A guide for following Low Carb Meal Delivery Services
We all know how difficult it is to find some leisure time in our busy schedule, and to think about spending this time on following a diet is even more dreadful. What if we tell you that this is possible without compromising your comfort? Well, don’t be surprised; following a low-carb diet or any diet for that matter is possible with the help of meal delivery services.
The low-carb diet is now one of the most well-liked dietary approaches available. People are becoming more aware that consuming carbohydrates leads to weight gain and increases the risk of developing diabetes, which has contributed to the diet’s rise in popularity. However, many individuals who adopt a low-carb diet discover that they are consuming an excessive amount of protein and not nearly enough carbs. Because of this, they either put on extra weight or feel exhausted all the time.
The inability of this diet to produce results, unless it is adhered to in its entirety, is a persistent issue with it. If you don’t get enough carbohydrates in your diet, you won’t be able to burn fat as efficiently. In addition, if you consume an excessive amount of carbohydrates, you will put on weight. So, the question is: How does one keep their bearings?
This article will help you find out what sort of low-carb meal plan works best for you and which items you should avoid if you’re trying to start eating healthier but aren’t sure where to begin.
Also, we are going to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each kind of low-carb meal plan, as well as how they stack up against one another. After that, we’ll walk you through some easy meal plans to help you get started on the right foot.
What Is a Low-Carb Diet?
A low-carb diet is one in which you reduce your consumption of carbohydrates (including sugar) while simultaneously increase your consumption of healthy fats and proteins. Eggs, meat, fish, vegetables, nuts, and seeds could make up a significant portion of a regular day’s diet. You could even allow yourself to snack on some fruit once in a while.
The ketogenic diet and the low glycemic index diet are the two primary varieties of low-carb diets. The primary goal of ketogenic diets is to reduce insulin levels in the body to encourage it to start using its stored fat for fuel rather than carbohydrates. In most cases, they include a considerable amount of saturated fat and just a minor quantity of protein.
Diets with a low glycemic index are designed to reduce the rate of digestion by restricting the consumption of highly processed carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, and rice. In comparison to ketogenic diets, these eating plans often include more fiber and fewer calories.
In recent years, low-carb diets have seen a meteoric rise in popularity. Despite this, low-carb diets come with their own unique set of challenges. Both the ketogenic diet and the low glycemic index diet demand stringent devotion on the part of the dieter to maintain a healthy metabolism and forestall the onset of cravings. That implies there should be no cheating!
Why Do People Do Low-Carb Diets?
People choose to follow diets that are low in carbohydrates for a variety of reasons. Some people want to reduce their weight and improve their overall health. Others are just experimenting with something new. However, regardless of the motivation behind your choice, maintaining a low-carb diet over the long run demands self-control.
When you eliminate carbohydrates from your diet, you must ensure that you replace them with another macronutrient. Many individuals resort to using protein drinks or bars; however, these foods can contribute to weight gain in certain people. Instead, you should think about switching to natural alternatives to processed carbohydrates.
Options that are nice to consider include whole grains like brown rice and quinoa. The use of legumes such as beans and lentils may satisfy hunger without contributing to weight gain. In addition to nuts and seeds, avocados are another excellent source of healthful fats.
The following is a list of the top ten reasons why individuals follow low-carb diets:
To Maintain Healthy Levels of Blood Glucose
Consuming a large quantity of carbohydrates causes your blood sugar to surge and then sink, resulting to feelings of exhaustion and hunger. If you follow a diet that is low in carbohydrates, your body will manufacture less insulin on its own. This will enable your body to draw energy from its fat stores rather than from the carbohydrates in your diet.
To Decrease Inflammation
Having high levels of insulin may cause inflammation throughout the body, which can last for a long time. Eliminating carbohydrates from the diet helps decrease inflammation because it reduces insulin levels and stimulates the production of a hormone called adiponectin, which is an anti-inflammatory hormone.
Eating more whole grains and complex carbs has been related to increased memory and cognitive function. Thus, doing so may be beneficial for brain health. The antioxidants that may be found in fruits and vegetables provide protection against the age-related deterioration that can be caused by oxidative damage.
People who eat a low-carb diet have less variation in their blood pressure and cholesterol levels than those who don’t eat this way. This is one way that a low-carb diet may benefit heart health. In addition, studies have shown that consuming a diet similar to that of the Mediterranean, which is high in olive oil, almonds, berries, and other plant-based foods, may lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
To Get Rid of Belly Fat
Carbohydrates are digested rapidly into simple sugars, which leads to fast spikes in blood sugar followed by subsequent dips. If you want to get rid of belly fat, this is what you need to do. Your body will respond to this by accumulating surplus food in the form of visceral fat around your organs. A diet that is low in carbohydrates compels the body to use fat reserves rather than carbs as a source of fuel, which may assist in the loss of abdominal fat.
To Better Understand How to Treat Depression
Scientists at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine examined the brains of mice that had been fed either a regular diet of mouse chow or a high-fat diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids (similar to what many Americans consume). They made this discovery after finding that when mice were given a diet heavy in fat, the number of serotonin receptors in their brains decreased. Serotonin is involved in the process of maintaining a balanced mood. This shows that reducing your consumption of harmful fats may be helpful in the fight against depression.
To Reduce the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association reports that approximately 90% of people who have type 2 diabetes also have “metabolic syndrome.” This condition is characterized by obesity, high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol levels, elevated blood pressure, and abnormal blood sugar levels. Low-carb diets were shown to be effective in helping obese persons lose weight and reverse key indicators of metabolic syndrome, according to research that was published in the journal Metabolism.
In the Treatment of Cancer
Since cancer cells are dependent on sugar for their survival, depriving them of glucose may inhibit the development of tumors. In fact, there is evidence from a number of studies that ketogenic diets may be an effective therapy for some forms of cancer.
To Have a Longer Life Expectancy
Diets that are heavy in saturated fat elevate levels of the dangerous LDL cholesterol and increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. Diets that are low in carbohydrates, on the other hand, reduce levels of harmful LDL cholesterol while simultaneously raising levels of heart-healthy HDL cholesterol. According to the findings of one research, adhering to a low-carb diet reduced the aging process in mice.
To Have a More Positive Mood
When we consume an excessive amount of processed carbohydrates and refined sugar, our systems produce stress chemicals such as cortisol. However, in addition to making us hungry and revving up our metabolism, these hormones also encourage the accumulation of fat in the abdominal region. If you want to lose weight, consider exchanging processed carbohydrates for natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. This will help you feel fuller for longer.
Importance of a Low-Carb Diet
There is no denying the clear rise in popularity of low-carb diets over the last few years. This is not only due to the fact that it facilitates weight loss but also that it enhances general health.
A diet low in carbohydrates is recommended for a number of reasons, including the following:
It Speeds Up Your Weight Loss
A low-carb diet helps you lose weight more quickly because it maintains a constant insulin level. Insulin is responsible for regulating how well your body extracts energy from the food you eat. If your insulin level is high, this indicates that your body is storing more energy than it needs, which may lead to an increase in weight. On the other hand, if your insulin level is low, your body will utilize the energy it already has stored rather than accumulate any more fat.
It Makes One Feel Less Hungry
When you consume carbohydrates, your brain will send signals to your stomach instructing it to store fat. However, if you reduce the amount of carbohydrates you eat, your brain will stop sending such signals. As a direct consequence of this, you will experience fewer instances of hunger.
It Is a Source of Energy
Because they contain a high number of calories per gram, carbohydrates are a great source of fast energy. If you do not consume any carbohydrates, on the other hand, your body will begin to metabolize protein and fat for energy. This puts your body into a condition called ketosis, in which it burns fat for fuel rather than glucose. Ketones are a by-product that are released into the bloodstream and have the potential to be utilized as a source of energy.
It Improves One’s Cognitive Functioning
Carbohydrates are very necessary for the brain to operate at its optimal level. They provide the nerve cells with energy and maintain the ideal amounts of neurotransmitters, which are molecules found in the brain.
It Makes the Bones More Robust
As was just explained, carbohydrates are essential to the process of bone production. Your body is unable to produce enough levels of calcium and phosphorus if you do not consume appropriate amounts of carbs. These minerals are essential for the development of healthy bones.
It Offers Protection Against a Variety of Disorders
Obesity is linked to a number of serious health conditions, some of the most frequent include cancer, high blood pressure, heart difficulties, and diabetes. Persons who are overweight have a more than twofold increased risk of developing diabetes compared to people of normal weight.
It Encourages the Maintenance of Good Skin
Because they consume fewer sweets and simple carbs, people who consume a diet high in carbohydrates tend to have skin that is softer and smoother than those who do not. The creation of free radicals in the body is boosted when there is an abundance of simple carbohydrates, which is the cause of this phenomenon. Free radicals are extremely reactive chemicals that may cause damage to the DNA and cell membranes.
It Alleviates the Symptoms of Constipation
When there is insufficient fiber in a person’s diet, they often struggle with constipation. Within the digestive tract, fiber performs the function of a bulking agent and assists in the movement of waste through the system.
It Has Been Shown to Reduce Cholesterol
A key contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease is a blood cholesterol level that is too high. Diets that are high in carbohydrates raise “bad” LDL cholesterol while lowering “good” HDL cholesterol.
It Encourages the Maintenance of a Healthy Immune System
Carbohydrates are necessary for the production of antibodies and the fight against bodily infections. A deficiency in carbohydrates may make your immune system more susceptible to illnesses, making you more likely to get a cold or the flu.
It Leads to an Improvement in Overall Athletic Performance
A breakfast high in carbohydrates soon before exercise can boost endurance and lessen the likelihood of muscular cramping.
It Provides Relief from Tension
According to a number of studies, consuming carbs may assist in the process of stress relief. When we are under pressure, our bodies secrete cortisol, a hormone which is responsible for initiating the accumulation of fat. Consuming carbs has been shown to increase serotonin levels, which is another neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Serotonin’s ability to induce feelings of peace and relaxation has long been recognized.
It Makes Us More Intelligent Overall
According to a number of studies, children who ingest a greater quantity of complex carbs have superior academic performance than their counterparts who consume a greater quantity of refined carbohydrates.
It Has an Anti-inflammatory Effect
When there is a wound or an infection in the body, inflammation will develop as a response. Even while inflammation is a natural defensive reaction of the body, prolonged or excessive inflammation may contribute to chronic illnesses such as asthma and arthritis.
It Helps Us Maintain Weight
Consuming carbs on a consistent basis prevents us from putting on extra weight. This is due to the fact that carbs induce insulin levels to jump, thus instructing the body to store any surplus food as fat.
It Is Effective in Battling Depression
According to the findings of certain research, persons who consume a diet that is low in carbohydrates experience an improvement in their mood. Diets low in carbohydrates may also be helpful for persons who struggle with bipolar illness.
It Restores the Body’s Hormone Balance
Carbohydrates have a part to play in maintaining hormonal equilibrium. The rate at which cells take up glucose is dictated by the hormone insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas. When there is not enough sugar in circulation, the pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream. This allows glucose to be transported to the cells of the body. When insulin levels are too low, hyperglycemia, often known as high blood sugar, may develop, whereas insulin levels that are too high can cause diabetes.
It Gives One More Energy
When we don’t get enough sleep, the amount of growth hormone that our bodies manufacture drops. During moments of rest, the growth hormone helps the body burn more calories.
It Stimulates One’s Libido
Carbohydrates not only provide us with the energy we need but also help us to remain attentive. Additionally, they raise the levels of testosterone in males. Testosterone is responsible for sexual desire.
It Helps to Protect Against Cancer
Research has shown a correlation between diets rich in carbs and decreased incidence of breast cancer. According to the findings of one research, the risk of developing breast cancer was cut in half for women who consumed the greatest quantity of meals containing whole grains compared to those who consumed the least amount of whole grain foods.
It Reduces the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease
Consuming carbs has been shown to have a potential ameliorating effect on Alzheimer’s disease. According to a research that was published in the Nutrition Journal, older persons who followed a diet that was low in carbohydrates showed substantial decreases in the amount of brain atrophy that occurred over the course of their lifetime. Memory loss has been linked to a process called brain atrophy.
Why Meal Kits Are Good for Low Carb
Preparing your own meal kit is much easier than cooking every single meal. You do not have to worry about measuring out ingredients and then mixing them together. A meal kit contains all you need to prepare a healthy and delicious dinner. It also saves you time and money.
The best thing about meal kits is that they save you from spending hours in the kitchen. Preparing a meal takes just minutes. All you need to do is add water or stock and cook it. If you want to eat healthier, you can always opt for meal kits that include vegetables and fruits.
What Are the Pros of Using Meal Kits?
They Make Your Life Easier
Meal kits come in handy when you’re short on time. They allow you to cook without having to spend hours preparing food.
They Save You Money
A meal kit costs less than buying individual ingredients. Manufacturers offer discounts if you buy multiple boxes.
They Help You Stay Fit
If you’re looking to lose weight, meal kits will help you avoid overeating because you won’t have access to unhealthy snacks.
They Help You Maintain a Balanced Diet
You’ll never go hungry when you use meal kits. There are plenty of options available, so you can choose what suits your taste buds.
They Keep You Safe
You can rest assured knowing that your food is prepared according to FDA standards.
They Give You Variety
There are different types of meal kits available depending on your preferences. Some contain meat, while others are vegetarian.
They Help You Save Time
Because you don’t have to measure out each ingredient separately, you don’t waste any time.
They Help You Be More Organized
When you purchase a meal kit, you get everything you need right at your fingertips. This makes grocery shopping easy and convenient.
They Help You Create a Nutritious Menu
You can easily plan your menus by choosing from various options provided in the box.
Is Low Carb Good for My Health?
Around the globe, we have seen an uptick in the number of individuals who are obese and who suffer from diabetes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.9 billion persons throughout the world are overweight, and 650 million are classified as obese. According to these numbers, the worldwide pandemic of these disorders is not showing any signs of slowing down any time soon, which is concerning.
In addition, over 80% of the population that is obese also suffers from hypertension, which puts them at risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. People who have high blood pressure are more likely to acquire other ailments as well, including renal failure, stroke, and even dementia.
Individuals who follow diets that are high in carbs have a tendency to accumulate more body fat than people who eat meals that are low in carbohydrates, according to research that was carried out by Harvard University. This is in addition to the difficulties that were described above.
According to the findings of this research, those who ate meals low in carbohydrates had lower levels of the hormones insulin and leptin in their bodies. Insulin is known to play a function in helping control sugar levels in the circulation, whereas leptin is known to play a role in helping regulate hunger and metabolism.
The findings of the study led the researchers to the conclusion that those who had meals low in carbohydrates experienced greater feelings of satisfaction and less hunger than those who consumed regular meals high in carbohydrate content.
Implementing a lifestyle that is low in carbohydrates has been shown to help lower the chance of developing a number of significant diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and many more. If you want to live a longer life that is free from chronic illnesses, the greatest thing you can do is to start eating nutritious meals as soon as possible.
Diseases that a Low-Carb diet can cure :
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Blood Pressure
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
Differences Between Home-Prepared Meals and Meal Delivery Kits for Low-Carb Diet
Convenience and simplicity of preparation are two benefits of meal delivery kits, but the quality of the components may not always come up to your standards. On the other hand, meals cooked at home are prepared from scratch each and every day and use only the highest-quality ingredients.
However, for some persons, the task of preparing their own meals might be challenging since they do not possess the essential knowledge or expertise. If you are someone who fits into this group, then you really want to think about getting a meal kit delivery service instead.
The following are some of the key distinctions between meals that are made at home and those that are delivered in kits:
Excellence
Premium products, such as organic chicken breast fillets, wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef, and organic vegetables, are often used in the preparation of meals that are cooked at home. In contrast, meal delivery packages often include meat that has already been cooked and veggies that have been frozen.
Portion Size
When you order one of our home-cooked dinners, you will get an appropriate amount of food for one person. When you purchase a meal delivery kit, on the other hand, you have the option of getting up to four meals in a single box. This is ideal for households that include youngsters as well as for married couples who like spending time in the kitchen together.
Taste
When you cook your own food, you have complete control over the quantities of salt, spices, and herbs that go into the dishes you create. In addition to that, you may add more spice to suit your own unique tastes in terms of flavor. However, if you get a meal delivery kit, you won’t have any influence over the amount of salt, spices, or herbs that will be included in each dish.
Cost
When you cook your own meals, you are responsible for purchasing all of the necessary components. As a direct consequence of this, you are fully aware of the whole cost of the transaction. The price of a meal delivery kit is calculated based on the quantity of boxes that are purchased. For instance, the price of a single dish is $9.99, but the price of a family pack is $39.99.
A Look at the Nutrients
Meals cooked at home do not have the same level of nutrition information that is included in meal delivery packages. The explanation behind this is straightforward – before purchasing the item, you won’t be able to see the nutritional information that is listed on the packaging. Therefore, you will have to depend only on the box for all of the information about the contents.
Time
Cooking meals from scratch requires a significant investment of time. It takes at least half an hour to consume a meal, not including the preparation time of at least 30 minutes. On the other hand, preparing a meal from a meal delivery kit takes no more than 10 minutes, and eating it takes even less than 15.
Cleanup
If you make the decision to prepare your own meals, you will be responsible for cleaning up afterward. However, if you get a meal delivery package, there will be no mess left behind for you to clean up.
Flexibility
If you want to prepare your own food, you will need a kitchen area with storage room for your pans, cutlery, and other cooking items. If, on the other hand, you are considering purchasing a meal delivery kit, you can easily store the box in the refrigerator and forget about it until it is time for dinner.
You should give a meal delivery kit a go if you want to cut down on your expenses, your time commitment, and the amount of work you put into preparing meals. They are handy, simple to use, and the greatest part is that they come with comprehensive nutrition information.
Best Low-Carb Meal Kit Delivery Services
Now that we’ve looked at the advantages of using a low-carb meal kit delivery service, let’s take a look at some of the best services available today.
Green Chef
What Is Green Chef?
The first brand on our list is Green Chef. This company was founded by two brothers who wanted to provide people with healthy, delicious meals without having to spend too much money. Their goal was to offer their customers high-quality ingredients, which were then prepared and delivered right to their homes.
They started out by offering five different menus, which include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks. Each menu includes recipes that are easy to follow, so you don’t need any special skills or experience to prepare them. All of the recipes are made with fresh, organic ingredients, and each one contains around 500 calories.
What Type of Low-Carb Meals Does Green Chef Offer?
The type of meals offered by Green Chef fall under the category of keto diet meals. These types of meals are designed to help you lose weight, improve your health, and live a healthier lifestyle.
In addition to the keto diet meals, Green Chef also offers gluten-free options. You can choose between three different plans depending on how many days per week you would like to receive meals. There is a plan for those who eat once a day, twice a day, and three times a day.
What Plan Do You Choose at Green Chef?
There are three different plans you can choose from when ordering a meal delivery kit through Green Chef:
- 1 Day Plan at $9.99/day
- 2 Days Plan at $14.99/day
- 3 Days Plan at $19.99/day
Each plan comes with six meals every day, which means you’ll have enough food to last you all day long. The only difference between the three plans is the number of meals included in each package.
The Most Popular Recipes of Green Chef
Here are some of the most popular recipes available on Green Chef:
Bulgogi Noodle Bowl
- Prep & cook time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 1883kJ/450kCal
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 12g
This amazing recipe has been featured on the Food Network. It consists of beef bulgogi (marinated meat), noodles, vegetables, and rice. The bulgogi marinade is made with sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and green onion.
Creamy Pesto Penne Bowls
- Prep & cook time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 980kCal
- Fat: 61g
- Carbohydrates: 90g
- Protein: 31g
If you are looking for a pasta dish that will fill you up but won’t leave you feeling bloated, this pesto penne bowl is perfect for you. It features penne pasta, tomato basil sauce, cheese, and pesto. The pesto is made with walnuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon zest.
Green Chef’s Best Features
Healthy Meals
Green Chef’s meals are packed full of nutrients that will keep you going throughout the day. They contain no artificial colors or flavors, preservatives, or additives. In fact, they’re completely natural and have no cholesterol.
Delicious Recipes
The recipes provided by Green Chef are absolutely delicious. They feature simple instructions that make it easy to create tasty dishes that fit into your daily routine.
Easy-to-Follow Menus
All of the recipes are organized into categories based on what you want to eat at specific times during the day. For example, there are breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack recipes. This makes it easier than ever to find a healthy option that fits into your schedule.
Variety of Options
You get to pick from five different menus, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and dessert. All of these menus come with an unlimited amount of recipes, so you don’t have to worry about running out of choices.
Pricing
Green Chef’s pricing varies depending on whether you order 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days worth of meals. Here are the prices for each plan:
- One Day Meal Delivery Kit at $9.99
- Two-Day Meal Delivery Kit at $14.99
- Three-Day Meal Delivery Kit at $19.99
Shipping
When you place an order for a meal delivery kit, Green Chef ships your order directly to your doorstep. Shipping costs vary depending on where you live. If you live within 50 miles of the warehouse, shipping is free. For locations further away, shipping costs start at just $5.95.
Home Chef
What Is Home Chef?
The second low-carb meal delivery service we’ve reviewed today is Home Chef. Like Green Chef, Home Chef offers three different meal delivery kits. However, their menu options include more than just meals. You can also choose from a variety of side dishes, desserts, appetizers, and drinks.
What Type of Low-Carb Meals Does Home Chef Offer?
Similar to Green Chef, Home Chef provides both ketogenic and non-ketogenic meals. Ketogenic meals are designed to help you lose weight while keeping your blood sugar levels stable. Non-ketogenic meals are intended to provide some energy without causing spikes in your blood sugar. Both types of meals are available as part of the standard plan or as add-on plans.
What Plan Do You Choose at Home Chef?
There are four different plans offered by Home Chef. Each plan comes with its own set of meal options. These include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Breakfast includes items like eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, waffles, toast, oatmeal, and yogurt.
Lunch consists of sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, and sides. Dinner includes entrees such as steak, chicken, pork chops, fish, pasta, rice, and vegetables. Snacks include nuts, fruits, veggies, cheese, crackers, cookies, and chips.
The Most Popular Recipes of Home Chef
Pork Chop and Black Garlic Marinara Sauce
- Prep & cook time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 550kCal
- Fat: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 46g
This item is the very first recipe included in the basic plan. It’s a simple marinara sauce made with black garlic and pork chop. The pork chop is cooked until crispy and then served over a bed of rice and seasonal vegetables.
Chicken Salsa Verde Bowl
- Prep & Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
- Calories: 450kCal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 42g
One of the main ingredients in this dish is salsa verde. This green salsa has fresh herbs and spices that give it a tangy flavor. To make the salsa, tomatoes are blended with cilantro, basil, olive oil, lime juice, salt, pepper, and jalapeno peppers. Then, the mixture is stirred together with diced avocado, shredded chicken breast, and tortilla strips.
Home Chef’s Best Features
Variety
One of the most appealing aspects of using a meal delivery service is having access to a wide range of choices. With Home Chef, you have access to more than 100 recipes. Many of these recipes come from well-known chefs who specialize in healthy cooking. Some of these chefs include Mark Bittman, Jamie Oliver, and Rachael Ray.
Price
Even though they don’t always offer the cheapest prices on the market, Home Chef still costs less than many other services. Their basic plan starts at $10 per day. If you want to up your food intake, you can opt for one of their add-on plans. One of those plans will cost you around $12 per day.
Portion Control
Another great thing about using a meal delivery service like Home Chef is being able to control how much you eat. You can adjust the portion sizes of each meal so that you’re not eating too much.
Pricing
You can get started with Home Chef for free. However, if you decide to continue using the service, there are three different plans to choose from.
- Basic Plan at $10 per day
- Add-On Plans at $12 per day
- Premium Plan at $15 per day
If you decide to sign up for any of these plans, you’ll be charged monthly. However, you won’t be billed every single day. Instead, you’ll only be charged when you order a new meal or receive an email notification that a new meal is available.
Shipping
All meals ordered through Home Chef arrive within 2 days. They usually arrive between 12 pm and 7 pm. When you place an order, you’ll need to provide your address, phone number, and credit card information. Once your order is placed, you’ll receive a confirmation email. You’ll also be notified via text message once your meal arrives.
The costs of the delivery vary depending on which plan you choose. For example, the Basic plan costs $10 per day. That means you’ll pay $40 per month. On the other hand, the Premium plan costs $15 per day. That means you’ll pay $60 per month.
SunBasket
What Is SunBasket?
SunBasket is a meal delivery service that specializes in delivering healthy meals. The company was founded by passionate entrepreneurs who wanted to create a better way to eat. Now, SunBasket delivers fresh, seasonal produce directly to customers’ doorsteps.
What Type of Low-Carb Meals Does SunBasket Offer?
SunBasket offers both vegetarian and nonvegetarian options. All of their meals are prepared with real ingredients. In fact, all of their meals contain approximately 10 grams of carbs per serving. Most of their dishes are made with vegetables, fruits, beans, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
What Plan Do You Choose at SunBasket?
There are four different plans to choose from:
- $14.99/day (includes unlimited deliveries)
- $19.99/day (unlimited deliveries + 3-Day trial)
- $24.99/day (delivery included + 2-Week trial)
- $29.99/day (Delivery included + 1-Month trial)
Each plan comes with its own set of benefits such as discounts on groceries and access to exclusive deals.
The Most Popular Recipes of SunBasket
SunBasket’s Carb-Conscious Meal Kit consists of the brand’s most sought-after recipes. These include:
Thai Turkey Lettuce Cups
- Prep & cook time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 540kCal
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 28g
In the mood for some Thai food? This recipe combines lean turkey breast meat with veggies and spices. It’s perfect for those who want to lose weight while still enjoying delicious foods.
Vietnamese Shaking Beef with Salt, Pepper, and Lime Dipping Sauce
- Prep & cook time: 25–40 minutes
- Calories: 490kCal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 32g
This dish features a glimpse of Vietnamese cuisine. It contains beef tenderloin and rice noodles. Both of them come together to make this dish taste great. Also, the addition of lime gives it a refreshing flavor.
SunBasket’s Best Features
Freshly Prepared Meals
When you order a meal through SunBasket, you can rest assured knowing that everything will be cooked freshly. No frozen meals here! Everything is prepared using high-quality ingredients.
Variety of Recipes
You don’t have to worry about running out of ideas when ordering through SunBasket. There are over 150 different recipes to choose from.
Delivery
All of your orders will be delivered right to your doorstep. Your meals will arrive at any time during the week.
Pricing
SunBasket offers three different pricing plans. Each one has its own unique set of perks. Here are the details:
- Basic Plan ($14.99/day) – Unlimited deliveries
- Premium Plan ($19.99/day) – Unrestricted deliveries + 3-Day Trial
- Elite Plan ($24.99/day) – Included delivery + 2-Week Trial
Delivery
If you order more than one meal every day, you’ll only pay $1.50 extra for each additional item. However, if you’re an avid user, you might want to consider upgrading to one of the Elite or Premium Plans. You get free shipping on all orders above $100.
HelloFresh
What Is HelloFresh?
The next brand of meal kits we’ll discuss is HelloFresh. If you haven’t heard of it yet, then you should know that HelloFresh was founded by Dominik Richter and his colleagues. They started the company after they realized how difficult it was to find healthy and fresh meals on a daily basis. Since then, HelloFresh has grown into a well-known brand within the US market, especially right after its recent rebranding. Today, they offer five different plans ranging from $12 to $20 per meal. Their menu includes over 200 different recipes.
What Type of Low-Carb Meals Does HelloFresh Offer?
Like SunBasket, HelloFresh also offers low-carb meals. All of their meals contain a reasonable amount of grams of carbs per serving, which is also categorized under the low GI carb classification. In fact, even the breakfast options fall under this category.
What Plan Do You Choose for HelloFresh?
The type of plan you choose depends on what you’re looking for in a meal kit service. For example, if you’re someone who wants to lose weight, then you’d probably opt for the Healthy option. The Healthy plan costs $15 per month and comes with 4–5 meals per week. On top of that, you’ll receive nutritional information for each meal so you can easily track your progress.
The Most Popular Recipes of HelloFresh
The brand’s low-carb options aren’t limited to just meals. They also include the most popular snacks and desserts as well. Some of these items include:
Za’atar Spiced Barramundi
- Prep & cook time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 640kCal
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 41g
Enjoy the wonders of Middle Eastern cuisine with this delicious barramundi dish. It contains plenty of protein and fiber while being low in fat. This recipe is perfect for those who want to keep their diet clean but still enjoy some tasty treats.
Buffalo Honey Pork Chops
- Prep & cook time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 590kCal
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g
Are you looking for a well-rounded meal that will satisfy your taste buds? Then look no further! These pork chops are loaded with flavor and have a nice balance of carbohydrates and protein. This recipe is great for anyone who wants to stay fit and eat at the same time.
HelloFresh’s Best Features
You may be wondering why HelloFresh is such a popular choice among people who are trying to lose weight. Well, there are several reasons why they’ve become so successful. Here are some of the best features of HelloFresh:
Easy to Order
One of the things that make HelloFresh stand out from other brands is its ease of ordering. You don’t need any prior experience to use them. Just follow the instructions on the website, and you’ll be able to order your meals without any hassle.
Variety
Another thing that sets HelloFresh apart from other companies is its variety. Not only do they offer many different types of meals, but they also provide a wide range of snacks and desserts.
Low-Carb Options
As mentioned before, HelloFresh offers low-carb meals. Their macronutrient breakdowns are very similar to SunBasket’s, which means that you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything when you try one of their meals.
Pricing
The pricing scheme for HelloFresh is pretty simple too. Once you sign up, you’ll get a free box of food for 30 days. After that, you pay $12 per month or $14 per month if you want to cancel your subscription.
Shipping
As for the shipping options, HelloFresh has two plans available. If you live within 50 miles of where they deliver, then you can choose between Standard Delivery and Express Shipping. Otherwise, you’ll have to settle for standard delivery.
Dinnerly
What Is Dinnerly?
Next up in our low-carb dinner ideas list is Dinnerly. This company specializes in healthy, home-cooked dinners delivered right to your door. All of their meals are prepared by professional chefs using fresh ingredients. When you place an order through their website, you can choose whether you want to receive weekly, biweekly, monthly or even quarterly deliveries.
What Type of Low-Carb Meals Does Dinnerly Offer?
They offer both keto and non-keto meals. They say that each menu option fits into a specific lifestyle. For example, if you’re following a ketogenic diet, then you should check out their Keto Meals section. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced approach, you can go with their Balanced Meals.
What Plan Do You Choose at Dinnerly?
If you decide to take advantage of this service, you’ll first need to create a profile on their website. From there, you’ll be asked to answer a few questions about yourself. The next step is to pick a plan. There are three different plans available:
- Weekly
- Biweekly
- Monthly or Quarterly
Each plan comes with its own set of benefits. For instance, the Weekly Plan includes unlimited meals for just $9.99 every week. In addition, it will include a personalized shopping list.
The Most Popular Recipes of Dinnerly
It is without a doubt that Dinnerly has some of the most delicious and nutritious recipes around. It’s no wonder that they’ve been featured on various websites and blogs. Some of these recipes include:
Low-Carb Steak and Garlic Sauce
- Prep & cook time: 20–30 minutes
- Calories: 410kCal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 26g
Simplicity is the key here with this amazing dish. This recipe consists of steak marinated in garlic sauce. It’s served over cauliflower rice. The sauce itself is made with tomatoes, soy sauce, olive oil, herbs, spices and lemon juice.
Low-Carb Seared Steak & Spinach Salad
- Prep & cook time: 10–15 minutes
- Calories: 520kCal
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 30g
This is a fresh approach to the traditional steak salad. Here, spinach replaces lettuce, and the steak gets seared instead of grilled. The steak is topped with a generous portion of leafy green salad, fat-free cheese, and air-fried croutons.
Gobble
What Is Gobble?
Another fantastic low-carb meal delivery service is Gobble. Bearing the slogan of “Less Prep, Mess & Cleanup,” the company delivers fresh, healthy, gourmet meals straight to your doorstep. Their meals are prepared by professional cooks who use only high-quality ingredients.
What Type of Low-Carb Meals Does Gobble Offer?
Generally, Gobble introduces a whole new dynamic when it comes to dining out. Many people tend to shy away from eating at restaurants because of the fear of being unable to control what goes into their body. With Gobble, however, you have complete control over what you eat.
You can select from one of four menus. These include the following:
- Healthy
- Vegetarian
- Paleo
- Gluten-Free
Each menu features a variety of dishes ranging from appetizers to entrees. If you want something light, try their Chicken Avocado Wrap. Meanwhile, if you’d like something heartier, opt for their Grilled Salmon Sandwich.
What Plan Do You Choose at Gobble?
If you decide you would like to order from Gobble, you’ll first need an account. After creating a profile, you’ll be able to browse through their entire selection of meals. Once you find the ones you like, you’ll be given the opportunity to customize them. You can also add any additional ingredients you may wish to include.
The Most Popular Recipes of Gobble
Gobble introduces their “Lean and Clean” menu – their own approach to low-carb meals. This menu offers a wide range of options including the following:
Seared Salmon
- Prep & cook time: 15–20 minutes
- Calories: 570kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrate: 8g
- Protein: 40g
This salmon dish is easy to prepare and is also tasty. A large piece of salmon steaks get seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and other seasonings. They’re then placed onto a hot grill pan or skillet. When finished cooking, the fish is sliced and served on top of a bed of broccoli and cauliflower.
Chicken Salad Wrap
- Prep & cook time: 5–10 minutes
- Calories: 360kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrate: 7g
- Protein: 35g
This wrap is perfect for those looking for a quick lunch option. Two chicken breast fillets are marinated in lime juice, cilantro, garlic, ginger, and coconut aminos. Then they’re sauteed until cooked through. Next, they’re wrapped up in a large flour tortilla along with avocado slices, red onion, romaine lettuce, and spicy sriracha.
Gobble’s Best Features
Freshness
One of the reasons why Gobble has been so successful is that all its meals are freshly made. In addition to this, each recipe is carefully crafted using only the highest-quality ingredients.
Variety
Gobble’s menu includes a wide array of different types of food. From salads to sandwiches, there’s something for everyone.
Customization
Each meal can be customized to meet your personal preferences. For example, you can add extra vegetables or spices to make your meal more appealing.
Pricing
All of Gobble’s meals come at affordable prices. The average cost per serving is around $5. While some might think this is expensive, it’s actually quite reasonable compared to many restaurant meals.
Shipping
Gobble ships nationwide. However, shipping costs vary depending on where you live. To see how much shipping will cost, simply enter your zip code during checkout while fulfilling your Gobble order.
EveryPlate
What Is EveryPlate?
EveryPlate is a meal kit delivery service that makes grocery shopping easier than ever before. With EveryPlate, you don’t have to worry about what foods to buy because everything is included in your box. Instead, you just have to put together your boxes once every week.
What Type of Low-Carb Meals Does EveryPlate Offer?
EveryPlate currently offers a wide range of low-carb meals. These are specially formulated to fit into your diet without leaving you feeling hungry. Also, each of these meals comes with a detailed nutritional breakdown so you know exactly what you’re eating.
The company believes that by offering such an extensive variety of low-carb meals, people who want to follow a ketogenic diet will find a solution.
What Plan Do You Choose for Gobble?
If you sign up for Gobble, you’ll be able to select from three different plans. Each one provides a different number of meals based on your needs.
For example, if you’re following a keto diet, you’ll receive fewer meals than someone who follows a high-carb diet.
Additionally, you can customize your plan by selecting which meals you’d like to receive. You can also request certain meals if you’re not sure what to eat.
The Most Popular Recipes of EveryPlate
In general, EveryPlate’s meals are average in caloric content. That said, they still provide plenty of nutrients. Here are some of their most popular recipes:
Creamy Dijon Chicken
- Prep & cook time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 530kcal
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrate: 40g
- Protein: 34g
This amazing chicken dish is EveryPlate’s take on traditional creamy dijon sauce. It’s made with lean chicken breasts, cream cheese, and dijon mustard. When eaten together, these ingredients create a delicious flavor combination.
Garlic-Rosemary Chicken
- Prep & cook time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 530kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrate: 63g
- Protein: 36g
Are you looking for a tasty chicken recipe that won’t leave you bloated after eating? This garlic rosemary chicken fits the bill perfectly! Made with boneless chicken breast, fresh rosemary, and garlic, this dish is full of flavor.
EveryPlate’s Best Features
Easy Meal Planning
One of the best things about EveryPlate is its ease of use. You don’t need to spend hours planning out your meals. Instead, you can easily add new recipes to your weekly menu. Additionally, you can access all of the recipes online or through the app.
Nutritional Breakdowns
Each of the meals provided by EveryPlate includes a detailed nutritional breakdown. This means you can quickly identify the macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), and fiber content of each meal.
Customizable Plans
As mentioned earlier, you can customize your meal plan by choosing which meals you’d like. Additionally, you can always request specific meals if you aren’t sure what to eat. The company even allows you to order meals ahead of time.
Pricing
Now, we’ve covered the basics of EveryPlate. Let’s talk about pricing.
You can get started with a free trial of the service. Afterward, you can pay $5 per week to continue using it. If you decide to subscribe, you can save money by paying monthly instead of weekly.
However, there’s no contract when you sign up for the service. So, you can cancel anytime without any penalties.
Shipping
As for EveryPlate’s shipping terms, you have two options. You can either choose standard delivery or expedited delivery. Standard delivery takes around 2 weeks. Expedited delivery only takes 1 day.
These options are provided at checkout. However, you can change them later.
Blue Apron
What Is Blue Apron?
Finally, we come to the last meal subscription service we’ll be covering today – Blue Apron.
Blue Apron is an American online grocery store where you can buy pre-portioned ingredients and recipes. Then, you simply follow the instructions to make a healthy meal.
This food delivery service has garnered tons of attention since its launch. Why? Because Blue Apron provides users with easy-to-follow recipes and step-by-step guides. Plus, customers love how affordable and convenient it is.
What Type of Low-Carb Meals Does Blue Apron Offer?
In addition to their main focus – healthy, low-carb meals – Blue Apron also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options. This is to provide more variety to those who want to avoid certain foods.
Users are free to pick from one of three different plans. Each plan comes with a set number of meals to ensure you’re getting enough variety.
What Plan Do You Choose for Blue Apron?
Blue Apron offers a plethora of meal plans with amazing customization options. Aside from the basic 3-meal plan, there’s also the 7-day plan, 14-day plan, 21-day plan, and 30-day plan.
Each of these plans can be customized to fit your needs. For example, you can skip some days in between meals. You can also opt to receive fewer than seven meals per week.
The Most Popular Recipes of Blue Apron
Blue Apron introduces its own separate option for low-carb meal planning called “Extra Helpings.” It’s designed to help people who need extra guidance on how to prepare low-carb meals.
With Extra Helpings, you can create your own shopping list based on the meals you already know you enjoy. Then, you can use this list as inspiration to find new recipes that will work well for you.
Here are some of the most popular low-carb menu items that Blue Apron has to offer:
Roasted Chicken and Salmon
- Prep & cook time: 95 minutes
- Calories: 620kcal
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrate: 51g
- Protein: 48g
This dish includes salmon, chicken breast, broccoli florets, cauliflower rice, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, red onion, and thyme. If you are looking for a delicious, low-carb recipe, this is a great choice!
Chicken Parmesan
- Prep & cook time: 70 minutes
- Calories: 615kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrate: 46g
- Protein: 58g
This dish includes boneless skinless chicken breasts, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, basil leaves, salt, and pepper. If you are looking to try something new, then this is definitely worth trying out.
Blue Apron’s Best Features
Variety
The main selling point of Blue Apron is the wide selection of recipes and menus available. You have plenty of choices when it comes to what you’d like to eat each day.
Easy-to-Follow Recipes
Blue Apron makes following the directions simple and straightforward. There’s no guessing involved. The company provides clear instructions for every step so you don’t miss anything.
Affordable
Blue Apron offers an affordable price tag. In fact, many people consider it to be one of the best deals around. Their prices range anywhere from $8 to $12 per serving.
Pricing
Blue Apron currently offers flexible pricing options for their customized meals and bundles. Factors such as the number of servings you order and the frequency of delivery will determine which plan you end up paying for.
As an example, here are some levels of service offered by Blue Apron:
- $10/serving – Serves 4–6 people once or twice a month
- $13/serving – Serves 2–4 people once or twice a week
- $18/serving – Serves 1 person once or twice a week (or more!)
Shipping
Blue Apron ships all orders via USPS First Class Mail. Shipping times vary depending on where you live but typically take about 5–7 business days.
How to Choose a Low-Carb Meal Delivery
If you want to pick a meal delivery service that’s low in carbs, you need to adhere to a set of precise rules. The following are some examples of these:
Check for Meal Variety
First things first, check to see that your membership includes a sufficient variety of food items to choose from. You won’t get uninterested in eating the same dish over and over again if you do it this way.
The number of different types of vegetables present at each meal is an excellent measure of the meal’s level of diversity. While some businesses provide just a few different choices of vegetables, others may supply at least five different kinds.
What Should You Expect in a Kit?
The size of the box is another important consideration, so take that in mind as well. The larger the box, the greater the quantity of food that will be included in it. For instance, if you order a single dinner, you need to anticipate receiving anywhere in the range of 3-5 cups’ worth of food. If, on the other hand, you decide to purchase a bigger bundle, you may anticipate receiving 10 cups of food or more.
Before you sign up for any service, make it a habit to carefully read over all of the documentation. There are certain businesses that tack on additional expenses for shipping and handling. Some services demand that you make an initial payment before they can begin delivering your meals.
What Nutrition Will You Get?
When deciding on a low-carb meal delivery service, this is perhaps the single most crucial factor to take into consideration. Unfortuitously, there is not a lot of information easily accessible on how many carbs are included in each item, and this may be a bit of a challenge when trying to compare products. On the other hand, we know for a fact that the vast majority of the meals offered by these firms have a net carbohydrate content of around 40 grams or less per serving.
You should also keep in mind that if you order from them, you will be eating fewer calories than you would have if you had cooked the meals on your own. This is something that you should keep in mind when you are placing your order. This is due to the fact that when you create your own meals, you do not need to be concerned with correctly measuring out the components of the dish.
Flexibility in Choosing a Meal Service
Also, you must keep in mind that you have total control over the things that get into your body at all times. When you place an order with Blue Apron or HelloFresh, for instance, you will get a list of the ingredients as well as instructions on how to prepare the meal.
On the other hand, you are free to alter the menu in any way that you see fit. For instance, you have the option of requesting that the establishment replace one vegetable with another or even switch out an element completely. In addition, you can also request for a side salad or dessert to go along with your meal.
Is It Budget-Friendly?
If you want to save money while still obtaining the finest possible nutrition, then you should investigate whether or not a low-carb meal delivery service is good for you. If it is, then you should look into signing up for one. You may search the Internet and discover a multitude of evaluations that will assist you in determining which business gives you the most bang for your money.
When compared to making meals on your own, buying meals via a subscription service rather than preparing them on your own has a number of advantages. To begin, you won’t have to spend as much time or money cooking each meal. Second, you won’t have to be concerned about what you’ll eat to satisfy your hunger since you can enjoy a wide range of meals without feeling deprived.
Finally, since you will be eating less processed carbs, your diet will become healthier. Because of this, you will not be subjected to the negative consequences that are associated with consuming sugar and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and spaghetti.
5 Reasons Why Meal Delivery Service for Low-Carb Diet Planning Is Good for You
We have already discussed some of the benefits of using a low-carb meal service, but there are actually five more reasons why they are beneficial.
Precise Selection
The first reason is that you can choose exactly what kind of food you’d like to consume. This is made possible by the fact that you don’t have to worry about measuring out the right amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Instead, you simply pick the meals that you want to eat, and they are delivered to your door.
This makes it easy for you to stay within your calorie limit and avoid overeating. Also, you can make sure that you’re getting enough protein and fiber so that you feel full and satisfied after every meal.
Convenience
Another great benefit of ordering meals from a meal delivery service is that you do not have to cook anything. All you need to do is select the meals that you would like to eat and send them to your doorstep. The company does everything else, including packing and delivering the meals.
This saves you a lot of time and energy, especially if you work outside the home. It also allows you to focus on other things instead of spending hours in the kitchen.
Ease of Preparation
You are freed from the responsibility of preparing each meal on your own. Instead, you just place an order for them online, and they will come to your house fully prepared to be consumed. This makes it so that you do not need to stand over the stove or oven trying to figure out how to cook whatever it is that you want to eat. This is a really useful feature.
You may also make use of the meals that are already prepared for you. These are often particularly nutritious due to the high proportion of vegetables and fruits that they include. Because they are low in both calories and fat, they are an excellent choice for those who are trying to limit the number of carbohydrates they consume in their diet.
Quality Control
When you order meals from a meal delivery service, one of the nicest things about doing so is the fact that you always know precisely what you’re going to get. You may have peace of mind knowing that the meals you purchased will not only fulfill your dietary requirements but also satisfy your cravings for delectable food.
In addition, the quality of these meals is under the direct supervision of the respective firms. In the event that you are experiencing issues with certain goods, you may get in touch with customer assistance and request that they replace the things with which you are dissatisfied.
Variety
Finally, when you use a meal delivery service, you never run out of options. There are many different types of meals available, ranging from breakfast to dinner. In addition, you can customize your own meals by choosing between various entrees, sides, toppings, and beverages.
If you’re looking for a way to save money while still staying fit, then we suggest that you try ordering meals through a meal delivery service. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious dishes without worrying about cooking or preparing them yourself.
Wrapping Up
That’s it for our take on the best low-carb delivery services!
Meal delivery services offer an affordable alternative to eating out. While most people think of this as a luxury, we’ve learned that there are actually quite a few benefits associated with using one.
Just remember that the more variety you add to your menu, the better. So, if you’re looking for a new way to eat, then consider ordering some meals through a meal delivery company. We hope that you found this article helpful!
