Happy New Year everyone!! It’s the beginning of another year and I’m sure you are hoping 2017 will be the one you reach that goal you’ve been dreaming of. No doubt many of your New Year’s resolutions are related to food in some way; be it through fitness, to reduce sugar in your life, change your relationship with food or simply to lay off all the indulgent food over the last month. Food is essential to all of us to optimally fuel our bodies. However, what kind of food you decide on eating is a very personal and individual choice dependent on a large number of factors.
One of the big factors that can decide what you eat is time. Time is always something people say there just isn’t enough of. As a busy person with work, sport and blogging – all things I do of my own choice – I can really relate to this fact. However I find you can be prepared for these busy times and I have discovered Sunday evenings are a great time to prepare ahead and make big batches of food that keep me going for lunch and dinner during the week.
Another great option is to use a food delivery plan and there are a large number of companies providing this service in Ireland. I have come across a number of companies in Ireland offering these services and here I have done the hard work for you and tried and tested each service so you can compare each to find one that best suits your needs. These services ensure you are eating food that is prepared to meet your specific dietary requirements and perfect for those you don’t have time to go shopping for ingredients, let alone cook. I think these services are also perfect for when you are going on holiday or when you’re moving house etc. and you do not want to buy food that more than likely will be thrown away.
LowCal Meals Delivered
LowCal Meals offer a large menu of choices varying from weight loss to muscle gain plans with a great pick and mix menu too. I chose a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options with my favourites being the Cauliflower, Lentils and Chickpea Curry, Salmon Teriyaki and the Sweet Potato Chocolate Brownie. The labeling is lacking any information on ingredients or macros but clearly highlights allergens and cooking instructions.
- Delivery & Storage: Dublin and surrounding areas, well packaged in sealed containers
- Food Quality & Flavour: Lacked some flavour
- Value for Money: Good
- Rating: 4/5
Gourmet Fuel
Gourmet Fuel offers a bespoke dietary option with an extensive menu for every meal of the day. They also have a number of prepared plans dependent on your dietary needs whilst also allowing you to select individual items to cover whatever meals you like. Your delivery arrives in a large styrofoam box with food still chilled to ensure maximum freshness of your order. All of the items delivered were fresh, filling and really tasty – whilst the portions were very generous! The snack section is also very good, my favourite was the Chickpea Cookie.
- Delivery: Nationwide, packaged in vacuum sealed containers with very clear labeling of ingredients and macros, arrived fully chilled with a complementary 2 litre bottle of water
- Food Quality & Flavour: Gorgeous flavours, extremely fresh and very high quality ingredients
- Value for Money: Excellent
- Rating: 5/5
Paleo Meal Deliveries
Here I decided on trying out Paleo Meal’s taster menu which includes a lunch, dinner and snack option. Conor McGregor is a fan of Paleo diets and this company so you can eat like “The Notorious” if you like. Paleo diets as you know are high on meat and this menu certainly didn’t disappoint. My plan included Cream of Broccoli and Parsnip Soup with braised ham, Slow Cooked Brisket with braised red cabbage and sweet potato and swede mash and Banana Muffins. My favourite item were the banana muffins. If you love meat, then you’ll love this meal delivery company.
- Delivery: Nationwide, well packaged with clear labeling of ingredients used
- Food Quality & Flavour: Lacked any real flavour
- Value for Money: Average
- Rating: 3/5
The Punnet Food Emporium
The Punnet offer two types of meal delivery options via their 3 or 5 Day Juice Cleanse or the Shredded 5 Day Salad Plan. I opted for the salad plan as it also includes juices and some very yummy protein balls!! The juices incorporate a number of super foods whilst the salads all include a protein option ensuring you don’t go hungry or lack any necessary nutrients. The salads also come with these outrageously good pestos too. Each day you receive a different meal delivery which all combine two juices and protein balls with two large salad bowls. I love salads so this option was right up my street. The 
- Delivery: Dublin city only, adequate packaging
- Food Quality & Flavour: Excellent, fresh ingredients
- Value for Money: Very good value for quality of food
- Rating: 4.5/5
Now you’ve no excuses to kick start your New Year’s resolutions! I would love to hear how you get on with these meal delivery options or your experiences to date using these companies.
