Meal prep has been a lifesaver for those who lived through the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, and these days, even with everything open and functioning, it is still as popular as ever. This guide will walk you through practical meal prep ideas, from planning meals and shopping at local markets to organizing and storing food efficiently.
What is meal prep?
Meal prep is the practice of planning and preparing meals in advance to save time, eat healthier, and reduce waste. Many people do it themselves, but it’s also a popular service where companies prepare and deliver fresh, balanced meals right to your door. This makes it easy to enjoy nutritious, ready-to-eat meals without the hassle of shopping or cooking.
For many, the habit of prepping food once or twice a week helps maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing valuable time. Meal prep also supports specific dietary goals, whether for fitness, weight management, or dietary restrictions.
How to order meal prep in Los Angeles
If you are perusing the internet as you want a meal prep delivery service, but are not sure of what to do, then follow these easy steps to ensure you have an amazing meal at your door in no time.
Step 1: Assess your diet and needs
Look for a meal prep delivery service that aligns with your specific dietary preferences, such as gluten-free, keto, vegan, or dairy-free, to help you stay on track with your health goals. For example, a fitness enthusiast following a low-carb diet might choose a service offering high-protein, low-carb meals, making it easier to stick to their nutrition plan without the hassle of planning each week.
Step 2: Evaluate if there is enough meal variety
Choose a service that keeps things interesting with a rotating menu. Many companies feature new recipes and seasonal ingredients weekly, so you won’t get stuck with repetitive dishes. For instance, a professional who loves exploring new flavors might enjoy a service that introduces global cuisine options weekly, adding excitement and variety to each meal.
Step 3: Check reviews and customer feedback
Reading reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp can provide valuable insights into service quality, meal freshness, and taste. For example, reading others’ experiences might help you avoid a service with delivery issues and instead find one highly rated for fresh, consistent meals and prompt delivery.
Step 4: Compare subscription flexibility
Look for a meal prep service that offers customizable delivery schedules and the option to skip weeks when necessary. For instance, a busy parent might find a service with a “skip week” option ideal, allowing them to pause deliveries during hectic weeks, avoiding waste, and keeping meal planning stress-free.
Meal Prep Delivery in Los Angeles
LA is an interwoven tapestry of ethnicities, cultures, and lifestyles, and thus, everyone wants something differnet for their meal prep delivery. Some want to make sure no sheep were harmed during the meal preparation process and some want to absorb as much protein into their bloodstream as possible in order to maximize their workout regimen. Below are some options in LA for meal prep.
Best options for Michelin quailty and a low price
Eco-friendly options
With a focus on sustainability, some meal prep services emphasize locally sourced ingredients, eco-conscious packaging, and environmentally friendly practices. Urban Crunch Meal is a standout in this category, sourcing fresh, organic produce from local farms and using sustainable packaging to minimize waste.
"With plastic waste being a pressing issue, especially in California, meal prep services that use compostable, recyclable, or reusable packaging stand out. Also, consumers should investigate the company's food waste policies—opt for services that portion meals accurately to minimize leftovers and support community food banks with any excess." Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer at Helium SEO
Fitness-focused meal prep
For those who lead active lifestyles, fitness-focused meal prep services provide the nutrients needed to support workouts, muscle recovery, and overall performance. Muscle Up Meals is designed with fitness enthusiasts in mind, offering high-protein, low-carb options ideal for bodybuilders, athletes, and anyone focused on lean muscle gain or weight management. Another popular option,
Gourmet and International meal prep
For those seeking a touch of culinary adventure, some meal prep services offer gourmet and globally inspired menus. Meal Prep Kingz combines health-focused meal options with gourmet flavors from various cuisines, bringing international taste experiences to your weekly meal plan.
Another popular pairing with meal prep is Dragonfly Cakes Petit Fours. These handcrafted, bite-sized desserts combine layers of cake, buttercream, and a smooth chocolate coating, all made with only natural, plant-based flavors and colors. These delicious bites are now only shipping in the US because there are absolutely no additives or preservatives. Dedicated to quality in even the smallest bite, Dragonfly Cakes brings a wholesome treat that’s easy to enjoy as part of your weekly lineup.
Plant-based and vegan meal prep
Los Angeles is known for its plant-based food culture, and there are several meal prep services dedicated to serving vegan and vegetarian clientele. Thistle provides a diverse menu of plant-forward meals, many of which are vegan, gluten-free, and packed with superfoods to enhance energy and wellness.
"You’ll want to see if they partner with nearby farms or providers. A great service might feature organic produce. Choosing these options ensures your meals are packed with seasonal flavors and nutrients that are at their peak. Going for services that care about sourcing is a win-win, both for the health benefits and the positive impact on the environment." - Michael Benoit, President of Pacific United Insurance Services
Budget-friendly meal prep
For those seeking meal prep convenience without a high price tag, budget-friendly services make healthy eating more affordable. Fresh n’ Lean is a great choice, offering organic, chef-prepared meals at a reasonable price point, with options for bulk ordering and discounts on weekly subscriptions. n be tailored to fit specific dietary needs, including low-carb, keto, and balanced options.
Health-conscious and customized plans
For clients with specific health goals or dietary restrictions, health-focused meal prep services offer tailored plans designed by dietitians. Factor offers several meal plans catering to dietary preferences like keto, paleo, and low-carb, with rotating weekly menus designed by nutrition experts.
Family-friendly meal prep services
Families or households looking for healthy meal solutions will benefit from meal prep services that offer family-style portions and kid-friendly options. Territory Foods is a family-friendly
FAQ
Are meal prep services safe in terms of food quality and freshness?
Yes, most meal prep services follow strict food safety standards, especially those that deliver fresh, ready-to-eat meals. Many companies list where they source their ingredients and their kitchen safety practices, so you can look for that information on their websites. Also, checking customer reviews can give you a good idea of how fresh and high-quality the food is.
Can I customize meal prep services for allergies or special dietary needs?
Absolutely! Many meal prep services offer customization options for people with allergies or specific needs, like nut-free, gluten-free, or dairy-free meals. When choosing a service, look for ones that allow you to add specific requests or work with nutrition experts to customize meals according to your health needs.
How far in advance should I order meal prep services?
It varies by service, but most companies recommend ordering at least a few days before your meals are needed. Some services may even let you order weekly, so you get your meals just in time without any leftovers. Be sure to check each company’s policy on ordering deadlines and delivery schedules to plan ahead.
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