Custom Meals vs. Standard Meal Plans: Which is Better for You?
The word meal typically refers to the customary time/occasion of eating food. Most people eat 3 meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner which is the standard meal plan, while others have a dietitian prepare a custom meal plan for them, so one meal can include multiple dishes. Dinner is one meal, but you might have chicken, rice, salad, and ice cream. Each of those is one dish; when eaten on one occasion, they are a custom meal. Let’s examine which is better custom meals vs standard meal plans.
Custom Meals vs. Standard Meal Plans
So, what’s the deal with custom meal plans? Are they better than just grabbing a standard plan online?
Custom meal plans are created for your goals, dietary preferences, allergies, and schedule. It’s like having a private chef who knows exactly what you need.
Standard plans, on the other hand, are more one-size-fits-all. They’re convenient and often cheaper, but they might also not fit your unique needs. You can order something from one random food vendor, which can be unsafe sometimes.
Custom Meal vs Standard Meal Plan: Most Expensive
You might be wondering, but aren’t custom plans more expensive than standard meal plans? Well, a custom meal can be, but consider it an investment in your health.
If a standard plan doesn’t follow through with your goals or tastes, you might end up ditching it altogether.
A custom plan, however, keeps you engaged because it’s designed for you. That said, a standard plan could work fine if you’re just looking for general guidance and don’t have specific needs.
See more: Private Chef vs. Meal Delivery: Which One is Right for You?
Custom meal vs Standard meal plan: Flexibility
Custom plans usually offer more flexibility because they’re built around your lifestyle. If you hate cooking, they can include quick, easy recipes.
If you’re a vegetarian or gluten-free, no problem—they’ve covered you. Standard plans might not be as adaptable, so you could swap out meals or ingredients.
Custom meal vs Standard meal plan: Uniqueness
So, the custom is better if I want something super unique, but the standard meal plan is okay if I’m starting out and like structure.
It all comes down to your goals and how much you’re willing to invest—both time and money. Custom plans are like a tailored suit; standard plans are off-the-rack (something you can get on thrift for everyone). Both can work, but one fits you perfectly.
BENEFITS OF MEAL PLANNING
Now, beyond choosing either, let’s show you what it means to have a meal plan and meal prep service and what it can do to your health. Don’t worry; just something general will not make you feel bad.
SELF-CONTROL OR PORTION CONTROL WILL BE EASY
Planning your meals will allow you to see how much you’re eating. This also prevents you from overeating at restaurants, which serve a much more proper portion than you should be eating.
EAT HEALTHY
When you’re hungry and your blood sugar drops, you’re more inclined to eat whatever you can get the fastest. This is why some of you settle most of the time for just any fast food joint, which can be an unhealthy option.
Meal planning kicks out those issues and ensures balance in your everyday life, allowing for nutrient-dense food to be prepped and ready to go!
“Many times, unhealthy foods are chosen for convenience,”
A dietician once said
“If we can take the time out to plan meals, write a grocery list, and have fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans available, they will become convenient and be eaten more often.”
See also: Struggling with Meal Plans? Why a Private Chef is the Answer
SAVE TIME
Being hungry and realising you have nothing planned is undoubtedly stressful. Instead of standing before your fridge or pantry deciding what to whip up, you can have your healthy meal ready in minutes.
Different meal planning methods include leftovers, freezer, bulk cooking, and the rest. Once you choose the one that best works for you, you will always have something to eat according to your plan.
In addition, you can be sure of reducing cleaning up time after cooking. Don’t you like that?
SAVE MONEY AND AVOIDING WASTING FOOD
Everyone can agree that saving money is something we all try to do, and meal planning is a great way to help. You go to the grocery store with a plan and shop purposefully.
While you skip out on spending money at restaurants, meal planning also involves buying items in bulk, which can be a huge money saver.
Perhaps you are cooking for an event or family meal planning just saves you the effort, and most times, sticking to what’s on the list also avoids doing things on impulse.
Another nutritionist adds
“Just take one meal at a time. Try to make the best choice possible for that meal!”
Read more: Personalized Meal Plans vs. One-Size-Fits-All: The Benefit of a Private Chef
Meal Plan Subscriptions with iKook
If you are still struggling and don’t think the planning part is for you, then that is where we come in.
We have a professional private chef in a cook who understands the art of prepping meals and gives you the best custom-made meals that fit your diet.
Contact ikook to book this service and save your health from eating anything that comes to mind.
When you message us on our app, you can get weekly meal plans with a private chef who will prep the entire meal for you.
BOOK A PRIVATE CHEF FOR YOUR MEAL PREP NOW
