Being Healthy is More Than a Thought
Being healthy is a course of repetitive choices followed by actions. Many people also believe that being healthy is also more than physical activity – that it in fact starts in the kitchen. This can be where the struggle starts, or continues. Perhaps you can relate to this; you have a food diary you never write in, your juicer (you had to have) is collecting dust, your cheat days start to outnumber your “on” days, and bottom line, eating healthy takes time.
Time that we are often not ready to invest (into our bodies, the irony) but it’s true. Eating, especially in North America, has shifted to what is most convenient and easy on one side – where the myth lays on the other side that eating healthy is too expensive and takes thought.
It doesn’t have to be either of those things.
FlexPro Meals caters to both your time and your budget
FlexPro Meals is a company based in the United States that ships great tasting, healthy meals, right to your doorstep (according to their website anyways). So naturally, dug a little deeper. At the time of this article, they were advertising a “5 for $50” special (5 large meals a week for $50.00).
This is much lower than what most people’s spending habits are in a week – The American average is $144.00 for adults with an income ranging from $30,000 plus and $173 a week for young adults. Leaving nearly an extra $100.00 to spend on breakfast and lunch foods, typically the less expensive meals.
Let’s revisit this in a moment.
First and foremost, why meal prep?
Meal Prep 101
What is meal prepping?
Simply stated – it’s preparing, cooking and storing meal for 5-7 days, so that they’re convenient and easy to grab on the go. Typically the day of preparation, this is where the measuring, weighing of portions, etc happens, and is stored so that each meal has the same (or similar) benefits, protein, calories, etc. – This will vary depending on your health goals.
Traditionally, you plan one meal to cook for the week – including a protein, a starch and a vegetable. A sample of this meal could look like; boneless, skinless chicken breast, sweet potato, and spinach. Several suggestions are to make at least two meals to generate an alternate through the week.
From there, you would complete your grocery shop, chop all your vegetables (fruit if necessary), season and cook all your meats and cook any vegetables you plan to serve with the protein and starch. Package everything away in your tupperware containers, and there you have it. Simple enough, not a whole ton of variety, and definitely time consuming, but none the less a step in the right direction.
This is where FlexPro Meals comes in – for those of us out there who have very little interest spending the time on this, and as a result eating the same thing every single day, or incorporating far too many cheat days.
What kind of variety does FlexPro Meals have?
Let’s have a look at the couple different options available on their website;
Lean Muscle Meals
Described as the “hungry man” of healthy meals – Huge portions, including all three meals and a high protein snack. Goal for this meal plan is targeted at those who want to build lean muscle and get back in shape.
There are full sample menus available on their website – but as an example “Day 3” items include; sweet potato casserole, coconut chicken, and beef enchilada casserole.
Approximately 2000 calories, 50g of protein per meal, 30g of carbs per meal, 15-30g of fat per meal.
No mention of vegetarian or vegan options but are open to substitutions.
Weight Control Meals
Described as healthy portion sizes to keep you on track (and out of the drive thru). These meals only come with lunch and dinner options. Goal for this meal plan convenience, healthy eating and weight control.
There are full sample menus available on their website – but as an example “Day 3” items include; cheesy chicken mac, beef nachos.
Approximately 350 calories per meal, 25g of protein per meal, 25g of carbs per meal, 10-15g of fat per meal.
Fat Trimmer Meals
Described as a perfect solution for slimming down and living healthier. This menu comes with breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a high protein snack. Goal for this meal plan is to lose fat and weight control.
There are full sample menus available on their website – but as an example “Day 5” items include; Flexpro waffles, BBQ chicken wings, turkey meatball casserole.
Approximately 1200 calories per day, 25g of protein per meal, 20g of carbs per meal, 10-15g of fat per meal.
Meal Prep and Children
A plus – kids eat free (with the purchase of 2 regular meal plans). Let’s use the term “plus” loosely however – their menu seemed a bit questionable (chicken fingers and french fries, fish sticks with tater tots, etc) in terms of healthy, but would have to consider looking into their quality further before making a judgement. (more than one child add an additional $20)
Make healthy more than a thought. Make the change.
Overall, FlexPro meals seems affordable, a great variety, cater to the family unit and offer three different meal plans based on your health goals. Hope to see some vegetarian or vegan options added in future. They presently ship nationwide and they’re using whole foods NO preservatives. Essentially low risk with potentially high return.
