Meal Plan with Methodology for Flavorful Dishes and a Healthier Life
Photo: Methodology
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Eating healthy is always something I’ve wanted to implement into my life in a consistent manner because I’m aware of the millions of ways in which it would better my day-to-day – from my mental and physical health to better sleep patterns, better skin and an overall happier life. But as we all know, this is much easier said than done. Not only does it take up tons of time to meal plan and prep, it’s expensive to buy healthy food at the grocery store, and it’s a drag to have to think about what you’re putting into your body at all times. The sad truth is that I know most people who crave a healthier lifestyle, have had a similar experience of burning out fast.
So when I had the opportunity to try out Methodology's weekly subscription meal delivery service, I was ecstatic. Methodology filters advice from the world's leading dietitians and nutritionists into high-quality, ready-to-eat meals at home for time-starved busy professionals and parents. This incredible team is also the industry leader in developing sustainable food packaging, sourcing glass jars and bentos that are made for recycling and reusing. The meals prepared for their customers, like Methodology’s Signature Reset (a week of 5x lunches, dinners and snacks), is now available to ship nationwide in both standard and large sizes, and their menu is free of refined sugar, dairy, gluten, and processed ingredients.
Photo: Methodology
What I enjoy most about their weekly rotating menu items designed by and for food lovers, is that they put in a conscious effort to never sacrifice flavor, despite all the ingredients they do without. I was worried I may not enjoy dinnertime as much, but instead I was able to travel through many cuisines by trying their most nourishing, nutritious and creative dishes. After taking pleasure in the luxury of having almost a week’s worth of food delivered to my doorstep, I also felt more energized, less stressed and perfectly satisfied after each meal.
COOKING UP A STORM
Raised by a Vietnamese immigrant mother who believed fast food was America’s take on healthy meals, founder Julie Nguyen grew up eating just that. As she got older, Julie’s health worsened, but no doctor ever suggested she change her diet. Yet slowly but surely, Julie began to notice how the food she put into her body affected much more than just her weight — it had plenty of other side effects from eczema flare ups to asthma attacks. Determined to learn more, she spent the next six years reading every food and nutrition book on the market, becoming her own dietitian and discovering what worked for her: “I haven't had an asthma attack in years. I no longer suffer from even seasonal allergies. I sleep like a baby and wake up feeling rested. There isn't a millimeter of eczema on my body. My belly doesn't hang over my jeans. And I'm happy.” Lucky for us, she decided to share her findings with the world.
Photo: Methodology
The result: science-backed nutrition meets food made with love. Methodology’s menu is designed using the latest nutritional research to optimize gut health, longevity, and weight loss, and it shows. As someone who suffers from IBS-like symptoms, this was a game changer. I can’t remember the last time I ate a meal without feeling bloated, gassy and uncomfortable afterwards. According to Dr. Knight, founder of the American Gut Project, we should be eating at least 30 different types of plants per week for optimal gut health.
This is why Methodology’s goal is to improve gut health, metabolism, mood, skin clarity, and energy through a meal delivery service designed with maximum plant diversity (200+ per week!) and whole, unprocessed foods. They made it possible, in a convenient way, to eat the widest variety of real foods in a perfectly-filling portion size, only to be left feeling energized and satisfied. As Julie so powerfully states: “Eating better is by no means a cure-all, but it's easy to underestimate the power food can have on your life.” Methodology is here to remind us that our various ailments aren’t all genetic or incurable, and more importantly, we can tackle them by improving our eating habits and our overall wellbeing.
BY FOOD LOVERS, FOR FOOD LOVERS
When I filled out Methodology’s online questionnaire, I was made aware that they accommodate all allergens and any dietary restrictions. This was great for me as someone who doesn’t eat red meat — all the prepared meals I received were mostly fish- or chicken-based. The menu includes only sustainable protein and is made without any factory-farmed meat, hormones, or antibiotics. There are tons of keto, plant-based and dairy-free options as well — and the cherry on top: is all meals are calorie-controlled, affordable and ready to enjoy in under 5 minutes!
Photo: Methodology
For breakfast I was given two meals: the Pumpkin Spice Relaxation Toast and the Chai-Spiced Apple Crumble Overnight Oats. I actually tend not to like sweet things right in the morning, so I decided to treat them as desserts and let me tell you, these two were such a treat! Not too sweet or filling, but just right. The overnight oats were made with almond butter and cinnamon-cardamom spiced granola, and the toast had ashwagandha and vegan cinnamon cream cheese — so creative! I’ve never tasted anything like either of them before and it made me reconsider starting my day with something sweet.
For lunch/dinner, I tried the Thai Holy Basil Chicken Mince + Maca Curry Kabocha Squash, the Omega-3 Salmon Nicoise Salad ($22.99) , the Pastured Buffalo Chicken Meatballs ($21.99), and the Turmeric Tahini Saffron Rice Bowl + Golden Sumac Chicken. Although all of these were delicious, I have to say my favorites were the meatballs, served with veggies like broccolini, roasted sweet potato, and a rainbow kale salad; and the curry, served with one-of-a-kind beetroot longevity noodles, yuzu-pickled daikon, and purple Thai basil.
It was mind blowing to me how you can put something in the microwave for 3-4 minutes, quickly garnish it with herbs, sauces and other condiments, and then have this divine meal right in front of you. Some of the flavors offered here were familiar, and others were very new to my palette. It was a gift to know that although I felt like I was indulging, everything I was putting into my body was healthy and only bringing me closer to a lifestyle I’d been craving for so long.
Photo: Methodology
Last, but not least: the Vegan Gluten-Free Matcha Rose Donuts ($22.99) for dessert. These were just mouth-watering! I generously shared them with my roommate and we both scarfed them down in under a minute. I grew up eating Indian rose desserts, so that taste was very familiar, and matcha is one of my favorite flavors as someone who tries to stay away from coffee. This is a must try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
When trying out my meals everyday, it was clear to me that Methodology is here for anyone on their journey toward optimal wellness. Each of us deserves to live a better life, and that can be made possible through this thoughtful meal delivery service. Known for creating shockingly delicious, guilt-free versions of the most popular comfort foods from around the world, Methodology reminds us of how powerful a change in your diet truly is, and makes living a healthier and better lifestyle actually possible.