Finding a Solution to Cooking Dread with Ready-Made Meals
Let me be honest: I do not enjoy cooking. While it is undoubtedly an essential life skill, the reality of living alone in a small apartment with a cramped kitchen and no dishwasher has stripped away any romantic notions I once held about preparing meals. For over a year, this aversion led me to skip meals frequently or rely on constant takeout orders, disrupting my nutritional intake and overall well-being. I knew I needed to find a sustainable way to improve my eating habits, and that is when I discovered a meal delivery subscription that genuinely made a difference.
The Turning Point: A Dietitian's Recommendation
Last year, I confessed to my dietitian about my deep-seated dread of cooking and grocery shopping, especially as a single person. Many ingredients and recipes are designed and priced for multiple servings, leading to waste or repetitive leftovers. At that point, I was consuming only one full meal per day, supplemented by snacks that failed to provide lasting satisfaction. She suggested exploring meal delivery subscriptions, but I was initially skeptical due to a previous experience with HelloFresh. That service required significant time and effort for each recipe, often taking longer than promised and leaving me with mediocre food and a pile of dishes.
My dietitian then introduced me to the concept of meal kit services that deliver fully prepared, ready-to-eat meals. The idea of no prep, no cleanup, and minimal cooking was appealing. After researching various options, I settled on CookUnity, which offers flexible plans ranging from four to sixteen meals per week, starting at just over $44 total weekly.
Why CookUnity Stands Out
CookUnity addressed many of my core issues effectively. Firstly, each meal is perfectly portioned for one person, eliminating leftovers and reducing food waste. The variety of dishes is genuinely exciting, with each meal crafted by a professional chef. I had concerns that the trays might resemble unappetizing airplane food, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavor. From nutrient-packed superfood bowls loaded with vegetables to indulgent mac and cheese, the menu spans numerous cuisines, including curries, enchiladas, and pastas. With hundreds of dishes available, repetition has not been a problem.
While CookUnity may not be the absolute healthiest option on the market, it provides the convenience I needed to start eating regular lunches instead of skipping them entirely. The service shares detailed nutritional information for each meal and categorizes dishes into groups like carb smart and protein boost, allowing for informed choices. Since subscribing, I have essentially doubled my daily food intake and established more consistent eating times. It is not a cure-all for my food-related challenges, but it has created a stable foundation, helping me avoid the lightheadedness and fatigue I previously experienced.
Unmatched Convenience and Sustainability
The convenience factor cannot be overstated. Subscribers can easily skip a week, pause their subscription, or adjust the number of meals as needed. CookUnity even offers an automated meal selection feature based on a initial quiz and past orders. Some weeks, when I lack the energy to choose eight meals, I rely on the automated text notifications detailing my cart contents, which arrive at least twenty-four hours before processing, allowing for last-minute swaps.
It takes some time for the app to learn your preferences, but after several months of use, I often find myself satisfied with its selections. Additionally, the packaging is largely sustainable, with most components being recyclable or reusable. Depending on your location, meals may arrive in insulated tote bags that can be returned to the delivery person the following week, reducing environmental impact.
Broader Appeal Beyond Solo Diners
CookUnity is not exclusively for cooking-averse individuals living alone. HuffPost senior shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe also praises the service, particularly during the postpartum period after having a child. She noted, "I can safely say that CookUnity kept my wife and I alive and fed for the majority of the postpartum period thanks to its absolutely delicious, zero-effort meals." While acknowledging the higher price point, she emphasized that it reflects the quality of ingredients and meals, recommending it for new parents or anyone seeking a break from cooking without resorting to unhealthy takeout.
Currently, new subscribers can enjoy a 50% discount on their first week. If you are looking to reduce mealtime stress while enjoying delicious, ready-made dishes, CookUnity is certainly worth a trial run.
Exploring Other Meal Delivery Options
For those interested in comparing services, here are several alternatives tested by Lourdes Avila Uribe:
- Purple Carrot: A plant-based meal kit service known for creative recipes, fresh produce, and quick meals. It caters to various dietary preferences, including high protein, gluten-free, low-calorie, and lower sodium options. While the ready-made meals may not match the quality of the meal prep kits, they offer convenience in a pinch.
- Hungryroot: This service provides a wide range of meals, snacks, individual ingredients, and treats. It feels like having someone plan your meals and pantry staples, delivering everything to your doorstep. Ingredients are fresh and healthy, with customization for allergies and dietary preferences like omnivore, pescatarian, vegan, flexitarian, and vegetarian.
- HelloFresh: A popular meal kit service offering easy-to-make, tasty meals with high-quality proteins and seasonal vegetables. It includes ready-made options for busier days and allows customization based on food preferences, kid-friendly meals, health-conscious dinners, or quick recipes. Special discounts are available for medical providers, teachers, first responders, military personnel, and veterans.
- Blue Apron: One of the original meal kit services, known for introducing varied cuisines and building basic cooking skills. It offers affordable plans, diverse meal choices, and now includes ready-made meals. Unlike some competitors, Blue Apron allows piecemeal purchases without a subscription.
- Sakara: Positioned as a wellness program rather than a standard meal kit, Sakara offers fresh, vegan dishes focused on nutritional goals. Programs include the Signature Nutrition Program and a detox kit, though it is the most expensive option on this list.
- Marley Spoon: Martha Stewart's meal kit service features recipes based on her culinary expertise, with seasonal rotations and options for various dietary needs, including low-calorie, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan preferences.
