CHIARA Curtis trials a meal-delivery service that promises results
A recent study found mums under 40 are now the group gaining weight at the fastest rate in Australia. After a healthy weight gain during my pregnancy, my weight had steadily climbed in the 11 months since my daughter’s birth – I had become one of the study’s mums.
I understood how it had happened: my portion sizes had become out of control – I had lost perspective of what a healthy portion size was and introducing my baby to solids meant I was eating more as I couldn’t bear to throw food away; I was not eating the right foods (takeaway was becoming a reliable friend); and I was exercising less. I had put on about six kilos and was desperate to lose it.
That’s when I tried Dietlicious. The meal-delivery service, established in 2010 by the Gourmet Dinner Service, has eating plans that follow the CSIRO approach of low carbohydrate and high protein. The meals are either cooked and need reheating or prepared, requiring baking or pan-frying.
Before the program began, I had a consultation with a nutritionist, who gave me advice on managing weight loss while continuing to breastfeed.
I trialled the 14 Day Kick Start Plan, which runs for a minimum of 14 days but can run indefinitely. I trialled it for four weeks. The 1200-calories-a-day plan includes three meals and one snack a day and a serve of vegetables with dinner. I was required to provide a salad to accompany lunch, and two pieces of fruit per day. The meals arrived weekly and cost $29.05 per day plus delivery (there are several plans available).
At the start of the service, I felt constrained by the lack of choice. But I wasn’t hungry. And after a few days, I enjoyed having my food decisions made and the convenience of having my meals prepared. The high protein content kept me satisfied and the food was delicious. My favourite dinners were Tasmanian salmon with pesto crust and North Indian spiced chicken. For lunch, I liked the smoked bacon and lentil soup and san choy bow. The staff were honest and supportive. My consultant called me every week to discuss my progress.
In four weeks I lost 2.7 kilos, with an average weekly loss of 675 grams, and my breastfeeding wasn’t affected. I did not increase my exercise so there is scope for additional weight loss.
This is a great program for those wanting to lose weight or for busy people who want a nutritious alternative to takeaway.
+ Dietlicious delivers to Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane and other states at additional costs. Check guides for similar services in these areas. www.dietlicious.com.au
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ7zZ6urGeUpLK0ecitZKudkaG5unnWqKmkZZSesrW4yJygqK2jZLumw9Jmqq2noq58doDDn5tra5RnhHGtwXJun3Fnba5zfJRtmmpsYJuGeH4%3D