Years ago I subscribed to Freshly. Simple, somewhat edible and seemed healthier than going out for fast / fast casual all day every day. I think I got between 6 and 8 meals a week and occasionally didn't get through them all.. but did OK on that front.
I am STRONGLY considering trying out Factor. Do any Scoopers have experience with it and thoughts?
Any other meal delivery services to consider? I am not looking to prep sh1t. I am trying to take from the fridge to the microwave and scarf it down with little time lost.
Thanks. In health,
Jay Bee
Quote from: Jay Bee on January 09, 2025, 11:41:51 AMYears ago I subscribed to Freshly. Simple, somewhat edible and seemed healthier than going out for fast / fast casual all day every day. I think I got between 6 and 8 meals a week and occasionally didn't get through them all.. but did OK on that front.
I am STRONGLY considering trying out Factor. Do any Scoopers have experience with it and thoughts?
Any other meal delivery services to consider? I am not looking to prep sh1t. I am trying to take from the fridge to the microwave and scarf it down with little time lost.
Thanks. In health,
Jay Bee
My wife has done Factor a couple of times, and she's mistakenly ordered a couple of entrees with meat. She is a pescatarian, so I've eaten a couple. Honestly, they're probably the best reheatable food I've eaten. My wife also really likes them, but is prone to being talked out of eating one and getting a sub from Jimmy John's fairly easily. :P
If you need a code or something for a discount, I'll see if I have one laying around.
We did Factors a few months ago. They were delicious but we didn't really understand how they were considered "healthier". Many of the meals were approaching your daily fat and sodium recommended amounts.
I'd say if you want a quick delicious meal go for it but I wouldn't consider it remotely healthy if that's what you are looking for.
Thanks, guys. I tend to look at calories... if they're low, great. Awful analysis I know, so not surprised these aren't the healthiest means around... but quick, tasty.. I think I'll give em a try.
Quote from: Jay Bee on January 09, 2025, 02:55:23 PMThanks, guys. I tend to look at calories... if they're low, great. Awful analysis I know, so not surprised these aren't the healthiest means around... but quick, tasty.. I think I'll give em a try.
The best feature in any of these services is portion control.
Anytime someone told me they were starting a new diet, I always had the same four word advice: Eat less - Do more.
Quote from: Jay Bee on January 09, 2025, 02:55:23 PMThanks, guys. I tend to look at calories... if they're low, great. Awful analysis I know, so not surprised these aren't the healthiest means around... but quick, tasty.. I think I'll give em a try.
If "healthy" for you is weight, then calories is all that matters
I didn't particularly love the Factor meals but it's solid for frozen good. And there are a few meals that were legitimately good. It's worth trying out.
Quote from: BM1090 on January 09, 2025, 08:17:02 PMI didn't particularly love the Factor meals but it's solid for frozen good. And there are a few meals that were legitimately good. It's worth trying out.
Factor is not frozen!!! (They have some frozen options now, but the core meals are never frozen)
First BOX is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. Let's f'n eat!!!
Quote from: Jay Bee on January 16, 2025, 12:50:22 PMFactor is not frozen!!! (They have some frozen options now, but the core meals are never frozen)
Correct. I believe the expiration date on them is a week after your delivery date.
Quote from: TallTitan34 on January 16, 2025, 12:52:10 PMCorrect. I believe the expiration date on them is a week after your delivery date.
Yep. (That said, I expect I won't get to 33% of em each week, smh)
Today is a great example. 1p, been working since 7 and would like a quick meal... I have like nothing at the house. Might run out quick for Panera or something similar, but a Factor meal would be perfect. Maybe not perfect. But a quick option.
Quote from: Jay Bee on January 16, 2025, 01:01:14 PMYep. (That said, I expect I won't get to 33% of em each week, smh)
Today is a great example. 1p, been working since 7 and would like a quick meal... I have like nothing at the house. Might run out quick for Panera or something similar, but a Factor meal would be perfect. Maybe not perfect. But a quick option.
Panera is ass. Been terrible for years now.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 16, 2025, 01:02:59 PMPanera is ass. Been terrible for years now.
I joined the sip club several years ago. Back then it was $8/month. Might be $11 now? Anyway you can get a free beverage (fountain drink, coffee, tea, lemonade, etc.) every two hours.
I pass a Panera to and from work and have one near my office I hit up at lunch. In December they send out an email saying how much you saved being a sip club member. Saved $1,823.
Mostly get a lime Bubly.
Quote from: TallTitan34 on January 16, 2025, 01:20:41 PMI joined the sip club several years ago. Back then it was $8/month. Might be $11 now? Anyway you can get a free beverage (fountain drink, coffee, tea, lemonade, etc.) every two hours.
I pass a Panera to and from work and have one near my office I hit up at lunch. In December they send out an email saying how much you saved being a sip club member. Saved $1,823.
Mostly get a lime Bubly.
Not the charged lemonade?
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 16, 2025, 01:27:20 PMNot the charged lemonade?
Haha I tend to avoid that unless I have an offer for a free one.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 16, 2025, 01:02:59 PMPanera is ass. Been terrible for years now.
Panera is hospital food.
Before you get mad, think about it.
Quote from: 🏀 on January 16, 2025, 04:45:28 PMPanera is hospital food.
Before you get mad, think about it.
This is an insult to hospital food.
Prison food, sure.
Quote from: Jay Bee on January 16, 2025, 12:50:22 PMFactor is not frozen!!! (They have some frozen options now, but the core meals are never frozen)
First BOX is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. Let's f'n eat!!!
You're right, I was lazy and misspoke. I meant pre-packaged as opposed to ingredients like HelloFresh.
I get the idea of not wanting to cook and prep if time is limited or you don't like it. We tried one of those and often we get home from work later and are just hungry etc.
A prepped meal is better than processed foods for a quick meal, of course.
If I were going the preps-prep meal route I'd try a local chef version. Mke has one so I suspect most bigger cities have them. I avoid salt and sugers and other stuff. No preservatives usually.
Some control over ingredients and can make adjustments to ingredients - low salt etc. I know that is not a big concern of yours but if someone else is doing the work, why not make it good for you.
Also fresher, but fewer choices each week than national services if a lot of choices is a must.
Quote from: GOO on January 17, 2025, 06:41:19 AMI get the idea of not wanting to cook and prep if time is limited or you don't like it. We tried one of those and often we get home from work later and are just hungry etc.
A prepped meal is better than processed foods for a quick meal, of course.
If I were going the preps-prep meal route I'd try a local chef version. Mke has one so I suspect most bigger cities have them. I avoid salt and sugers and other stuff. No preservatives usually.
Some control over ingredients and can make adjustments to ingredients - low salt etc. I know that is not a big concern of yours but if someone else is doing the work, why not make it good for you.
Also fresher, but fewer choices each week than national services if a lot of choices is a must.
You touched on my concerns with these options. With chronic cardio issues, just the salt alone in prepared foods makes me avoid them. Long shelf lives are big red flags to me, although I believe there are methods other than salt to provide for a long shelf life. Americans love salt in so many things though, so I remain leery of all prepared foods.
Being retired, food prep is not a big deal to us, and we eat
a lot of seafood. Fish and especially shellfish cook very quickly and requires minimal prep work. Chicken and occasional vegetarian meals round out most of the remainder of our diet. While chicken can require prep/seasoning time, it also can be cooked simply and quickly.
Our no-prep meals are called "leftovers".
We eat out some and then it is hard to avoid too much salt and sugar. But it's okay on occasion.
We try to cook from scratch, we don't use salt or sugar, which helps avoid processed foods and all the bad stuff that comes with it. Pretty much avoiding processed foods solves the weight and nutritional problems we as a country suffer from. Never fast food.
I pick up and put down so much frozen preparedfood or prepared sauces at the grocery store with just a quick glance at the sodium. It is crazy how much sodium and sugars go into so many products.
Guys. It's okay to cook with salt and sugar. Especially since not much is required to bring flavor out. The amounts that restaurants use (along with butter/oil) is egregious, but that is what you're paying for and why it shouldn't be done daily.
The best way to add salt is in short bits during cooking, and a tiny bit to finish. The body needs salt. Now, of course, there are people with cardiovascular issues that should keep to a low salt diet... but in general, salt is a healthy part of the human diet.
I do agree with you guys about watching what you buy from the store that already has salt and sugar included. That is important.
Having said all this, I think the main issue we deal with is portion control.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 17, 2025, 10:34:28 AMGuys. It's okay to cook with salt and sugar. Especially since not much is required to bring flavor out. The amounts that restaurants use (along with butter/oil) is egregious, but that is what you're paying for and why it shouldn't be done daily.
The best way to add salt is in short bits during cooking, and a tiny bit to finish. The body needs salt. Now, of course, there are people with cardiovascular issues that should keep to a low salt diet... but in general, salt is a healthy part of the human diet.
I do agree with you guys about watching what you buy from the store that already has salt and sugar included. That is important.
Having said all this, I think the main issue we deal with is portion control.
All very good points Hards. Especially portion control.
I like to steam fresh broccoli and bake split Brussel sprouts in the oven. And Goo's singling out the "seasoned" frozen vegetables is spot on.
Slicing up an onion and cooking it to a dark golden brown is a great way to add flavor and some sweetness as well. Vedalias are ideal for this. The dark golden browned Brussel sprouts are also slightly sweet. Add a little balsamic vinegar and...yum!
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on January 17, 2025, 10:56:36 AMAll very good points Hards. Especially portion control.
I like to steam fresh broccoli and bake split Brussel sprouts in the oven. And Goo's singling out the "seasoned" frozen vegetables is spot on.
Slicing up an onion and cooking it to a dark golden brown is a great way to add flavor and some sweetness as well. Vedalias are ideal for this. The slightly charred Brussel sprouts are also slightly sweet. Add a little balsamic vinegar and...yum!
Don't forget the bacon.
I make Brussel sprouts the same way. If you want to add one more thing, a couple of crumbles of feta on top really set it off.
Well, now I'm hungry.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 17, 2025, 11:01:55 AMI make Brussel sprouts the same way. If you want to add one more thing, a couple of crumbles of feta on top really set it off.
Well, now I'm hungry.
Thanks! Gonna do that.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 17, 2025, 10:34:28 AMGuys. It's okay to cook with salt and sugar. Especially since not much is required to bring flavor out. The amounts that restaurants use (along with butter/oil) is egregious, but that is what you're paying for and why it shouldn't be done daily.
The best way to add salt is in short bits during cooking, and a tiny bit to finish. The body needs salt. Now, of course, there are people with cardiovascular issues that should keep to a low salt diet... but in general, salt is a healthy part of the human diet.
I do agree with you guys about watching what you buy from the store that already has salt and sugar included. That is important.
Having said all this, I think the main issue we deal with is portion control.
You are usually okay with the amounts of salt most people add to cooking, or even at the table. I would never add a half-teaspoon of salt in a single serving of anything, but a lot of processed foods have that.
@Jay Bee at least use the oven my man
Quote from: #UnleashSean on January 17, 2025, 11:37:12 AM@Jay Bee at least use the oven my man
I do get refrigerated meals made at the grocery store that I put in the oven. Pretty good, not crazy portions. #LundsAndByerlys #Chef
Dietary salt and sugar intake is pretty much never a significant contributor to any health problems as long as portion control/total calorie control is maintained.
Also, can anyone define "processed" foods?
Quote from: jesmu84 on January 17, 2025, 12:35:11 PMDietary salt and sugar intake is pretty much never a significant contributor to any health problems as long as portion control/total calorie control is maintained.
Also, can anyone define "processed" foods?
The ones that are in the middle of the grocery store. Shop the walls.
Respect the Process(ed foods)!
Quote from: warriorchick on January 17, 2025, 12:42:35 PMThe ones that are in the middle of the grocery store. Shop the walls.
Canned or frozen veggies/meats/fruit would be considered processed?
Frozen is usually okay, not counting stuff like Tater Tots.
Canned veggies can have a lot of salt. Check the labels.
Quote from: warriorchick on January 17, 2025, 12:42:35 PMThe ones that are in the middle of the grocery store. Shop the walls.
I only shop the pig
There are processed foods and highly processed foods and things in between. Some worse than others, of course. Eg: You can find some veggie burgers that are mostly whole veggies less processed. But most of the fake meat that pretends to be healthy is completely processed with a lot of negative additives. Same with breads, there are some no or low salt, no sugers, that are not highly processed and count as whole grains.
The suggestion about middle of the store is spot on. Otherwise look at it this way, did it go through a manufacturing process or a plant to make it, if it did it's processed.
Frozen veggies are great and even retain more freshness and vitamins than a lot of of the "fresh" veggies. They just don't roast and cook up as well, or taste as good.
No one is perfect, and I get enough salt and processed junk just living in America eg the pizza I had last night, the Asian take out I'll have later this week with sugers and salt added.
The realization that if you eat like an American, you're going to look like an American and have the health of an American, is a sad but true fact.
At the end of the day, as long as you aren't suffering from end-stage chronic health conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure, etc), portion control is all that matters.
Dietary sugar or salt amounts, processed foods, etc. None of that matters.
Maintain caloric control and the rest will be perfectly healthy
Quote from: GOO on January 18, 2025, 06:50:29 AMFrozen veggies are great and even retain more freshness and vitamins than a lot of of the "fresh" veggies. They just don't roast and cook up as well, or taste as good.
True. A simple steaming basket in a saucepan cooks fresh vegetables quickly and roasting them adds another dimension to the taste. The "steam in the bag" vegetables end up soggy because the water pools in the bottom of the bag. I prefer fresh broccoli, Brussel sprouts, asparagus, etc.
I usually buy frozen berries though. Fresh ones spoil too quickly and require more frequent trips to the grocery store. A large bag of mixed blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries offers a variety at a much better cost and zero waste.
Quote from: jesmu84 on January 18, 2025, 08:58:17 AMAt the end of the day, as long as you aren't suffering from end-stage chronic health conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure, etc), portion control is all that matters.
Dietary sugar or salt amounts, processed foods, etc. None of that matters.
Maintain caloric control and the rest will be perfectly healthy
If going to strongly disagree and say science also disagrees. Don't have time now for a long post.
Quote from: GOO on January 18, 2025, 10:57:30 AMIf going to strongly disagree and say science also disagrees. Don't have time now for a long post.
Nah
Scoop in 2025 = debating cookware and nutrition
@Jay Bee did you get your Factors yet?
Quote from: TallTitan34 on January 21, 2025, 08:08:06 AM@Jay Bee did you get your Factors yet?
Scheduled to arrive by 12:30p today. They may be frozen with the weather in the Twin Cities.
I'm if reading their website correctly, steak meals generally appear to cost AN EXTRA $13 fee. Wth
Capitalism
I could pick this steak up right now.
Green chile queso w chicken thigh pasta and broc
Flavor was very good. I could eat about 4 of these, but I'm good with it for a full meal.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on January 21, 2025, 11:33:19 AMI could pick this steak up right now.
Lemme guess. You're a good ole' country boy who headed west. Banquet Salisbury steak is a gourmet meal to them. You probably fry up the squirrels you killed too.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on January 21, 2025, 12:11:22 PMLemme guess. You're a good ole' country boy who headed west. Banquet Salisbury steak is a gourmet meal to them. You probably fry up the squirrels you killed too.
Growing up that probably did qualify as the finest steak my folks could afford.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on January 21, 2025, 12:40:09 PMGrowing up that probably did qualify as the finest steak my folks could afford.
As a kid, I loved when my parents broke open the wallet so we could get the "chopped steak" at Ponderosa. Running those trays accross the metal "tracks" was another bonus.
Quote from: The Sultan on January 21, 2025, 12:46:16 PMAs a kid, I loved when my parents broke open the wallet so we could get the "chopped steak" at Ponderosa. Running those trays accross the metal "tracks" was another bonus.
Ah ponderosa. I only sentimentally miss that place.
Welp, I'm several deliveries in.
What I don't love: The price. 6 meals / week comes out to like $17/each with shipping and taxes. If it was more around $13, I'm happy. $15.. so so. $17.. it's a bit much. Don't know why those are my numbers, but that's where my mind is at.
I think I may do one week on, one week off for awhile.. or a couple weeks in a row, a couple of weeks off.
Good stuff: I've been surprised by the taste. Really good. Now, I'm a bland-eating mfr in general.. so maybe you put pepper on anything and it would blow my mind.. but, the flavors in these meals have been great. They're also of course quick and easy to heat up.
The portion control aspect is great. They are just fine for lunch. Could I eat a few of them? Sure. But, I'm good with having one and going on about my day.
I've lost some weight (I think.. should have weighed myself before I started Factor)... but have dropped below 175 (6' tall) and can see it in my body (pawz). That said, I've also been playing pickleball like a freaking maniac (probably averaging 6+ times per week) so that's helping with the physical specimen that I have become.
Offsetting the physical stuff though.. when I'm not eating Factor, I do some baaad stuff. Frozen and prepared pizzas are nonstop. Ice cream gets pummeled, often with a sugar cone. Eating a lot of snacks.. processed chips, fruit bite thingies, and energy bars nonstop. Plus, eating out a ton.
All in all, I've made no concerted effort to eat well -- it's just that Factor seems to be a bit better for me than grabbing a double steakburger with fries from Freddy's.
So, that's where I'm at. I think the food tastes good. Fast and easy. Portions are fine. Easy to order/skip as needed. Pricing a touch high. They price jack on steak (this is upsetting tbh).
Have you looked at any local meal prep services? I have a friend in the Milwaukee area who moved from something like Factor to a local guy who does it for pick up in the area. (Probably deliver for a fee as well.) The main reason he switched was due to cost.
Quote from: The Sultan on February 27, 2025, 12:36:26 PMHave you looked at any local meal prep services? I have a friend in the Milwaukee area who moved from something like Factor to a local guy who does it for pick up in the area. (Probably deliver for a fee as well.) The main reason he switched was due to cost.
Yes. Let's Dish is here in the Twin Cities and quite good. At my old house, I went to the one nearby often - the manager had a daughter who was a frosh at MU, and she'd write 'Go MU!' on the bags when I ordered.
They advertise as 'for 3' or 'for 6' meals, but the for 3 were really ... for 2. I don't do well with leftovers, and now that I eat mostly alone, I have strayed from Let's Dish.. but at only $20 a meal, I may pick out a few that I would eat the leftovers of.
For these, it's not microwave.. there is some meal prep and cooking that goes on, but even I was successful preparing this stuff, and it's good. I actually just got an email last night from them.. 2 for $30 special.. so, I need to go back to them occasionally. They also have a location near where I live now, so I can easily stop over there for pickup.
https://letsdish.com/
Quote from: Jay Bee on February 27, 2025, 12:27:06 PMWelp, I'm several deliveries in.
What I don't love: The price. 6 meals / week comes out to like $17/each with shipping and taxes. If it was more around $13, I'm happy. $15.. so so. $17.. it's a bit much. Don't know why those are my numbers, but that's where my mind is at.
I think I may do one week on, one week off for awhile.. or a couple weeks in a row, a couple of weeks off.
Good stuff: I've been surprised by the taste. Really good. Now, I'm a bland-eating mfr in general.. so maybe you put pepper on anything and it would blow my mind.. but, the flavors in these meals have been great. They're also of course quick and easy to heat up.
The portion control aspect is great. They are just fine for lunch. Could I eat a few of them? Sure. But, I'm good with having one and going on about my day.
I've lost some weight (I think.. should have weighed myself before I started Factor)... but have dropped below 175 (6' tall) and can see it in my body (pawz). That said, I've also been playing pickleball like a freaking maniac (probably averaging 6+ times per week) so that's helping with the physical specimen that I have become.
Offsetting the physical stuff though.. when I'm not eating Factor, I do some baaad stuff. Frozen and prepared pizzas are nonstop. Ice cream gets pummeled, often with a sugar cone. Eating a lot of snacks.. processed chips, fruit bite thingies, and energy bars nonstop. Plus, eating out a ton.
All in all, I've made no concerted effort to eat well -- it's just that Factor seems to be a bit better for me than grabbing a double steakburger with fries from Freddy's.
So, that's where I'm at. I think the food tastes good. Fast and easy. Portions are fine. Easy to order/skip as needed. Pricing a touch high. They price jack on steak (this is upsetting tbh).
Sounds about right. The next step is not buying the junk food you're consuming on the off days. I know you know this, but it is probably the hardest part. Maybe do a meal prep for those days? Insta pot can save you a bunch of time.
Quote from: The Sultan on February 27, 2025, 12:36:26 PMHave you looked at any local meal prep services? I have a friend in the Milwaukee area who moved from something like Factor to a local guy who does it for pick up in the area. (Probably deliver for a fee as well.) The main reason he switched was due to cost.
hmmmm.... would we be able to get a contact? Not that im lazy or anything...
My wife forgot to hit skip week on the Factors so I'm back in for a week!
Delicious as always but I still don't get how they are considered a healthier option.
Quote from: TallTitan34 on April 10, 2025, 06:52:07 PMMy wife forgot to hit skip week on the Factors so I'm back in for a week!
Delicious as always but I still don't get how they are considered a healthier option.
Healthier compared to...?
Nutrition label for reference
Quote from: TallTitan34 on April 10, 2025, 08:18:53 PMNutrition label for reference
1 of those for each meal = 2100 calories and 90g protein.
Likely healthier than most folks daily intake
Also, that looks like a rare one
Like, "worse stats" meal
I think I've only had one meal with 7xx calories or more
I have been skipping every other or now May do 1 with deliver, 2 weeks skip
Alright. Rough league night of pickleball. Gonna air fry some fries and have a bowl of ice cream