If you’re a busy professional who can’t afford to spend one hour each morning to prepare a fruit shake and broccoli for lunch, you might have considered signing up for a meal delivery service.
Food delivery services are an innovative solution for many busy folks who want to stay healthy. But not every meal delivery service is reliable. Because it’s your food we’re talking about here, you should be extra cautious. Here are some things that you can do to make sure that you’re getting your food from only the best:
Find Out the Source of Their Food
If you haven’t watched Food, Inc. by filmmaker Robert Kenner, go and watch it. This documentary shows how unethical and unsanitary the sources of some of our foods are.
For instance, there are colossal cow farms where the poor animals are grown in an overpopulated indoor factory-like setting, not allowed to graze outside freely. This setup increases the risk of spreading contagious virus and bacteria that can be passed on to us as we eat their beef.
The source of their ingredients is significant. Only order meals from providers that use responsibly sourced ingredients. They should be GMO-free and sugar-free.
Expect Fresh Meals
Before you try a meal delivery service, ask if their meals are frozen or fresh. If it’s frozen, chances are it’s soaked in chemicals and preservatives that help keep them “fresh” in the freezer.
Don’t fall for it! Freshly prepared food is not only healthier for you; it also looks and tastes better.
Ask for Their Delivery Policies
When it comes to deliveries, it’s safe never to assume anything. You have to know every little detail. Do they charge extra for delivery? What’s their delivery schedule? Is it flexible? And do they deliver door-to-door, or do you have to meet them up? Obviously, it’s more convenient to have your meals delivered right to your doorstep wherever you are.
Ask for Full Details on Nutritional Content
Meal delivery service providers who are interested in helping you achieve your health goals will always keep you informed on the nutritional content of your meals. They should give you a full nutrition panel for each recipe, from your breakfast to fruit shake, so that you know exactly what you’re getting. The nutrition label should include total carbohydrates, sodium, fiber, saturated fat, calories, sugar, and more.
They Should Keep Your Specific Needs in Mind
You should be able to request meals that can fit your overall health plan. If you’re planning on building muscles, your meals should have more protein. If you’re a vegetarian, they should be able to offer you options. If you’re allergic to anything, you should tell them in advance so that they can prepare safe meals for you.
With meal delivery services, eating nutritious meals is now easier than ever. But not all providers that claim to deliver “healthy” meals really do so. It’s up to you to take precautions and choose a quality meal delivery provider that prioritizes your health needs.