I can usually squeeze 25 minutes into my day for a run or a yoga session, but when it comes to healthy eating, I cannot find the time.
Searching for recipes, buying the ingredients and then cooking them? Who has the time?!
Lately, I've been scarfing down boring salads at my work desk for lunch and just making random dinners out of frozen wontons or pasta, but I've been feeling like garbage. I also know I rely way too much on meat for protein; which is not great for the environment or my arteries.
I didn't know how to eat better without completely changing my lifestyle during the week, but I did have a hunch - my coworker always brings ready-to-eat meals to the office, and heats them up for lunchtime. They always look and smell amazing, so I asked her what brand they're from and she said Veestro.
It wasn't a brand you'd find in grocery stores; they're fairly new and they're plant-based! I liked that I could get it delivered to my door. You can sign up for an a la carte plan or a more structured plan. My coworker said the food was absolutely delicious and so convenient.
Everything is organic and non-GMO. I figured it might be too out of my budget, but it starts at $9.90 a meal, which is less than what I pay for lunch near me. Also, I'm always tempted to get a drink and a snack, too, so this would definitely save me the calories on those last-minute yogurt-covered raisins I don't even like that much.
There are a ton of different meals to choose from, so I wouldn't get bored. They also add new meals twice a month, so I'd always have something.
I started off with the medium plan of 20 meals for a two-week period, but I could always increase it to 30 if I wanted my dinners, breakfasts, or weekends covered, too. There are classic plant-based meals like black bean veggie wraps or faux chicken nuggets, but there's also plenty of international flavors; south indian coconut stew, miso udon, turkish meatballs with impossible meat, and more. (I'd never tried the Impossible meat before, and if I didn't like it there were plenty of other options.)
You can choose a one-time delivery or subscribe and save 10%, plus get free shipping. I was definitely nervous I wasn't going to like the meals, but I subscribed anyway, figuring I could cancel easily if it wasn't for me.
I created an account, and signed up! If the food was good, as well as nutritious and plant-based, this would be the easiest decision I'd ever made for my health. Before my order arrived, I got nervous the meals would be skimpy and I'd end up eating more, but I'd wait and see.
Everything arrived at my door on ice; all the individual meals were labeled, and I could pop them into the fridge or freezer. (Bonus: the packaging is made out of corn and dissolves in water! So cool and sustainable!) I was hungry right then and there, so I heated up the Carrot Osso Bucco with mashed potatoes and crimini mushrooms.
It was delicious! Thank goodness. The flavors were great, it heated up in the microwave really well, and it even looked just like the picture.
For my first work day, I brought a meal to store in the fridge for lunch, and I honestly felt so much better now that I knew that my lunch was ready - I wouldn't have to wait in line at the salad place and pay for overpriced wilted greens. My Red Curry With Tofu is much more satisfying! And that goes for all Veestro meals.
I'm definitely not cancelling my plan with Veestro, and might even increase it. Nutritious and tasty plant-based meals delivered to my door? No cooking required!? I feel like I've unlocked a new level of life where I don't have to worry about this anymore or cook.
If you're struggling to get everything done or want to eat less meat, this is perfect!
