Opting for a meal kit service instead of takeout will help you save money and eat healthier. But with such delivery service establishments numbering into the hundreds, it’s difficult to find one that offers value for money meals. Luckily, we’ve taken the liberty of looking into food service options and found some pretty good ones out there. Without further ado, here’s a list of the best meal services you can order from in 2021. Home Chef Home Chef is one of the leading meal kit services, with more than 30 varieties to pick from. The service delivers pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. This way, it becomes easy for the consumer to prepare the meal. Home Chef also offers a Fresh and Easy meal service that requires minimal-to-no preparation, which works best for people on a busy schedule. Also, with plans starting at $7.99 per serving, you have the option to customize the meal. Freshly The brand offers a range of over 30+ all-natural dishes cooked by experienced chefs and delivered fresh to your home. All you need to do is heat the meal for about three minutes and enjoy it. Freshly offers plans that range from four meals to twelve meals a week. Further, each portion is perfectly curated for a single person in one sitting. You can avail of their meal services starting at just $8.99 per serving, which is a great deal for such a renowned brand. Sunbasket With several weekly recipes to pick from, Sunbasket is an ideal solution for those looking to either follow a meal plan or mix it up a little. The meal kit service also pledges to deliver food that is made of the best organic produce, pure spices, and beautifully sourced proteins. Furthermore, Sunbasket offers Fresh & Ready dinner meals starting at $8.99 and Meal Kits with easy cooking instructions starting at $10.99.

If you have diabetes, food plays an important part in managing your symptoms. Here’s how you can put together diets for diabetes patients. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it means that you have high levels of glucose (blood sugar), which can cause further health problems. There are different types of the disease—chronic diabetes includes type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, while prediabetes (high blood sugar levels, but does not qualify as diabetes) and gestational diabetes (occurs when a woman is pregnant but can dissipate after delivery) are the types of potentially reversible diabetic conditions. Noticing any diabetes symptoms and reporting them to a medical professional at the earliest is vital, as early detection means you can start your treatment early, and thus achieve optimum results from the treatment. In addition to conventional diabetes treatments, there are certain natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can ease the symptoms and provide significant relief to people suffering from the disease. Diets and diabetes go hand in hand, as what you eat and don’t eat plays a major role in your diabetes treatment. The medical term for a diabetes diet is medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for diabetes, which entails eating different foods that are high in nutrition, moderate quantities of food, and sticking to mealtimes. There are many myths about diets for diabetes patients, such as—you cannot eat sugar at all, you cannot eat any carbohydrates, and that you need to eat only special diabetic meals. But the truth is that if you carefully plan diets for diabetes management, you can enjoy your favorite foods and keep your diabetes symptoms in control at the same time. There are certain approaches to creating diets for diabetes patients, and these diets are aimed at lowering the glucose level in your blood and keeping it within a normal level.

A1C level is a measurement used to indicate your blood sugar levels. It is vital to have your blood tested regularly to determine your A1C levels and check if you have diabetes. Even if you don’t have diabetes, you should try to keep your blood sugar levels in control. What is A1C level? When sugar enters the bloodstream, it attaches itself to a protein called hemoglobin that is present in your red blood cells. This sugar-bound protein is known as glycated hemoglobin. The higher the amount of such hemoglobin in your blood, the higher your blood sugar levels will be. A1C tests are conducted to gauge your blood sugar levels over the past three months, to get an idea of your sugar level fluctuations. Hemoglobin cells live for about three to four months, so A1C levels give a good picture of your glucose level in the bloodstream for that period. What is the optimal A1C level? A1C levels are referred to in percentages. For a nondiabetic patient, the A1C level should preferably be less than 5.7%. Anything between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes. An A1C level of 6.5% and above means that the patient has diabetes. For a person with diabetes, the target is to bring the A1C level below 7%. With lower A1C levels, one can keep a check on the progression of diabetes as well as its associated complications in control. Eye diseases, kidney, nerve, and cardiovascular diseases are the risks associated with diabetes. By putting in some effort to manage your blood sugar level, you can reduce the risk of diabetes. Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels One needs to get their A1C tests tested every three months to accurately track their blood glucose levels. Follow the doctor’s prescriptions and instructions carefully. Be active and exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, to lower your A1C levels.

The term diabetes reversal refers to an improvement in the condition of your body’s insulin sensitivity that sustains over a long period. Type II Diabetes 90% of adults have type II diabetes that tends to develop later in life. In type II diabetes, the body fails to produce enough insulin to cope up with the glucose levels in the body. As the body cells don’t react to the insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream, which cannot be used to fuel energy. Type II diabetes mostly ends up becoming a chronic health condition that cannot be cured once it develops. It can only be supervised and managed by combining medication with a healthy lifestyle. Diabetes and fat Eating and drinking more calories than required by the body leads to excess calories that get stored as fat in the liver and under the skin in the abdomen – visceral fat. This visceral fat is a common factor that puts you at a high risk of developing type II diabetes. The fat build-up in the liver extends over into the pancreas eventually. Over time this fat accumulation becomes a hindrance to the organ’s functioning and prevents the pancreas from releasing insulin after meals. This is why, obesity is a more common cause of type II diabetes, which turns into a vicious circle of cause and effect. The pressure on the Pancreas to keep producing extra insulin damages the insulin-producing beta cells. Damage to the beta cells renders the pancreas unfit to keep sugar levels in check, and this turns into a chronic disease. It damages the kidneys, eye retinas and other organs over the passage of time. Diabetes reversal treatment The research for a cure to beat diabetes is still in its infancy, but there seem to be motivating developments in stopping the symptoms of type II diabetes.

There are many kinds of diets you can find today. Everybody claims that they have the best one figured out. However, before you start following one, you need to do your research. Based on the results you are expecting, you can opt for the right diet for you. When it comes to the Mediterranean diet menu, everybody loves it as it has the richest and tastiest dishes. This diet plan will not take much effort from your side. You need to commit to whichever diet you choose completely. The Mediterranean diet is the perfect one if you want to shift to a healthier lifestyle. This diet is known to be one of the healthiest and most delicious diets. What is the Mediterranean Diet? This diet is followed in the Mediterranean countries. The diet includes a large number of vegetables with an emphasis on foods with protein and olive oil in most dishes. They are said to have many health benefits. Mediterranean Diet Menu The positive effects of this diet include weight loss, reduction in the instances of heart diseases, and reduction of chances of dementia. These multiple benefits are enough reason to get started on this diet. Here are all the things you can expect to see on a Mediterranean diet menu. Vegetables and Fruits You need them in your daily meals as they are also an essential part of a balanced diet. Most of the nutrients and vitamins you need would come from fruits and vegetables. They feature in abundance on a Mediterranean diet. Go for fresh vegetables and fruits. Stay away from those that have high amounts of starch in them. You can have up to 10 servings a day. This is also sure to keep you full and away from any unhealthy snacks. You can have them in raw or boiled form.

The thyroid is one of the most misinterpreted diseases in human beings. Very few people understand the exact condition when the numeric value of thyroid level showed in blood reports is lower or higher than the prescribed value. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes underactive and is hence unable to release enough thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is the exact opposite of this. It is the overactivity of the thyroid gland resulting in a rapid heartbeat and increased metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition that can happen to any person at any given time of his or her life. However, it has been observed that older people, especially women, are more predisposed to hypothyroidism. A hypothyroidism diet is essential to promote the normal activity of the gland. Indicators of hypothyroidism The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the human neck. Doctors note that almost 40 percent of the population across the globe suffers from hypothyroidism at some phase of their lives. With age, women tend to become more prone to suffer from underactive thyroid glands. Apart from women, others prone to hypothyroidism include those who have diabetes, celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis. People notice certain changes in themselves that may not be normal as per their character. The main symptoms of hypothyroidism are: Fatigue or low energy levels Frequent mood swings Disturbed sleep patterns Poor digestion Weakened metabolism Loss of hair Infertility Weak nails Weight gain Muscle tenderness and pain Breathing problems Constipation Cracked or rough skinGoiter Disturbed menstrual cycle Frequent cold or flu These are the initial signs that often indicate towards the disease. If suspected, doctors usually suggest blood tests to the person to substantiate. Hypothyroidism is not a deadly disease that cannot be treated. With proper treatment, lifestyle changes and hypothyroidism diet plans, one can control hypothyroidism and gradually increase the thyroid level in the body.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS affects the bowel movements and impacts digestion and metabolism. It causes a great deal of irritation and discomfort in the abdomen. Proper bowel movement gets altered resulting in either constipation or diarrhea while also changing the stool consistency. Women are prone to this syndrome especially after the age of 25. The primary causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not known, though intestinal infections are found to have induced it. Some types of food can also cause sensitivity in the bowel region. Moreover, genetics can play a role in the development of this ailment. Stress is said to trigger irritable bowel syndrome, thereby aggravating the condition.The occurrence of muscle spasms inside the intestines is also a common phenomenon. A person suffering from irritable bowel syndrome constantly experiences extreme fatigue, bloating, anxiety, and stomach ache. It is also characterized by a continuous sensation of incomplete stool movement, even when the bowel has been emptied.Although it is not a serious medical condition, it can have a negative influence on an individual’s lifestyle. An individual can encounter any of the three types of the ailment. If IBS is characterized by recurrent constipation, it is known as IBS-C. On the other hand, the one characterized by chronic diarrhea is known as IBS-D. If there is an occurrence of both constipation and diarrhea alternately, the condition is known as alternating (mixed) IBS or IBS-A (IBS-M). When the individual does not face any typical symptoms of the above three types, he said to fall into the category of unsubtyped IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome can be troublesome if it is not managed properly. The best remedy is to have an IBS diet plan that is low on FODMAPs. The abbreviation FODMAP stands for Fermentable, Oligo, Di-, Monosaccharides, And Polyols: a series of carbohydrates that are not easily processed by the small intestine.

People with kidney disease need to evaluate what they are eating and impose certain restrictions on their diet. It is important to eat foods that do not stress out the kidneys. Avoid eating processed food items. Natural food items are best suited for the body. Try to avoid eating canned food as well. Organic food items may or may not have a higher nutritional value than standard food items, but they are devoid of pesticides and worth the shot. Organic food items are also devoid of GMOs and are a better bet in the long run. All in all, you need to maintain a proper diet for kidney diseases. Here are the tips to help you out. Protein Proteins are found in several food items like vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and meats. Your body needs protein intake to build red blood cells, hormones, and muscles. Try to incorporate a diet composed of proteins among other things. However, all the protein your body needs is 1 gram per kilogram of weight. Moreover, try to avoid eating too much meat as protein wastes are hard on the kidneys. Follow a moderate protein diet and try to eat more vegetables than meat. Watch your portion sizes and try to eat foods you like best. If you are on dialysis, your meal plan may change again as you will need to eat more protein to cover up for the protein loss during treatment. Maintaining a proper protein diet for kidney diseases is the key. Phosphorus When you are following a kidney disease diet plan, you have to limit your phosphorus intake. Phosphorus is found in poultry, fish, beans, dairy products, poultry, cola drinks, and nuts. The problem is that weaker kidneys have a difficulty in removing phosphorus from your blood. Your doctor may prescribe phosphate binders.

Increased competition and fast-paced modern life have already started taking a toll on your health. While some are affected with conditions like obesity, there are others, who get irregularities in their thyroid, blood sugar, or blood pressure level. Medical examinations conducted in the recent past indicate that an increased number of people are suffering from type 2 diabetes. As the chronic disease is now affecting people irrespective of their age or sex, people all over are searching for remedies to lower the A1C level of diabetes. Unlike the common fasting and after meal diabetes test, A1C examination help in diagnosing the blood sugar level of the past two to three months. Therefore, a diet change for a week is not quite effective to lower the A1C level of diabetes. To keep a check on and lower the A1C level of diabetes, you can follow some simple tips mentioned below. Always eat on time – When it comes to Type 2 diabetes, the first and foremost thing that comes to mind is food restriction. Yet, just noting the restrictions is not enough. To keep diabetes under control, you need to eat consistently on time. Eat all your meals consistently and never skip your breakfast. In most of the cases, people who skip their breakfast have an irregular A1C level, as the blood sugar increases when the stomach is empty. Eat a balanced diet – Eating on time is not enough. To cope up with this chronic ailment, you need to eat a balanced diet. Your diet should contain carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and other essential nutrients in the desired amount. If you cannot keep a track of your regular intake, get a diet chart from a nutritionist and follow that. Also measure the amount of every serving carefully as eating in excess can be detrimental.

Looking to shed those extra pounds? The most common health advice you would probably receive is cut the carbohydrates and bring in the protein to your diet. Carbohydrates energize you but also add on to those extra pounds of body weight. Protein, on the other hand, is the building block for the muscles, skin, and various organs of your body. A high-protein diet is a foundation for good health. It also helps in lowering blood pressure and controlling diabetes, and other health disorders. The recommended intake of protein on a daily basis is 56 grams for men and 46 grams for women. Dieticians and health and fitness experts recommend higher protein intake than the recommended daily intake for optimum functioning of the body. Benefits of a High-protein Diet Following a diet high in proteinhas numerous health advantages. A high-protein diet, as opposed to a carbohydrate-rich diet, replaces calories with energy. Atkins is a popular protein rich diet regimen that gets the bulk of calories from protein. Here are the top benefits of following a high-protein diet plan: Easy to Follow A protein diet is relatively easy to follow and does not burn a hole in your wallet. Satiates Your Hunger A heavy protein meal not only satisfies your hunger but also makes you feel full for a longer time. Enables Weight Loss Those looking to lose weight on a short-term will find it easier to do so with a high protein diet plan. Faster cell repair : A diet rich in protein facilitates faster cell damage repair. So if you are looking for luscious hair, glowing skin, and strong bones then go for a protein diet. Energy booster : A protein rich diet is an energy booster. Organ health : A protein rich diet is good for your heart and also reduces the risk of developing arthritis and cancer.

Blood glucose levels are primarily controlled by the hormone insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas. After a meal, blood glucose rises due to the digestion of the food. This triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas, which promotes glucose absorption until it reaches the normal level. But, in individuals with defective functioning of insulin, the blood glucose level remains higher for a longer period. Chronic uncontrolled blood sugar or hyperglycemia damages various body organs, nerves, and eyes. As a diabetic, it is extremely important to keep your blood sugar level always in check. Blood sugar range : In a healthy person, the normal blood sugar levels are below 100 mg/dL after fasting, but can spike to 140 mg/dL 2 hours post meal. However, in a diabetic, the fasting blood sugar itself can reach to up to above 200 mg/dL. How to keep the blood sugar under check? A proper diet and exercise plan is a must to manage a diabetic’s blood sugar level . Moreover, a diabetic must monitor the blood sugar level on a regular basis for effective management of sugar levels. A few common tips to keep the blood sugar under check are as follows: Diet : A well-planned diet is a must for the management of high blood sugar. Carbohydrates : The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a proper monitoring of carbohydrate intake in a meal to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Include healthy carbohydrates such as milk, fruits, legumes, grains, and yoghurt, which do not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Avoid highly processed or refined carbohydrates like candy, white rice, and white bread because they rapidly increase the blood sugar levels. A well-balanced diet must be designed after consulting a doctor to maintain the healthy blood sugar levels. Offset carbohydrates with fat and protein :

Living with epilepsy can be challenging, and it is essential to know about ways to help manage it in a better way. People suffering from this condition might look for effective ways to stay seizure-free; however, with conflicting information available on the internet, it can be difficult to know what can help ease the condition and what cannot. It has been found that a balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients from various food groups can ensure that the brain and body function efficiently. Therefore, after consulting with a doctor, one can follow a diet plan as it can help control seizures and live with epilepsy. How does diet affect epilepsy? While no food has been found to trigger an epileptic seizure, a well-planned diet can reduce the risks of seizures by helping one maintain good health. A balanced diet can help provide one with the energy and important nutrients, better sleep, and better stamina for engaging in activities. By following a healthy diet, one can live better, be more positive, and develop a stronger focus, all of which can help control and manage the condition effectively. Top nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy When the body metabolizes fats, it produces ketones. So, following a Ketogenic diet forces the body to utilize more fats for energy production instead of glucose or sugar through a diet that increases fat intake and lowers carbohydrate intake. This diet plan can work in reducing seizures among people, both kids and adults, suffering from epilepsy. But, for this diet to work effectively, one will have to follow it without any breaks. So, the types of food and the respective amounts must be precisely measured. Preparing meals may be a time-consuming affair. However, the Keto diet may not work for kids. The MCT diet or medium-chain triglyceride diet is one where people use an oil supplement for their dietary fat intake instead of getting oil from foods.