Home delivery diet programs have been part of the weight-loss industry since the 1990s. These programs provide convenient, easy-to-prepare meals for on-the-go individuals seeking to lose weight or simplify meal planning. Many home delivery diet programs have updated their meals to include healthier and fresher ingredients. Most home delivery diet food arrives frozen in microwave- and oven-safe containers, ready to heat and eat.
Background
Home delivery diet programs emerged in the 1990s as a convenient way to lose weight. Companies offered customer support at a local delivery center or over the phone. While some companies, such as Jenny Craig, still provide members with the option of picking up food at a delivery center, most offer members the convenience of ordering online. Home delivery diet programs now often include online expert and community support, weight-loss tools and customizable menus. The home delivery diet industry has become a $1 billion industry, according to a Marketdata study in February 2009.
Menu Options
Most home delivery diet programs allow members to choose from a variety of foods and meal options. For example, the Biggest Loser Meal Plan by eDiets offers more than 25 options for lunch and around 30 choices for dinner. Most companies provide snacks and desserts to keep members from feeling deprived of sweet treats while trying to lose weight. Several companies offer specific meal plans depending on your age, sex or dietary needs. Jenny Craig offers programs for teens, men, senior citizens and diabetics. Vegetarian options are generally available for those who prefer not to eat meat.
Cost
Home delivery diet programs provide members with weekly meals, online support and customizable menus for a monthly subscription. Most companies offer a month-to-month option with prices ranging from a daily cost of $10 to $40. The range in price depends on your meal plan and other services included in your plan. Plans on the higher end tend to include meals that have fresh, healthy ingredients and are delivered chilled, not frozen. Price also varies by your meal options, those that offer three full meals a day are more expensive than those that provide two meals. The average cost for a month of food delivery is approximately $726, according to Marketdata research conducted in February 2009.
Advantages
If you're looking to lose weight, you may enjoy the portion-controlled element of home delivery weight-loss food. The convenience of prepackaged foods appeals to people who have busy lifestyles and little time to count calories or prepare meals. Many of the meals have a high fiber content, helping dieters to feel full for longer and reduce the chance of eating additional foods. The online resources most companies provide allow members to track weight loss and gain support from other members or experts, including certified dietitians and personal trainers.
Considerations
Home delivery programs often cost more groceries, and constantly consuming frozen meals may cause you to become bored with food options. Because home delivery food doesn't teach you how to count calories or choose healthier foods, you may regain any weight you've lost once you stop the program. Prepackaged diet foods are often full of sodium and preservatives, so look for items with a lower sodium content with fewer preservatives to ensure you get the healthiest option. For optimal results, talk to a certified dietitian or medical professional before enrolling in a home delivery diet program.
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