Prepackaged meals vs cooked

[luex]

Ok so recently I've decided to start to eat prepackaged meals, obviously I know this isn't as cost effective as I could be, but in turn I believe I can stay more consistent with my diet...these meals cost $4 each, all organic and grass fed meat. The macros on some of these meals don't look bad at all just the sodium content is about 230mg per meal at the highest...they obviously don't taste amazing but they're extremely convenient and I plan on eating 3 of these meals a day...the rest of my cals will be filled in with shakes such as, whole milk, peanut butter, raw oatmeal, pasteurized eggs whites, and protein powder all in one mix. My question is what do you guys think of these premade meals? The company is beatnik organic and honestly it get a bad wrap for the taste but the macros and ingredients look awesome...aside from the sodium intake...which I don't think is high at all, and the cost...do you guys think this is an effective diet? Diet has been the huge sticking point for me so I'm really trying to figure it out. Some days I'm awesome and right on point and others I do absolutely terrible because I just don't eat. I think these meals would make me more consistent with my diet and on-the-go lifestyle.

 

[Endure]

I wouldn't look at it in terms of prepackaged meals vs. whatever... what are the macros you are trying to hit? That's what is important along with whole nutritious foods. On the go doesn't mean you can't pre-plan/prep meals or have to eat fast food. Meal prep is part of the fitness lifestyle, period. The only caution with anything prepackaged is sodium and those meals seem pretty low.

 

[MindlessWork]

Home cooked meals may mean more work, but you can control what is in it vs prepackaged meals. Also fat and sodium will be lower in a properly prepared home cooked meal.

 

[Deisel26]

Cook your food on Sunday's after church or whatever it is you do on Sunday for the whole week yes it takes some time especially if your like me and grilling, baking, boiling etc. tuppaware is your friend, labels are your friend, money is your friend

 

[Horimono]

Ok so recently I've decided to start to eat prepackaged meals, obviously I know this isn't as cost effective as I could be, but in turn I believe I can stay more consistent with my diet...these meals cost $4 each, all organic and grass fed meat. The macros on some of these meals don't look bad at all just the sodium content is about 230mg per meal at the highest...they obviously don't taste amazing but they're extremely convenient and I plan on eating 3 of these meals a day...the rest of my cals will be filled in with shakes such as, whole milk, peanut butter, raw oatmeal, pasteurized eggs whites, and protein powder all in one mix. My question is what do you guys think of these premade meals? The company is beatnik organic and honestly it get a bad wrap for the taste but the macros and ingredients look awesome...aside from the sodium intake...which I don't think is high at all, and the cost...do you guys think this is an effective diet? Diet has been the huge sticking point for me so I'm really trying to figure it out. Some days I'm awesome and right on point and others I do absolutely terrible because I just don't eat. I think these meals would make me more consistent with my diet and on-the-go lifestyle.

If the bottom line is you "just don't eat" and you think these meals will help you because you don't have the time, desire, or knowledge to cook then definitely buy the meals. I personally don't see anything wrong with precooked meals. I eat a bunch of them when I don't feel like cooking because I am working so much. But also, I love to cook and am a bad ass chef. So I cook a lot too. I get tired of pre packaged meals like I get tired of eating meals I have cooked. Lean Cuisine has some good meals that have good nutrient ratios for only $2-3. Healthy Choice makes 3-4 "power bowls" made with kale and couscous and chicken etc. Some are 25 grams of protein and good carbs with lower fats. I dig those. They are like $4.

But look at this brother. I bought 8 lbs of fresh chicken breast from Sprouts. On sale for $1.77 lb. Marinated it overnight in a few different marinades. Grilled it up just now. Bought 5-6 bags of steamers from WM for $2-3 bucks a bag. Some are high as shit in protein. Just prepped up 10 meals for me and my sexy wife. Probably cost $3 per meal. Took some time yes. Better tasting food though. Definitely worth it. But like I said, I do both. Whatever gets the food in you bro.

 

[Apexvallen]

If the bottom line is you "just don't eat" and you think these meals will help you because you don't have the time, desire, or knowledge to cook then definitely buy the meals. I personally don't see anything wrong with precooked meals. I eat a bunch of them when I don't feel like cooking because I am working so much. But also, I love to cook and am a bad ass chef. So I cook a lot too. I get tired of pre packaged meals like I get tired of eating meals I have cooked. Lean Cuisine has some good meals that have good nutrient ratios for only $2-3. Healthy Choice makes 3-4 "power bowls" made with kale and couscous and chicken etc. Some are 25 grams of protein and good carbs with lower fats. I dig those. They are like $4.

But look at this brother. I bought 8 lbs of fresh chicken breast from Sprouts. On sale for $1.77 lb. Marinated it overnight in a few different marinades. Grilled it up just now. Bought 5-6 bags of steamers from WM for $2-3 bucks a bag. Some are high as shit in protein. Just prepped up 10 meals for me and my sexy wife. Probably cost $3 per meal. Took some time yes. Better tasting food though. Definitely worth it. But like I said, I do both. Whatever gets the food in you bro.

Couldn't agree more. Perfectly said.
If those meals help you get your food in well it beats running low and not making gains.

 

[luex]

Awesome replies guys. Thanks for all the feedback. The prepackaged foods have been going good so far. Current weight is 205lbs about 12% bf so we’ll see where I’m at a few months down the road.

 

[Genghis K.]

My primary concern with prepackaged anything is will content be consistent with the label. The nutritional food industry can be just as misleading as the supplement industry. Manufacturing company desires to sell more product; increase protein and decrease calories on the label. Simple really. When or IF they get caught, close up shop and open under a new name.
Who knows what a consumer is really getting in a prepackaged meal.

 

[SmallWoody]

Never tried pre package. I usually cook all meals on the weekend for the whole week. Takes about 1 -2 max depending what I'm doing.