When you’re increasing your workout regimen and incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine, it is important to focus on meals that offer a balance of the three macronutrients: protein, fats, and carbohydrates. So, depending on your goals or desired fitness outcome, you may want to focus on delivery services that offer high protein meal plans or meal plans lower in carbohydrates.
For the most part, though, adequate protein intake is a primary focus when increasing physical activity. Protein is an incredible macronutrient; it satisfies hunger, builds muscle, supports tissue health, and is necessary for the majority of the body’s reactions and processes. Per the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), on average, an adult should consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Daily, that means women and men should consume 46 and 56 grams per day, respectively.
Meal delivery services can ensure that you’re eating balanced dishes that help you stay on track when it comes to achieving your fitness goals, whether you’re a carnivore, vegetarian, or vegan. Because of the transparency surrounding their nutritional information and the options that these services provide catered to specific diets, it makes it easy to make sure you’re getting the proper nutrients.
If this is the route you choose to go, look for meals that source their protein from real, whole food sources (such as meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, or seafood), rather than highly processed ingredients that promise mega high amounts of protein. When it comes to processed proteins, natural carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and fiber are frequently removed, and nutrients, herbs, and even sweeteners can be added. In addition, when looking for meals with a balanced macronutrient ratio, prioritize meals that provide complex carbohydrates, or carbohydrates that are barely processed and still contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best meal delivery services for fitness.
Final Verdict
When it comes to meal delivery services for fitness, there is one to fit every lifestyle, taste, and dietary need depending on your personal goals. Offerings range from ready-made meals to prepped ingredient boxes that come to life in your kitchen. Our top recommendation is Trifecta Nutrition because of its focus on food for fitness. But if you’re looking for meals that are lower in sugar, Snap Kitchen is ideal. If you’re looking to bulk up, Pete’s Paleo has dishes that will help you get the nutrients you need to help you meet your goals.
Guide for Choosing the Best Meal Delivery Services for Fitness
Are Meal Delivery Services Worth It?
Meal delivery services can help ease the transition from rarely cooking or eating at home to eating at home most meals. It can sometimes be overwhelming to overhaul your entire kitchen and get into a meal-prepping rhythm, so starting with a delivery service makes choosing high-quality foods easy and seamless. Meal delivery services may be right for you if you are looking to add new foods to your diet, more plants, and more protein. They are also a great way to cut down on foods that can be inflammatory like dairy, gluten, or soy. Regardless of your eating habits, delivery services make it easy to get nutritious meals on the table, quickly.
While meal delivery services have a lot of benefits, if you’re looking to consume fewer calories or limit your sodium intake, it’s important to read the nutritional information provided, especially for pre-prepared meals, before taking the plunge.
Comparing Meal Delivery Services for Fitness
The number of different food delivery services that can help build strength and stamina can be overwhelming. Some companies may focus on physical fitness explicitly, while others may not necessarily, but are still fabulous options for achieving fitness goals. Here are the ways to compare different types of services:
- What is your desired goal? If you are looking to add muscle, prioritize plans that focus on high protein portions. If overall physical health is the goal, look for meals that are high in fiber and protein, low in sugar, and include healthy fats.
- Who is this plan for? Assess who you are planning to feed with the delivery service. Are you looking for a plan to feed your whole family or just you? Services range in meal sizes and the number of meals offered.
- Diets offered: Some delivery services offer macronutrient-specific plans whereas others offer paleo or high protein plans that focus more on protein but less on a balanced plate. Choose a service based on your style of eating and goals.
- Allergies: It is important to look and see if the delivery service will cater to allergies. Some services have plans in place to accommodate allergies whereas are less strict.
- Price: There is a wide variety of price points when it comes to delivery services. Take a note of whether you are looking for one, two, or three meals per day and for how many days you need meals as this will affect the price.
Meal Delivery Services as Part of Your Fitness Journey
If you are new to the fitness world, it can be overwhelming to balance everything: a job, a family, an intense training routine and then fueling your body properly. Meal delivery services take the guesswork out of wondering if you are eating enough or eating the right portions. Some services are excellent for counting macros whereas others are excellent for bulking up on high quality protein. Manage your subscription based on your schedule. Order enough meals to cover long training days and off days or save money by only ordering the meals you need on busy days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Potential Health Benefits of Using Meal Delivery Services for Fitness?
Delivery services provide meals or recipes that are portion contained. They are also a way to make sure you are getting the calories, carbohydrates, and protein your body needs to balance your workouts. Prepared meals or meal boxes also provide the opportunity to try new foods that you may not normally purchase on your own. For those who are stuck in a food rut or food routine, delivery services can boost variety and flexibility. which means a greater amount of nutrients can be consumed.
How Much Do Meal Delivery Services for Fitness Cost?
The cost for meal delivery services range based on the number of meals, preferred diet plan, and types of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). We found services that offer meals as low as $6 per meal and as high as $17 to $20 per meal.
Do Meal Delivery Services for Fitness Offer Plans for Bodybuilding?
There are some meal delivery services that seem to cater to bodybuilders or feature more protein in their dishes. When it comes to gaining muscle and losing body fat, it’s important to look at the nutritional information in prepared meals or consider what prepared ingredients are being provided if there’s a DIY aspect.
Methodology
We assessed more than 12 companies for this article. Price, macronutrient distribution, flavor variety, shelf-life, ease, ingredient quality, and customer reviews were considered when choosing our top picks.
