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My Meal Kit Obsession
I’ll be the first to admit it: I was a meal kit junkie. I tried every major service, from Blue Apron to HelloFresh, and even some of the newer, niche players. I loved the convenience, the variety, and the fact that I could cook healthy meals at home without having to think too much about it.
But after a year of using meal kits, I started to notice some problems. The first was the cost: even with the discounts and promotions, I was still spending over $100 a week on meal kits. The second was the waste: all those little packets of spices and sauces, the cardboard boxes, the plastic bags… it was staggering. And the third was the lack of creativity: after a while, the recipes all started to feel the same.
The Alternative: Cooking from Scratch
So, I decided to take the plunge and start cooking from scratch. I know, I know: it sounds intimidating. But trust me, it’s not as hard as you think. I started by investing in some basic cookware: a good chef’s knife, a cast-iron skillet, and a Dutch oven. I also downloaded a few cooking apps, like Yummly and Allrecipes, to get some inspiration.
I also started shopping at my local farmer’s market, where I could find fresh, seasonal produce at a fraction of the cost of the meal kits. And I discovered the joy of cooking with Thrive Market, which offers affordable, organic ingredients and pantry staples.
Challenging the Assumption: Meal Kits are Healthy
One of the biggest assumptions about meal kits is that they’re healthy. And while it’s true that many meal kits offer healthy options, the reality is that many of them are also high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. In fact, a study by the CDC found that many meal kits exceed the daily recommended intake of sodium and saturated fat.
So, what’s the alternative? Cooking from scratch, of course. When you cook from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients and the portion sizes. You can choose to use healthy oils, like olive oil, and season with herbs and spices instead of salt and sugar.
My Favorite Cooking Tools
So, what are some of my favorite cooking tools? First, there’s my trusty Instant Pot, which has revolutionized the way I cook. I can make a hearty stew or a big batch of rice in under 30 minutes. I also love my Le Creuset Dutch oven, which is perfect for slow-cooking stews and braises.
I’m also a big fan of Amazon for cooking ingredients and tools. I can find everything from Bob’s Red Mill flour to Kerrygold butter, all with the click of a button.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: my take on meal kits and why I stopped using them. It’s not that I think meal kits are bad, it’s just that I think there are better alternatives out there. By cooking from scratch and using some of the tools and ingredients I mentioned, you can create healthy, delicious meals that are tailored to your tastes and dietary needs.
FAQs
What are some good alternatives to meal kits?
Cooking from scratch, using a meal planning app like Plan to Eat, or shopping at a local farmer’s market are all great alternatives to meal kits.
How can I make healthy meals on a budget?
Shopping at a local farmer’s market, using affordable ingredients like beans and grains, and cooking from scratch are all great ways to make healthy meals on a budget.
What are some good cooking apps for beginners?
Yummly, Allrecipes, and Epicurious are all great cooking apps for beginners.
How can I reduce food waste in my kitchen?
Planning your meals, using up leftovers, and composting food scraps are all great ways to reduce food waste in your kitchen.
What are some good kitchen tools for a beginner?
A good chef’s knife, a cast-iron skillet, and a Dutch oven are all great kitchen tools for a beginner.
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Written by George · The Curious Loop · Updated April 12, 2026
Photo by Land O’Lakes, Inc. on Unsplash
