If there’s one thing I wished I had when my son was born, it’s a freezer stocked full of healthy ready meals to help ease some of the pressure of thinking about what to eat and preparing food at a time when we were both absolutely exhausted.
A premature arrival meant my nesting plans of batch cooking never came to fruition, but with the vast array of easy and healthy ready meals that are on the market now, you don’t have to spend hours whipping up lasagnes and curries when you’re heavily pregnant, as these will do the job for you.
They’re also a great choice for busy families who sometimes need a nutritious meal that’s quick to prepare after a long day, and thankfully, there are lots to choose from.
Here are six easy and healthy ready meals brands to stock up your freezer with, you can thank us later…
Mindful Chef
While they’re probably best known for their recipe boxes, Mindful Chef also has an impressive ready-to-go range featuring everything from breakfasts to ready meals and even soups and smoothies, to help you to continue to eat well on days when meal prep is the last thing on your mind.
Featuring family favourites such as chilli con carne with brown rice alongside curries, paella, and pasta dishes, there is a surprising amount of meals to choose from. Sign us up! Visit mindfulchef.com to see the full range.
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Cook
Offering frozen ready meals and puddings delivered direct to your door, Cook is a favourite with time-strapped parents, and for good reason.
Not only can you snap up dinner party-worthy meals and sides, but they also have a range of kids’ meals too that include a wider range of options than you’re likely to find in your local supermarket.
Best of all? They also offer a 10 percent discount for new parents, along with new parents meal boxes that would make the ideal gift to stock up the freezer of someone who’s just had a baby. Shop the full range at cookfood.net.
Allplants
Even the most devoted meat eaters are likely to have their heads turned by the dishes on the Allplants menu; think sticky teriyaki noodles, Buddha bowls, and pies that make getting your five-a-day a breeze, and make plant-based eating something that everyone can enjoy.
Those with a sweet tooth will love puddings like salted caramel cheesecake and sticky banoffee pudding, and there’s even a selection of superfood smoothies that are ideal to have on hand for busy mornings or on-the-go snacks. Order your bundle at allplants.com.
Tastily
Tastily promises fresh chef-made meals delivered to your door, and they have a wide array to choose from, whatever cuisine you’re craving.
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Love Mexican? They’ve got you covered with burritos and tacos, or if Asian cuisine is more your thing you’ll love the selection of curries and stir fries they have to choose from. Sign up for a subscription and get 30 percent off your first order at Tastily.co.uk.
Plants by Deliciously Ella
You can now pick up some nutritious plant-based ready meals in your local supermarket thanks to the Plants range by Deliciously Ella, which is sold exclusively at Waitrose and is expanding all the time.
From delicious quick-cook pasta to soups and sauces, you can stock up your fridge with these convenient options safe in the knowledge that they are all-natural and full of goodness. Shop the range at Waitrose.
Planty
Vegans are also well catered for with Planty, an online service that delivered chef-prepared meals and desserts to your door.
While the brand is targeted at those following a plant-based diet, there’s something for everyone on their diverse menu, which includes dishes such as lasagne, curry, and even a roast dinner that are free from meat and dairy but full of flavour. See all the details at Planty.uk.
Want more like this? Check out our latest health and fitness features for mums.