Introduction
There are definite advantages to having your meals delivered to your door. This is particularly true in bodybuilding. For one thing, it makes eating very easy. There is no need to prepare meals in advance or eat the same meal the following day.
The other reason for a meal delivery plans is portion control. This is very important for bodybuilders. Eating too much or too little will be detrimental to your workout plan. Sticking to a balanced meal is easily achieved with the use of a meal delivery service who will ensure that your goals are met with every meal. Keep in mind that most delivery meal plans do not include supplements or protein powders.
So, what’s a meal delivery plan?
A meal delivery plan offers you a pre-packaged meal, either cooked or ready to cook. It is delivered to your door. The meals are often delivered for the entire week, so you should ensure that you have enough space to store them or freeze them.
Meal delivery plans take into account your preferences and dietary needs and deliver freshly cooked or prepared nutritious meals which meet your needs – every time.
Many meal delivery services offer extensive menus which allow you to select different meals for the week. You can decide which order to eat them, depending on your own schedule.
Before considering a meal delivery plan there are some aspects to consider.
Goals
Be honest with yourself and decide what your goals are. Having a good idea of the goals you want to achieve will help you make up your mind about the best meal delivery company to use. Sometimes you can find companies that offer meal delivery plans for weight loss.
Ingredients
Again, you need to work out the most important ingredients in your diet, particularly true for bodybuilders. When thinking about the ingredients, also consider if you like spicy foods or not, are you concerned where the ingredients come from, your own preferences for protein, and if there are substitutes available.
Also consider the packaging of your meals. You will be accumulating a huge number of containers and will need to dispose of them. Is the packaging able to be recycled and environmentally friendly?
Make sure you read the reviews that other people have left, which will give you an idea of how flexible the meal delivery service is.
Cost
It is important that you work out your budget and stick to it. It is easy to get carried away and overspend. Having a firm amount set will ensure that you stick to your budget.
Another advantage of having a budget is that you will be able to take advantage of offers which may include a selection of meals for a reduced price.
How much can I expect to pay?
You are normally expected to pay monthly for your meals and the pricing differs from meal to meal, depending on the ingredients you choose.
Meals containing extra protein will cost more than those which are higher in vegetables. Meals can vary from between $5 and $20, depending on the ingredients.
Some companies add shipping and delivery charges, so it is worth asking about these before deciding.
Most companies will offer you a free trial meal before you commit to them. It is worth accepting this as it will give you an idea of the type of food they can deliver.
Factors to consider in a meal delivery service
Even though a meal delivery plan is a good idea they can end up being quite expensive. There are some things you can do to make your meal plan a little more budget-friendly.
Choose meals that you can freeze. This way you will be able to buy them in bulk and take advantage of discounts which are often offered.
Check out the ingredients and if all the meals are the same price, opt for the higher quality protein meal. This way you may end up paying less than you would do at your local supermarket.
Choose the company which is closer to your delivery point. Shipping often varies from within a radius and outside the radius.
Make sure the delivery suits your schedule. The company may charge you if they have to try to deliver your meals a second time because you are not there to accept it.
What about dietary preferences?
It is important that you do your homework and find a company that is prepared to deliver meals that suit your needs. Don’t be concerned about asking for anything you need to be included.
Whether it is a food that you dislike and do not want included, or a spice that disagrees with you, be sure to tell them.
If you have any allergies, they should be aware so that they do not accidentally include them in your meal plan.
Bodybuilders have very specific needs when it comes to fat and protein intake, so make sure that the company you choose can deliver to these specifics.
How long do meal delivery plan meals last?
Most companies supply meals that will stay fresh for up to 24 hours in the refrigerated delivery bag. Most meals will stay fresh in the fridge for 4 – 5 days but you should check with the company to be sure.
Are meal deliver plans really worth it?
A meal delivery plan will work for you if:
- You need specific meals on a regular basis.
- You don’t have time to go shopping as often as you like.
- You don’t like cooking, or you don’t have time.
- You prefer to keep less food in the house in order to avoid temptation of eating all the time.
- You are an impulse buyer when you shop.
- You need help to manage portion and calorie control.
Meal delivery companies
While there are many meal delivery companies, there are some that cater specifically to the bodybuilder.
Muscle Meals 2 Go
If you want a calculated macro-nutrient rich diet then this company may be what you are looking for. The pre-made meals are low-carb, high-protein and unique in that you can design your own meals every time.
MealPro
Their goal is to change people’s lives through nutrition. They don’t have set menu meals, you can customise your meals any way you like. You can also alter proportions of protein, carbs and fats.
Kettlebell Kitchen
The meals with this company are mostly focused on fitness and they have several meal plan diets which can be specifically tailored to your needs. Meals are delicious and different with such items as jerk chicken and grilled pineapple on the menus.
Icon Meals
Not only do they provide a tasty and nutritious variety of meals, they also focus on whole grains and fresh high quality ingredients with plenty of fresh fruit. On the menu is their well-known Beyond Burger which contains 20 grams of protein and is hormone free. Additionally, they offer breakfast, lunch and snack options.
In conclusion
Meal delivery plans can work very well, although there are some things that should be considered. If you only eat the required meal and do not add extra snacks that your diet does not include, you will achieve your goals.
Once you have worked out your bodybuilding goals and ordered the meals to suit your needs, you will find that your meal delivery plan works very well.