Friday 1 May 2015

Soulmate Food - Review


As much as I blather on about the importance of eating a healthy diet composed of wholesome, unprocessed foods, there are times when I‘m drowning in a hectic hubbub of phone calls, emails, deadlines and general faff, so can’t find the time to slave over a hot stove, or a chopping board for that matter.

London life can be ludicrously hectic at times. We often find ourselves pushing back lunch breaks and skipping breakfasts – leading to poor health and low productivity levels.

We’re told by smug ‘fitfam’ Instagramers that clever food prep is the way to go to achieve a nutritious week at work. This inspires a rampant tupperwear shopping spree, with the good intention of cooking and freezing kale-based concoctions on a Sunday - but seriously though…..


You know what she's talking about...

This is why Soulmate Food is officially my beloved foodie savior.

Just before I was due to embark on a particularly busy fortnight in the office, this beyond perfect food delivery service very kindly sent me two week’s worth of nutrient-dense breakfasts, lunches and dinners - plus two portions of guilt-free snacks per day.







DO I ?!

I had heard that this splendid company supplied meals to the X Factor house and had an array of celebrity fans and so was intrigued to sample their wholesome wares myself.

All dishes at Soulmate Food are lovingly made from scratch, nutritionally balanced, free from artificial anything, and most importantly, taste as though your mamma made them – if your mamma happens to be an experienced, health-concious, chef that is....

They conveniently deliver on Mondays and Wednesdays, to your work or home address. The food comes delightfully labeled in handy tupperwear containers and is a true joy to unpack – like Christmas Day for the gloriously gastronomically-minded (me).

Soulmate food create a massive variety of meal packages for various needs, including plans for weight loss, vegan/vegetarian living, paleo devotees and post natal women. There's even a special pre wedding plan to help you fit into your perfect dress and "enhance your natural glow" for the big day.

I cannot express how life changing my Soulmate Food weeks were. Yes, some people may scoff at the price (week-long all-day meal plans start from £99 and lunch-only plans from £60) yet if you care about your health and don’t mind making sacrifices in other areas of your life (maybe cutting down on those naughty after work pints/pies), its definitely worth the expense.







I was sent a 7 day vegetarian plan and then a 'maintenance plan' (to maintain current weight and eat 'clean') the following week. Being a ridiculously fussy eater, I was surprised to find that I adored everything I tasted.

Below is a menu (with ingredients) from my first day on the vegetarian plan:


Breakfast
Green Coconut Smoothie: Flaxseed, Papaya, Spirulina, Chia Seeds, Coconut Water, Baby Spinach, Water, Pear

AM Snack
Alkalising Grapefruit Pot: Grapefruit, Pink Grapefruit

Lunch
Italian Salad with Cashew & Parsley Pesto Dressing: Italian Dry Rub, Cherry Tomato, Rocket, Chives, Cashews, Halloumi, Artichoke, Yellow Cherry Tomato, Red Chard, Olive Oil, Garlic, Parsley

PM Snack
Lemon, Cinnamon, Chilli & Ginger Juice: Cinnamon, Chilli, Ginger, Lemon Juice, Apple Juice

Dinner
Chargrilled Mediterranean Vegetables with Tahini Dressing: Red Onion, Yellow Peppers, Red Peppers, Courgettes, Aubergine, Cherry Tomato, Sunblush Tomatoes, Artichoke, Rocket, Pine Nuts, Parsley, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Lemon Zest, Chervil, Tahini, Sesame Seed Oil, White Wine Vinegar, Garlic


And here be a day long meaty menu from my maintenance plan:


Breakfast
Herbed Mediterranean Frittata: Vegetable Oil, Tarragon, Tomato Ketchup, Shallot, Chives, Egg, Red Onion, Parsley, Basil, Cherry Tomato, Black Olive

AM Snack
Vitality Smoothie: Pineapple, Banana, Coconut

Lunch
Za'atar Chicken with Cranberry Tabbouleh: Paprika, Cumin, Chicken Fillet, Sumac, Oregano, Thyme, Chickpeas, Bulgar Wheat, Lemon Zest, Edamame, Dried Cranberries, Red Onion, Butternut Squash, Cherry Tomato, Cucumber, Mint, Parsley, Cinnamon, Hummus, Harissa Paste

PM Snack
Chilli & Rosemary Spiced Nuts & Seeds: Rosemary, Peanut, Cashews, Pecan, Brazil Nuts, Chilli Powder, Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds

Dinner
BBQ Beef Tortilla: Beef, BBQ Rub, Garlic, Fajita Seasoning, Tomatoes, Basil, Onion, Red Peppers, Red Onion, Tortilla Wholemeal, Cheddar Cheese, Chilli, Coriander


As mournful as I felt finishing off my last morsel of Soulmate Food, at the end of the fortnight my energy levels were higher, my skin looked clearer and I was basking in the smug satisfaction one only gets from a massively productive week at work.

Me looking smug after an angelic fortnight of fine foods

My verdict: If you're too busy/lazy/fabulous to cook health-enhancing, taste bud-tantalising food, I advise you put down the generic pies and give this God-send of a foodie company a call....or a sneaky browse when your boss isn't looking. 


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