Whether you’re looking to drop pounds or fuel your workouts, these companies take the hassle out of meal planning.
Essentially
How much? Dhs1,495 for five days, Dhs2,790 for ten days, Dhs3,885 for 15 days or Dhs4,780 for 20 days.
In a nutshell: Raw, vegan meals, snacks and cold-pressed juices that are gluten-free, dairy-free and non-GMO.
The lowdown: Essentially was the first home-grown cold-pressed juice company in Dubai, and it’s since branched out into food menus too. Forget the limp lettuce salads you might expect – instead, think delicious smoothies, hearty ‘Buddha bowl’ salads and even sushi.
Good for: Taking the stress out of meal planning for Dubai’s vegans. Similarly, if you’re looking for a detox, by removing potential allergens like gluten and dairy, this plan gives your digestive system a chance to reboot.
The delivery: Food arrives at your designated time and address between 5am and 8am, Sunday to Thursday, and includes three cold-pressed juices, three meals and a snack. You’ll receive a text to alert you when it’s on the way, along with a link to track your delivery.
The Cycle Bistro
How much? Dhs1,300 for one meal a day, Dhs2,300 for two meals and Dhs3,300 for three meals a day, for 20 days.
In a nutshell: Delicious meals, free from refined sugar, gluten and dairy, from Dubai’s only truly paleo cafe.
The lowdown: The paleo or primal diet is more than just a food trend – it’s a lifestyle revolving around eating as a caveman would, with no processed food, wheat, refined sugar or dairy, but plenty of meat, vegetables, fruit, healthy fats and seeds. Meals include veggie frittatas, quinoa bircher muesli and bunless burgers with smoky tomato relish.
Good for: Omnivores who want to improve their diet and cut out the junk but still eat plenty of real, whole food. It’s also a great option for anyone who thinks they might have a sensitivity to wheat or dairy.
The delivery : Any orders for a month’s subscription need to be placed a week before the new month starts, and all deliveries will be made between 10am and 8pm. Delivery areas include Sports City, Studio City, Arabian Ranches and Motor City.
Fitness Feedz
How much? Fitness Feedz lets you customise your own menu, which means you’ll order each item individually and even according to weight. As an example, an egg white omelette for breakfast and turkey meatballs with sweet potato mash and vegetables for lunch would cost you around Dhs100. Set menus are in the works.
In a nutshell: An easily customised meal plan designed to support an active lifestyle.
The lowdown: No matter how much you hit the gym, if you don’t nail your nutrition down you won’t see any changes. Fitness Feedz takes the work out of meal prep with options that include plenty of protein, healthy fats and vegetables. You’ll get a menu designed for your individual nutrition and calorie needs.
Good for: Both beginners and gym bunnies looking to support a healthy lifestyle, but without time to spare in the kitchen.
The delivery: Home delivery is available. A website for ordering online is in the pipeline, but in the meantime, contact Fitness Feedz directly through the website.
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Detox Delight
How much? Dhs370 for one day, Dhs1,200 for three days, Dhs2,650 for seven days or Dhs6,630 for 20 days.
In a nutshell: The Eat Clean Delight is a vegan meal plan that’s free of wheat, sugar and dairy and naturally low in carbohydrates.
The lowdown: Another cold-pressed juice company that has branched into meal plans, Detox Delight uses only healthy, organic ingredients to make delicious vegan food. Along with two cold-pressed juices per day, you’ll also enjoy dishes such as chia buckwheat pudding with coconut and lemongrass, avocado wraps and raw cherry cashew bars.
Good for: Taking the stress and hassle out of daily meal planning. If you’re not vegan already, it’s a great way to introduce healthier food into your diet, kick start a new health routine or detox after a period of indulgence.
The delivery: The price includes express delivery of each day’s meals between 5pm and 8pm the evening before. Alternatively, you can pick up packages between 8am and 11am at Detox Delight’s headquarters in Gold and Diamond Park.
Daintree
How much? The price ranges from Dhs370 to Dhs1,500, depending on your plan, which can vary from one meal and one snack per day to three meals and two snacks per day.
In a nutshell: Choose between paleo and vegan meal plans from a holistic company that looks at the bigger picture of wellbeing – not just your diet.
The lowdown: Daintree offers customisable menus designed to encourage and support a healthy lifestyle. The food is delicious, organic and free range, and free from artificial chemicals, gluten and refined sugar. Most importantly, Daintree will not only customise your plan but will also look at other factors such as exercise and overall health to help you take real steps to total health.
Good for: Anyone looking to do more for their health than simply change their diet, and those with allergies that could benefit from a vegan or paleo lifestyle.
The delivery: You select your goods from an online menu and deliveries are made in the evening for the following day – they’ll even leave the cooler bag outside your door if you’re not there to collect it.
Kcal
How much? Dhs2,950 for 20 days, Dhs3,480 for 24 days or Dhs3,950 for 28 days in a month.
In a nutshell: Calorie controlled meals to help you drop pounds, manage your weight or build muscle.
The lowdown: No list of healthy meal plans in Dubai would be complete without Kcal, which offers a variety of plans for everyone, from those with weight loss goals to athletes hoping to support their training. After an optional consultation with a dietician, you’ll get a personalised plan of three meals and two snacks per day delivered to your home.
Good for: For anyone who wants to take the guesswork out of counting calories.
Delivery: The team delivers throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah between 4am and 9am and 4pm and 10pm.
77 Veggie Boutique
How much? Dhs2,060 for 20 days or Dhs3,090 for 30 days of meals, juices and snacks.
In a nutshell: Low carb, low calorie and vegetarian meal plans, with the option to order individual menu items too.
The lowdown: We all know that eating a more plant-based diet can boost our health, and that’s the philosophy behind 77 Veggie Boutique’s vegetarian meal plans. There’s a focus on fresh salads, low-carb sandwiches, soups and smoothies, with an emphasis on weight loss and detoxing.
Good for: Veggies, or devoted meat lovers who will benefit from upping their fruit and veg intake. If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of going green, this JLT gem will help you with the transition.
The delivery : You fill out an assessment form for the company’s nutritionist, who plans your menu based on your nutrient needs. Meals are delivered daily, either the morning or the night before, based on your preference.
Love Food
How much? From Dhs759 per week for two meals and one snack, or from Dhs864 per week for three meals and two snacks.
In a nutshell: No calorie counting – just real whole foods in a meal plan designed to support your goals.
The lowdown: If you’ve had no luck with dieting and portion control then Love Food might be the answer. Rather than focusing on calories, the aim is to eat plenty of nutrient dense, whole foods, with meal plans including the paleo Lifestyle, Vitality for weight loss and detoxing, or Power, to support an active lifestyle.
Good for: Gym goers, anyone with an active lifestyle or those curious about trying the paleo diet.
The delivery : After placing your order online, your meal plan will start within three working days. The meals are delivered by 8am daily, Saturday to Thursday.
Health Factory
How much? Around Dhs3,480 per month for 24 days, based on three meals and two snacks per day.
In a nutshell: A range of meal plans designed to meet specific life challenges, including diabetes, weight gain and pregnancy. There’s even a plan for kids.
The lowdown: Health Factory uses calorie and portion-controlled meals to accommodate a range of lifestyles, so whether you’re struggling with diabetes or trying to fit back in your jeans after having a baby, Health Factory will get you there. You’ll have an optional consultation with a dietician to set your goals and choose meals from a set menu.
Good for: Anyone with very specific lifestyle goals who doesn’t have the time or energy to devote to meal planning.
The delivery : Meal deliveries are made to your home or office three days after your consultation. There’s a Dhs5 per day delivery fee in Dubai, and a Dhs300 monthly surcharge for deliveries to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman.
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Originally published in Good magazine
Images: Supplied
