As a mom of two, I'm constantly surrounded by my smart, kind, funny kids who completely drain me. I love them! But I've been getting run down a lot. The bags under my eyes won't budge and my pants are not fitting as well as they used to. I don't have time to make myself lunch during busy mornings, so I spend a silly amount of money on greasy pizza. Most mornings I bribe my kids to get dressed with frozen waffles for breakfast, which means my breakfast without fail is the last few leftover bites eaten quickly over the sink.

After one especially long morning, I spent all lunch smelling some home-cooked deliciousness. One of my colleagues, Sam, was heating up a bowl of noodles with fresh vegetables in what smelt like a tangy sauce. She told me the one daily routine that keeps her sane is her Splendid Spoon bowls of noodles, soups, or grains full of vegetables.

Splendid Spoon is a completely plant-based wellness brand that makes ready-to-eat soups, grain bowls, noodles bowls, and smoothies designed to give you the nutrients you need to feel refreshed and restored. They're made from all vegan ingredients and the meals are very filling, so they're great for losing weight. Splendid Spoon isn't like other pre-made meals because they use whole foods and are packed with nutrients. The recipes are unique to different cultures; no unseasoned chicken with broccoli here.

Sam was eating a bowl of Tangy Ginger Noodles with Carrots & Bell Peppers, which was full of superfoods, or in other words, real grown-up food. When she told me they have a delivery subscription and I could skip grocery shopping with restless kids, I was hooked.

I opted for the Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + 1 Day Reset Plan. So when my first weekly box arrived it had 5 smoothies, 5 bowls, 5 noodle bowls along with my light soups for my reset. You don't have to do the reset day with the light soups so instead, I decided to have them as snacks throughout the week.

The first morning after getting my first weekly box l tried the Raspberry Cacao Smoothie filled with hidden wholesome ingredients like organic cashew butter, beet juice, and rosewater, was calling my name. Instead of eating the kids' leftovers, I finally had a grown-up breakfast that was just for me. Splendid Spoon smoothies come pre-blended and ready to grab on the way out the door.

Later during lunch, I heated up my Red Beet Buddha Bowl with quinoa. It was so tasty, it put me in such a good mood for the rest of the day. If I'd ordered 5 of the same bowl for the rest of the week, I would have been content, but I ordered a mix of soups, grain bowls, and of course the noodles for those days I was craving extra carbs. My favorite turned out to be the Green Curry Noodles with Broccoli and Lemongrass - I love Thai food, but the kids don't like it, and I hadn't had it in sooo long. I try and get my kids to eat everything, but they're picky and don't complain about chicken tenders, so it's a common dinner staple. Now, at least I don't feel as bad indulging in a honey-mustard-dipped tender myself, knowing I had a healthy breakfast and lunch and dinner all week.

Eating healthier carbs and more of the whole, nutritious ingredients in Splendid Spoon has given me more energy and patience to deal with all the kids in my life. Plus, it's always nice when your skinny jeans zip up a little easier.

Cold and flu season is well underway, and I know my extra helpings of turmeric, ginger, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and plenty of other immunity boosters are going to help me guard against germs. This year I've got the heftiest workload, but it feels a little more manageable when I treat my body right with plant-based foods. I've been in a food rut for a while and trying Splendid Spoon has definitely shaken up my spirit in the best way.

UPDATE: The folks at Splendid Spoon are extending an exclusive offer to our readers for a limited time! Follow this link and get $90 Off Most Popular Plans!

We all think eating healthy and convenience can't go together - that a nutritious and balanced diet requires tons of planning, prepping, and cooking. And that this could never fit into our busy schedules.

So when we heard about Thistle, we wondered if their ready-to-eat meals might actually solve our problem or is this just one more high-sugar, high-sodium meal delivery service masquerading as "healthy".

Our editors took a deep dive into everything Thistle and what their fresh, locally-sourced meals have to offer.

Here's what's fact and what's fiction:

Zero Prep

True: No time wasted on researching what you should or shouldn't eat, finding recipes, or overbuying ingredients. Meals arrive perfectly portioned - ready to heat and eat. Another bonus - aside from no prepping and cooking - is fewer trips to the grocery store.

Very Little Variety

False: They have a globally designed menuthat changes every week based on what's in season like Summer Roll Noodles or the Southwest Sweet Potato Taco Salad. Plus, there are yummy snacks like a Peanut Butter Ganache Bar and an array of cold-pressed wellness shots and juices.

Everything Is Vegan

False: Although Thistle is plant-focused and offers plant-forward and vegan plans with a variety of plant-based protein, but you can choose to add lean meat or seafood. What a great way to introduce meat-free days to your diet. Thistle's amazing flexibility and meal choice are inclusive of all diets and taste buds.

The Meals Are Super Nutritious And Balanced

True: All meals are designed by nutritionists to ensure your body gets the necessary vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients. Thistle uses over 40 superfoods - hello turmeric and matcha - and their meals contain zero refined white sugars, artificial preservatives, artificial additives or dyes.

It's Expensive

False: Thistle starts at only $11.50 per meal - much more affordable than other ready-to-eat services or even takeout. Except Thistle is good for you and you'll feel full and satisfied after every meal.

There you have it - the truth about Thistle! With such a flexible and customizable plan, eating healthy has never been this easy or tasted this good. If you need convenience but also want fresh, nutritious ingredients that taste delicious, Thistle is for you.

SPECIAL OFFER: Our friends at Thistle are extending a limited-time offer to our readers! Follow this link to get 9 meals free (that's $100 off!) over your first four weeks!


Have you heard that around 95% of dieters just give up?

With this in mind, we wanted to see if using Nutrisystem can turn things around. Nutrisystem is one of the most well-known weight loss programs in the country.

But even with its reputation, many people doubt that the food is actually as good as they say, and that it's just that easy to stay on track. What may look easy enough is not always replicable in real life, and there are a lot of programs that are often misleading and hard to follow.

With so many weight loss programs out there, we wanted to see if Nutrisystem was the best of the best. Here's what we found.

A common concern that many face when starting a weight loss program is the need to count calories. Not only is it time consuming, but it's difficult to know the right amounts, and how much that can change. The great thing about Nutrisystemis that it does all the calorie-counting for you. The plans are designed by nutrition experts, and provide you with the right balance of nutrients and the right amount of calories to help you lose weight safely.

Their strategy is to change the way we perceive food and to deliver fully prepared meals full of balanced nutrition. With Nutrisystem, your meal times become more structured without losing variety. Nutrisystem sends a monthly shipment that includes three meals and a snack a day. All the meals are quick and easy to prepare, with many meals ready in minutes.

Nutrisystem
New Year, New You!

Limited Time Offer, Act Now:
Save 50% Off Nutrisystem!

A tasty and nutritious breakfast suddenly becomes easy when you have options like Nutrisystem's buttermilk waffles and chocolate granola. All you need to do is follow the perfectly portioned meal plan and you can lose up to 18 pounds in your first month, plus a 14 day money-back guarantee if you don't like your progress after two weeks. It works because there's no room for error. Nutrisystem has designed every meal with science in mind. This is why each Nutrisystem meal is powered with ProSync™, their high-protein, low-glycemic approach to weight loss, to give you all the necessary tools to learn how to achieve lasting results.

The second concern that people have about weight loss programs is that they won't be able to eat their favorite foods anymore. But Nutrisystem doesn't take all the pleasure out of eating.

Unlike traditional unhealthy comfort foods, Nutrisystem's meals don't sacrifice taste and are still fantastic ways to get needed lean protein, fiber, and complex carbs. Nutrisystem® pizzas and mac & cheese help keep you feeling full and make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need, so you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and continue to achieve your weight loss goals.

Some people can exercise all the time and still not lose weight. With Nutrisystem, you don't have to worry about excessive exercising to shed pounds. It turns out, studies have found that you're more likely to lose weight by cutting down food than by increasing exercise.

Nutrisystemrecommends just three 10 minute exercises a day, so you won't need to go to a gym. If you focus on following the Nutrisystem® plan, you will have everything you need to be a healthier you.

Nutrisystem exceeded our expectations, was more affordable than other programs, and best of all, helps work in savory, filling, and nutritious meals into our busy lives. Nutrisystem is an amazing program for those looking for an easy-to-follow, comprehensive plan to lose weight.

UPDATE: The awesome folks at Nutrisystem are extending a special offer to our readers.Sale Ends Soon: Follow this link to Save 50% Off Nutrisystem!

This content is sponsored by Nutrisystem.

In 2020, I did not work out. Working took over my life and I completely forgot I even had weights until I tripped over the dusty purple 5 pounders while cleaning out my closet.

This year, even with no time, I need to do it. I feel so much better (and less stiff sitting all day) when I do! Even if it's just some stretching and jumping jacks. Some weeks, I know I'll just be too busy to work out, so I want to support my body in other ways.

The most obvious place to look was my diet. I am definitely also not eating three nutritious meals a day.

I do cook healthy meals for myself sometimes! But not every day, so I wanted to see what other people who are strapped for time during the day are eating.

That's how I found Splendid Spoon. They're a delivery service for curated soups, smoothies, grain bowls, and noodles. Every ingredient is designed to help you feel your best, dazzle your tastebuds, and keep you satiated. It's also all completely vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free, and low in sugar.

I'm not really a smoothie person (green juices can be gross), but they offered an array of colors and flavors, and everything would arrive at my door ready-to-eat! No blending fruits for smoothies - they come in bottles and the soups and noodles only take a few minutes in the microwave.

Also, if I was working out more, would they provide enough calories? The Mexican Chili, Creamy Butternut Squash Noodles, and the Roasted Brussel Sprouts bowl all looked so hearty, I was convinced. The smoothies also were filled with ingredients like almond butter, pea protein, coconut nectar, and date puree so my body was getting everything it needed.

I decided to start with their most popular plan, the Breakfast, Lunch + 1-Day Soup Reset, but there are 4 different plans, and they're all easy to cancel, so you're not locked in. Hopefully, it would taste good!

My first box arrived right before the busiest day of my work week, which was perfect. For breakfast, I went with the Mango Guava Smoothie, which definitely had the prettiest color. I love mango, and with the guava, banana, and lime, it was so tropical and delicious.

For lunch, I went with the Roasted Cauliflower Bowl with za'atar spiced chickpeas and creamy lemony tahini. It was so good!

I was way fuller than I thought I would be, and it was so much easier to take a real break in the middle of my day to heat up a bowl than to figure out what to cobble together for lunch.

After work, I did a light yoga session and then made myself dinner. I noticed that because I'd had 2 meals already that day, I was legitimately excited to cook for myself. It felt like more of a fun gift to myself than a chore.

With Splendid Spoon, I feel like my days just got so much more manageable. I know that regular exercise has to be a priority for me, so by outsourcing some of my meals for the week, I have plenty of time and energy to actually accomplish my goal.

Update:The folks at Splendid Spoon are extending an exclusive offer to our readers!Follow this link and get $15 Off Most Popular Plans!

Offer Expires In

Nutrisystem is one of the most well-known weight loss programs in the world. But even with its reputation, many people doubt that the food is actually as good as it's claimed to be and that it's super simple to stay on track. What can look easy enough is not always replicable in real life. There are so many weight loss programs out there, so we wanted to see if Nutrisystem was the best of the best. Here's what we found.

A common concern that many faces when starting a weight loss program is the need to count calories. Not only is it time-consuming, but it's difficult to know the right guidelines to stick to. We're not all nutrition experts, but just need valuable tips to be able to meet our goals. The great thing about Nutrisystem is that it does all the calorie-counting for you. The plans are designed by nutrition experts and provide you with the right balance of nutrients and the right amount of calories to help you lose weight safely.

Nutrisystem
Spring Sale Happening Now!

Limited Time Offer, For Our Readers:
Save 50% OFF A Month Of Nutrisystem Meals + Shakes!

Their strategy is to make meal-time regimented but also filled with variety. Nutrisystem sends a monthly shipment that includes three meals and a snack a day. All the meals are quick to prepare, and a delicious breakfast is as easy as grabbing a snack bar or muffin on your way out the door. All you need to do is follow the perfectly portioned meal plan, and you're guaranteed to lose up to 13 pounds in your first month, or your money back. It works because there's no room for error. Nutrisystem is designed to give you all the necessary tools to see results.

The second concern that people have about weight loss programs is that they won't be able to eat their favorite foods anymore. But Nutrisystem doesn't take all the pleasure out of eating. Unlike traditional unhealthy comfort foods, Nutrisystem® pizzas and mac & cheese are balanced with complex carbs, lean protein, and fiber without sacrificing taste. They help keep you feeling full and make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need, so you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and continue to achieve your weight loss goals.

The last concern has to do with exercise. Many people simply don't have the time to workout every day. But it turns out, you don't need to exercise to lose weight on the Nutrisystem plan. In fact, studies have found that you're more likely to lose weight by cutting calories than by increasing exercise. So don't worry that your physical limitations are going to stand in the way of your weight loss goals.

Nutrisystem recommends just three 10 minute exercises a day, so you won't need to live in a gym. If you focus on following the Nutrisystem® plan, you will have everything you need to be a healthier you.

Nutrisystem exceeded our expectations, and we're convinced it's a great program for those looking for a comprehensive plan to lose weight.

UPDATE: The awesome folks at Nutrisystem are extending a special offer to our readers.
Nutrisystem Spring Sale: Save 50% OFF A Month Of Meals + Shakes!

This content is sponsored by Nutrisystem.

Nutrisystem is one of the most well-known weight loss programs in the world. But even with its reputation, many people doubt that the food is actually as good as it's claimed to be and that it's super simple to stay on track. What can look easy enough is not always replicable in real life. There are so many weight loss programs out there, so we wanted to see if Nutrisystem was the best of the best. Here's what we found.

A common concern that many faces when starting a weight loss program is the need to count calories. Not only is it time-consuming, but it's difficult to know the right guidelines to stick to. We're not all nutrition experts, but just need valuable tips to be able to meet our goals. The great thing about Nutrisystem is that it does all the calorie-counting for you. The plans are designed by nutrition experts and provide you with the right balance of nutrients and the right amount of calories to help you lose weight safely.

Nutrisystem
New Year, New You!

Take Control of Your Diet Today
Save 50% Off Nutrisystem Meals & Shakes

Their strategy is to make meal-time regimented but also filled with variety. Nutrisystem sends a monthly shipment that includes three meals and a snack a day. All the meals are quick to prepare, and a delicious breakfast is as easy as grabbing a snack bar or muffin on your way out the door. All you need to do is follow the perfectly portioned meal plan, and you're guaranteed to lose up to 13 pounds in your first month, or your money back. It works because there's no room for error. Nutrisystem is designed to give you all the necessary tools to see results.

The second concern that people have about weight loss programs is that they won't be able to eat their favorite foods anymore. But Nutrisystem doesn't take all the pleasure out of eating. Unlike traditional unhealthy comfort foods, Nutrisystem® pizzas and mac & cheese are balanced with complex carbs, lean protein, and fiber without sacrificing taste. They help keep you feeling full and make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need, so you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and continue to achieve your weight loss goals.

The last concern has to do with exercise. Many people simply don't have the time to workout every day. But it turns out, you don't need to exercise to lose weight on the Nutrisystem plan. In fact, studies have found that you're more likely to lose weight by cutting calories than by increasing exercise. So don't worry that your physical limitations are going to stand in the way of your weight loss goals. Nutrisystem recommends just three 10 minute exercises a day, so you won't need to live in a gym. If you focus on following the Nutrisystem® plan, you will have everything you need to be a healthier you.

Nutrisystem exceeded our expectations, and we're convinced it's a great program for those looking for a comprehensive plan to lose weight.

UPDATE: The awesome folks at Nutrisystem are extending a special offer to our readers.
Follow this link to Save 50% Off Nutrisystem Meals & Shakes!

This content is sponsored by Nutrisystem.