7 Reasons Why You Should Try A Meal Delivery Service

Healthy eating especially during work from home when all the snacks are just a few feet away in your kitchen can be a challenge.

But what if all the effort of planning, shopping, and chopping could be eliminated and you got perfectly calculated macros with portion control and variety on your table every day?

That’s where meal plan delivery services come in handy. They win over consumers with convenience, variety, health, and less food wastage.

You must’ve heard about it from a friend or seen it on social media about how these meal prep services help eliminate the legwork and take out the effort of worrying about food completely out of your daily schedule. But is this something you should try? The concept is simple: a company delivers meals to your door and you eat them. But are meal delivery services worth it?

Let’s look at the pros of a meal delivery service :

Reason # 1

Saves You Time

This is a big one. Meal delivery services can help you maximize your downtime and help you save the most precious commodity you have, time. You have so much to do during the day and not enough time. A good meal delivery service will help you cut down the time of doing grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Including the effort to search and plan a menu as well as YouTube how to cook healthy recipes. You can now have more time for your work commitments, the workout you’ve been postponing for next Monday, friends, family, or just some more time to relax.

Reason # 2

Avoid food wastage

So you decided to eat healthily and bought a ton of fruits and vegetables, and now you have to throw out the rotten food you never actually got around to eating, sounds familiar?

Getting your meals pre-delivered means not having to buy more than you need, less food in the trash, and more money in your bank account. A meal delivery service buys your ingredients for you as well as sends you only the food that you need for the day in biodegradable packaging, so you reduce food and packaging wastage while saving time and money. It’s a win-win sitch.

Reason # 3

Better Sleep

Okay, this one is a long shot. But, hear us out. With all your meals taken care of for the day, week, or month, you can relax about your meal planning. And when you don’t have to spend time and energy thinking about what to eat for your breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it takes a massive load off your decision-making fatigue. This lowers your stress drastically, which in turn will translate to a better shut-eye at night.

Reason # 4

A Healthier You

With your stress of planning and kitchen work being reduced, you are already on the right track for better mental health. The meal delivery service also helps you choose healthier food ahead of time, complete with calculated macros and portion control. The more variety of nutritious food that goes into your body, the more success you will have with starting and following an exercise routine to complement your healthy eating. This will also translate into how you feel every day, or when you look in the mirror. And a healthier you will be a happier you.

If you’re following a specific diet plan, like low carb, high protein, keto, or even have any allergies or dietary restrictions, meal delivery services can make it easy to curate your meal plans accordingly. They will cater to your special diet needs like gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, low carb, etc.

Reason # 5

Develop consistency and achieve your body goals

When you pay for your meal delivery service, you will inadvertently get into a routine. You will eat the food that is delivered to you and it will make it easier to not order junk food when you get snacky.

You avoiding impulse purchases online, it will help you save money as well as develop healthier habits while you stick to your goals.

When you develop the consistency and accountability to work on yourself every day, it will improve your health and help you achieve your body goals. This is a lifestyle change and not just a fad diet that you try for a week and give up on.

Reason #6

Delicious with a side of a variety

Your pre-made meals have a ton of variety. And let’s face it, the taste is what will make it stick. Healthy eating has earned a bad rep, but it doesn’t have to be bland and boring. A ton of different options beyond just breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner including desserts sounds much better than eating boiled chicken and vegetables in the name of health.

With their constantly evolving menus, you get the opportunity to try new dishes from a diversity of cultures you may not have otherwise and could reward yourself with the experience of discovering new foods you love!

The kitchens are run by professional chefs which provides the added benefit of eating quality food that would be served in a restaurant but at a fraction of the price. And these meal delivery services are businesses, which allows them to source fresher and higher quality ingredients in bulk that also make the food even more delicious.

Reason # 7

Health, uncomplicated and effortless

When you decide to pay for a service, it should make your life easier. And when you choose a meal delivery service, you’re essentially making a lifestyle change that is effortless.

And so, a meal delivery service should be at the very top of your priority list. You spend days deciding on a particular item you want to purchase from Amazon, for the same 5-minute investment you can now choose your meal plans online. It’s extremely easy to get started.

You sign up, choose your health and fitness goals or talk to an expert, choose your meal plan, and checkout. With this, you just bought yourself healthy food, peace of mind (and really, can you put a price on that ) and extra few hours in the day to do what you like.

Your friends and family will love the healthier and happier version of you and be inspired to make positive changes themselves. You also support local businesses when you invest in your health with these meal delivery services.

What should you consider before investing in a meal delivery service?

If you’re thinking about purchasing from an online meal delivery service, not all companies have exactly the same offerings. As you conduct your own research, look for :

The positive takeaways of a meal delivery service :

At ACTIVeat, we deliver nutritious and delicious meals right to your doorstep. From Low Carb to Vegan to Keto, we have meal plans to cater to any and all of your health and fitness goals.

We’re here to help! Talk to our experts or ask us any questions if you have any doubts before choosing the path towards a healthier and happier you!

Food myths busted : Sugar edition

Is sugar really the big bad villain we make it out to be? The truth may be sweeter than you think.

9 Foods that build your stamina naturally

Almost all foods provide the body with energy, but certain foods help build stamina naturally to help you stay alert and increase productivity.

Many people feel tired or run-down at some point during the day. A lack of energy could affect your daily activities and make you less productive. 

Although you may find yourself craving a bag of chips or a sweet beverage during your mid-afternoon slump, try to keep in mind that items high in fat and calories can leave you feeling fatigued because they require more energy to digest.

While they give a quick hit of pleasure because they boost serotonin, the brain chemical that helps regulate mood — which will cause your blood sugar to spike and give you a short-lived high that ends in a crash. The subsequent drop in blood sugar leaves you tired and hungry again.

But, is there an easy remedy to tackle this problem? Absolutely.

There is a wide variety of foods that boost your energy and build stamina in your daily life. With the intake of the right foods, you can increase your ability to sustain the prolonged physical or mental effort. 

So, if you are feeling low and tired, including some of these power foods in your diet to keep you high on stamina:

Fruits

1.Banana

Bananas may be one of the best foods for snacking, as they are high in energy and nutrients. So, when it comes to increasing your stamina, bananas are an excellent option.

One medium-sized banana contains 105 kilocalories of energy, 27 g carbohydrates, and 3 g of fiber.

A rich source of potassium, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamin B6, all of which help boost energy levels and increase your stamina. The magnesium in bananas also helps boost metabolism and is a cost-effective energy source that increases exercise endurance.

Bananas are also considered a great pre-workout snack. A study showed that eating a banana as a carbohydrate source during a 75-km cycling performance increases stamina and endurance.

Besides, they also increase the release of dopamine, the feel-good hormone in the body, which can help fight fatigue.

2. Oranges

This popular citrus fruit is known for its delicious taste and high vitamin C content. Oranges are also a healthy source of fiber, thiamine, folate, and antioxidants. They have multiple health benefits including their fatigue-reducing effects.

One orange can provide as much as 106% of the RDI for vitamin C.

The antioxidant compounds may also help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Research has shown that oxidative stress could promote feelings of fatigue. Therefore, the antioxidant protection provided by compounds in oranges may be able to help decrease fatigue.

A study in the journal Antioxidants notes that young adult male students who have higher levels of vitamin C may also have a better mood and may be less likely to experience confusion, anger, or depression.

One study showed that 13 women who consumed 17 ounces (500 ml) of orange juice and did one hour of aerobic training three times a week for three months saw decreases in muscle fatigue and experienced improvements in physical performance.

Vegetables

3. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are sweet, starchy root vegetables that are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. They provide a number of health benefits and are easy to add to your diet.

100 g of sweet potato provides 86 kcal of energy, 20 g of carbs, 2 g of protein, and 3 g of fiber, 28% of the RDI for manganese, and 438% of the RDI for vitamin A.

Their carbohydrate content helps provide energy. And the fiber helps to slow the body’s absorption of these carbohydrates. This may make them a good option for sustained energy throughout the day.

A study conducted on people with diabetes found that complex carbohydrates and fiber take a longer time to digest. Thus, they supply energy and help you stay alert for a longer time.

The manganese found in sweet potatoes helps in metabolizing nutrients to release energy constantly.

You might often avoid potatoes for the fear of gaining weight. But, sweet potato is a nutritious source of energy for those looking for an extra boost, the delicious taste being an added advantage.

4. Beetroot

Beetroot is a low-calorie, low-fat vegetable that has gained popularity recently for increasing stamina and energy.

Beets are packed with carbohydrates, fiber, and sugar for a sustained energy boost.

One cup of beets (136 grams) could provide up to 3.8 grams of fiber and 9.2 grams of natural sugars.

Beets are also high in natural sugars. These sugars can provide energy throughout the day

As a study in the journal Food Science and Biotechnology notes, beets may provide the body with a great source of antioxidants and nutrients that help improve blood flow which allows more oxygen to be delivered to the tissues. This has the ability to increase energy levels, especially for athletic performance.

The naturally occurring high levels of nitrates increase the blood nitric acid concentration which in turn provides continuous stamina and builds exercise endurance.

It is recommended to start your day with a glass of beetroot juice before exercising will make your body work for long hours without feeling exhausted. Beetroot is also rich in vitamin A and C — both help in building stamina and reducing fatigue.

You can consume beets as dried beetroot chips or cooked beets as well.

Beans and legumes

5. Beans

There are numerous types of beans, their nutrition profiles are very similar. They are a rich source of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein.

Beans are a natural source of energy. 100 g of beans contain 337 kcal of energy, 23 g of protein, 61 g of carbs, and 15 g of fiber.

The starch in beans is digested slowly, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and gives you steady energy. Additionally, beans contain antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and promote energy

Soybeans, black beans, and black-eyed peas are among the most famous kinds of beans.

These beans are good sources of folic acid, iron, manganese, and magnesium, which are involved in energy production and help with the delivery of energy to every cell in the body.

Magnesium is necessary for accelerating biochemical pathways and releasing energy.

Soybeans are the richest source of plant proteins and one of the best foods to increase stamina. They are high in insoluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Beans are rich in nutrients and a great source of natural energy and make for a delicious quick and easy lunch dish.

6. Nuts

Nuts are considered a great instant-energy snack. A fistful of nuts is packed with proteins, bioactive compounds, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Making it a healthy snack to build stamina.

Nuts contain a blend of protein, fats, and some carbohydrates to provide energy throughout the day.

Nuts are typically also rich sources of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium, or phosphorus.

The omega-3 fatty acids in the nuts help build exercise endurance and increase blood flow to the working muscles.

Omega-3 fatty acids also act as an ergogenic supplement (substances that increase athletic performance) to improve the health and energy of muscles for exercise efficiency.

A study in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition noted that these fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, which may also reduce fatigue.

Most nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews have high calories and an abundance of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats. These nutrients can provide you with a slow release of energy during the day.

Antioxidants present in the nuts also increase energy levels and help with inflammation and antioxidant protection.

Nuts also contain other vitamins and minerals, such as manganese, iron, B vitamins, and vitamin E. These can help increase energy production and decrease tiredness.

So, whenever you sense your energy levels dipping, reach for some almonds. These nutrient-dense nuts help in boosting metabolism, thereby improving your stamina.

The icing on the cake is that a handful of almonds – a powerhouse of healthy fats – not only keep your brains and bones strong but also aid in weight loss. 

Nuts are high in calories, as well, so people should be careful not to eat too many

Grains

7. Brown Rice

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the body, but not all carbohydrates are good for you.

100 g of medium-grain brown rice contains 112 kcal of energy, 2 g of fiber, 2 g of protein along with essential vitamins and minerals.

For better stamina, you need complex carbohydrates, as they release energy slowly into the blood, ensuring optimal energy levels throughout the day.  

Brown rice is the perfect food for this. Not only is it a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and Vitamin B, it is much better than white rice. Unlike white rice, brown rice is less starchy, making it easier to digest. This means you will feel full longer and have the energy for the day ahead.

Brown rice is less processed and more nutritious. So, if white rice is a part of your regular diet, try and switch to brown rice.

It takes longer for your body to break down brown rice, ensuring you have energy throughout the day. With every serving, you will get manganese, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium.

One cup of cooked brown rice contains 3.5 grams of fiber and provides about 88% of the RDI for manganese, a mineral that helps your enzymes break down carbohydrates and proteins to generate energy.

One of the benefits of brown rice is that it retains fiber from the husk, which is not there in white rice. The absence of husk causes the carbohydrate content to be absorbed quickly leading to a spike and then crash in energy levels. The husk slows down carb digestion, releasing energy slowly.

Additionally, thanks to its fiber content, brown rice has a low glycemic index. Therefore, it could help regulate blood sugar levels and help you maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.

8. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a whole-grain cereal that can provide you long-lasting energy.

Oats are rich in fiber, allowing the body to feel fuller longer. Making a great choice for breakfast.

>As a study in The Journal of Nutrition notes, whole-grain oats are also a source of essential minerals, vitamins, and phenolic compounds, all of which may help energize the body.

The beta-glucan and amylose content of oatmeal helps in the slow release of glucose. These soluble fibers form a thick gel when combined with water, which delays stomach emptying and the absorption of glucose into the blood.

This may not only help in glucose management but also increase stamina and provide energy for longer.

>Oats are rich in vitamins and minerals that help the energy production process. These include B vitamins, iron, and manganese.

The combination of all these nutrients makes oatmeal a perfect food for sustained energy release and improving your stamina.

Drinks

9. Coffee

Coffee is possibly the most well-known instant energy booster.

If you crave a hot cup of coffee in the morning, you can continue this habit to help increase your stamina. The high caffeine content boosts your energy keeping the mind and body alert and more productive.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid present in coffee that reduces fatigue and tiredness. This compound can quickly pass from your bloodstream to your brain and inhibit the activity of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that quiets the central nervous system. In consequence, the production of epinephrine increases. This hormone stimulates the body and brain, making you energetic and better focused throughout the day.

Coffee also contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which may reduce oxidative stress in the cells and help the body function better.

But it is important to also remember that coffee is a stimulant, so you should consume it in moderation. Too much coffee may lead to energy loss as the body withdraws from the caffeine.

Coffee is the first thing that people think of to boost their energy when they are feeling low.

The best part is that if you have a single cup of black coffee, it only contains two calories.

Foods you should avoid

While most foods provide energy, the ones above focus on sustained energy. Foods that you should avoid as a quick fix for energy boost include:

• fast foods or fried foods
• added sugars
• packaged snacks and candy bars
• baked sweets such as cakes and cupcakes made using refined sugar

For a healthier swap of your snacks and dessert cravings, you can also shop at ACTIVeat Bakery!

TL;DR

All food provides the body with energy, but this energy can vary greatly. Some foods, such as sugars and refined carbs, give the body a quick jolt of energy. However, more often, the body needs more sustainable energy from ingredients such as fruits, grains, and legumes.

Ideally, ensure that you consume a combination of carbs and protein. Fruits like banana and apple, along with brown rice and whole oats will go a long way in improving your stamina. In addition to these foods, you can also include nuts and coffee in your diet.

Nutrients like complex carbohydrates, proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and vitamins are the energy boosters that boost your energy and build stamina in your daily life.

So, if you want more energy, incorporate these foods into a balanced diet to stay active and healthy!

5 sneaky ways you can trick your body into being healthy

Trying to lose those pesky kilos you gained during the lockdown? Well, the eat less, exercise more mantra is something you hear ALL the time. And the words, “weight loss” can have you imagining all sorts of things from you eating sad salads to you sweating on an elliptical. But, let’s get this straight, the first rule about weight loss is to not talk about weight loss. 

By changing up a few things here and there, you can trick your body into being healthy without living at the gym, dieting, or feeling like you’re making major lifestyle changes.

Whether you succeed at losing weight or not often has much less to do with the latest diet fad and much more to do with all the small decisions you make each day when it comes to food and drinks.

Try a few of these science-backed tricks that’ll help you maintain a healthy weight all year long :

1. Let there be light darkness

A Cornell study found that people who had food under a soft, dim light consumed fewer calories than those who ate in a brightly lit room. Participants in the study who ate under mood lighting enjoyed their meals more and ate about 18% less food than those who munched in a well-lit room.

This means that the amount of light in your dining hall affects how much you eat. So, switch off the harsh fluorescent lights and light up those romantic candles for dinnertime (even if it’s dinner for one!)

2. Step away from the screen

Yes, we all love dinner and a movie. Or finding that perfect Netflix series to watch while having your meals. A study by the University of Birmingham found that distracted eaters consume about 10% more food. 

So, our tip? avoid screen time during meals. Turn off your television, or close your laptop or phone so you don’t eat mindlessly. This will help you avoid overeating when you’re not paying attention.

Concentrate on your food and its flavors instead and you’ll also enjoy your meal more, too!

(You can also let ACTIVeat take care of your meals for you!)

3. Wear those elastic pants

We all have those pants with fitted waistbands at the very back of our closet, that are too uncomfortable to wear but too nice to throw away. You have to get them out now!

So, ditch those comfy pajamas during meal times and wear those fitted pants that can remind you when you’ve had enough to eat.

4. Grab a wink and a drink

You tend to feel hungrier when you’re sleep-deprived and exhausted. A study by Mayo clinic shows that less than 6.5 hours of sleep every night can cause an excess of about 500 kcals a day. Another study by the University of Tubingen showed that sleeping less can increase levels of appetite hormones like ghrelin, so you eat more when you sleepless.

And the longer you stay up, the more calories you consume. That means that just a few simple tweaks to your p.m. routine can mean serious weight loss success. So, get in a good shut-eye every night so you are more rested and well, less hungry.

Become a hydro homie! Drink plenty of water while you’re at it too. Not only will your skin thank you for it, but you’ll also feel less hungry and be satisfied with smaller portions of food. So, before you feel like munching, start with one glass of water.

According to a study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, people who drank three extra cups of water per day ate an average of 205 fewer calories than people who drank the standard 4.2 cups of water per day. The hydro homies also consumed less sugar, fat, sodium, and cholesterol.

5. Shoot your food

You might not want to obsessively count your calories and write them down. But you can definitely take pictures of what you eat on your phone. Seeing is believing, so sometimes if you see what you’ve eaten in a day, it can help you put your eating habits in perspective.

Nutritionist Joan Salge Blake, the author of Nutrition & You, says that snapping pictures of food and looking back at them can make people stop and think before indulging.

Conclusion

With these sneaky tricks at your disposal, you can trick yourself to make healthier choices without putting in much of an effort at all!

The best way could also be to subscribe to the ACTIVeat meal plan (we may be biased here!), put your health in the hands of our team, so we plan your macros and calories while you plan on wearing that swimsuit on the beach, just in case we are ever allowed to leave our houses again.