Do Diet Food Delivery Services Make Dieting Easier?

September 16, 2008

Photo by Islander
Let’s face it.  Most of us do not know how to eat healthy.  And as a result, dieting is difficult.

For this reason alone, it is not at all surprising to me that diet food delivery services, such as Nutrisystem or Medifast Diet, are gaining in popularity.  When used on a regular basis, these delivered-to-your-door meals provide a convenience that takes away all the complications of grocery shopping.

And people who use diet food delivery services can, and do, lose weight.  While diet food delivery services may not be enough to cure the obesity epidemic, it is a fact that many people have become healthier and leaner when combining these pre-made foods with regular excercise.

Photo by Old Shoe Woman
But if you are a skeptic and think these foods will taste like cardboard, take a look at what they have to offer.

  • The food provided by most diet food delivery companies are approved by nutritionists.  You can purchase meals that are not only healthy, but that have the appropriate calorie count for your diet.  You’ll know the fiber and the carb content.  No more guesswork at the grocery store.
  • The meals are prepared for you and, in most cases, delivered fresh.
  • You’ll have the options of low-carb meals, low-fat meals (read my previous post on this issue), and vegetarian meals.  You can also order meals for special dietary needs, such as diabetes and glucose intolerance.
  • Most of the companies provide meals that are affordable and can be ordered via phone or via the Internet.  You may also be able to set up an automatic reorder so you don’t have to place an order each week.
  • These meals are great for taking to work and to picnics.

Plus, you’ll have these added benefits:

  • You’ll save time and money.  Less time at the grocery store equals fewer bad food temptations for you.
  • Your meals will be easy to cook.  Usually just heat ‘em up in the microwave.

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Posted by Julie Alexander | Filed Under Blog, Weight Loss 

Comments

2 Responses to “Do Diet Food Delivery Services Make Dieting Easier?”

  1. DelightfullyHealthy on September 16th, 2008 8:12 pm

    My question is, what happens when the goal weight is reached and the deliveries stop coming? Do these companies include any education for their clients on how to prepare healthy meals for themselves? Are they offering maintenance programs in the hopes of capturing life-long clients? And do they help their clients modify their lifestyles in any way?

    I don’t think meal delivery is a bad thing, but calorie/carb/fat intake isn’t the only piece of the dieting puzzle. It’s important to have support in place around other issues - like exercise, behavior/lifestyle modification, and emotion issues around food and eating and body image. Even simply learning to cook healthy whole foods for yourself, or making smart choices when dining out.

    I think these services are a great short cut for busy people., as long as they aren’t relying solely on them. Otherwise, they may just be another plunge of the dieting yo-yo.

  2. Julie on September 17th, 2008 6:39 am

    DelightfullyHealthy,

    You raise some great points. One being that when the goal weight is reached, the healthy meals must continue. Sure, perhaps more calories could be consumed daily, but the calories still need to be counted. And we need to completely change our lifestyle so we are always aware of what we are eating. Otherwise, we will regress to our old ways and the weight will return.

    Diet delivery services aren’t for everyone, but they are a great option for those who are limited on time when it comes to preparing healthy meals. (As I type this I am reminded of my long 10-hour work days at the law firm working for trials attorneys and dreading having to cook supper after an exhausting day.) And whether you prepare your own meals or use already prepared diet foods, exercising is extemely important.

    Thanks for your thoughts!

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