminders in your calendar so you can be notified on your smartphone or computer. Here are some reminders you should consider putting there:
  • Meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Exercise or stretching
  • Water breaks
Bring packed meals with you to work
If you want to eat healthy outside, consider preparing your own packed meals instead of eating at the nearby fast food joint. The food you can buy outside tends to have a lot of calories and loads of unhealthy ingredients in them. You will feel full but your body won’t receive the nutrition that it needs.

Bring fruits, sandwiches, and other healthier snack options like nuts, berries, and vegetables. You can also put protein or granola bars in your bag, because they’re perfect for a quick recharge. These are considerably healthier than that tempting serving of greasy french fries, hotdog, or slice of pizza.
Invest in helpful cooking appliances
If you can’t spare the time to cook healthy meals, you should consider purchasing slow cookers or an instant pot. These appliances allow you to prepare delicious meals yourself without spending long periods of time in the kitchen. All you need to do is prepare the ingredients, place them all in the pot at night, then let the machine do its job while you sleep. You’ll be treated to a home-cooked meal when you wake up in the morning.

Get The Experts To Prepare Fresh Food For You

If you want to eat freshly cooked healthy foods but do not have the time to prepare them, or do not know how to make them yourself, then let The Fresh Plan take care of the food prep for you. All you need to do is sign up for our plans, choose the amount of calories you want, select the food you want to eat, and wait for us to prepare your healthy and freshly-made meals. Visit our website to learn more.

What calorie plan should I choose?

Scott Epton

A frequently asked question we get is “what calorie plan should I choose?”

What are calories?

Simply put, a calorie is a unit that measures energy. Calories are usually used to measure the energy content of foods and beverages.

To lose weight, you need to eat fewer calories than your body burns each day. Conversely, to gain weight, you need to consume more calories than you expend (1Trusted Source).

Keep in mind that while the “calories in, calories out” concept of weight loss may seem simple, many factors contribute to weight loss or the inability to lose weight, including medical diagnoses, hormonal changes, genetics, and ageTrusted Source.

(more…)

What is a healthy meal plan?

Scott Epton
What is a healthy meal plan? A healthy meal plan focuses on balanced portions. Specifically portions of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. It emphasizes nutrient diversity, hydration, and moderation while limiting processed foods, added sugars, and excessive salt. Interested is a healthy meal plan that fits this description click here

From the….

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Healthy Eating Plan

Gives your body the nutrients it needs every day while staying within your daily calorie goal for weight loss. A healthy eating plan also will lower your risk for heart disease and other health conditions.

A healthy eating plan:

  • Emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products
  • Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
  • Limits saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars
  • Controls portion sizes
Calories

To lose weight, most people need to reduce the number of calories they get from food and beverages (energy IN) and increase their physical activity (energy OUT).

For a weight loss of 1–1 ½ pounds per week, daily intake should be reduced by 500 to 750 calories. In general:

  • Eating plans that contain 1,200–1,500 calories each day will help most women lose weight safely.
  • Eating plans that contain 1,500–1,800 calories each day are suitable for men and for women who weigh more or who exercise regularly.

Very low calorie diets of fewer than 800 calories per day should not be used unless you are being monitored by your doctor.

Interested in eating healthy? Don’t want to have to shop,prepare and cook? Try our fully prepared healthy meals…click here!

Healthy Tip of the Day-Salt vs. Sugar

Scott Epton

Healthy tip of the day salt vs. sugar.

Whether you’re eating too much sugar or too much salt, you are putting your heart at risk. But which one is worse for your heart health?
Who doesn’t like to devour a dish that is both spicy and salty? And who can forget the delicious sweet dish we all eat? Well, the heart wants what it wants but is it healthy for your heart? In the past few decades, research has increasingly shown that a diet rich in salt and sugar can trouble your heart and put you at risk of several cardiovascular diseases. For the sake of your heart, let us find out if sugar and salt are good for your heart or not!

Why is sugar bad for your heart?

Natural sugars may not be as bad for you as processed sugar or even artificial sweeteners. Ever heard of added sugars in processed foods? Well, your favourite junk foods – soft drinks, processed fruit juices, cookies, candies, cakes – contain added sugar which can lead to several health problems.

How does salt affect your heart?

By salt, we mean your sodium intake. While sodium is an essential mineral required for maintaining overall health, too much of it can be problematic for not just your heart but the body. Dr Tandon says 1500 mg of sodium per day is more than enough for an adult to meet their daily sodium requirements. As per the Foods Safety and Standards Authority of India, your sodium intake should be less than 5 grams a day. Also, salt is not the only source of sodium. Bread, pizza, sandwiches, cold meat, soups, savoury snacks, poultry, cheese, omelettes and more daily foods contain a lot of sodium.

To find out more about salt and sugar health issues click here

For fully prepared sodium restricted meals in Chicago and surrounding suburbs click here.

Let us do the shopping, preparing and cooking so you can just….Order it! Heat it! and Eat it!!!