As someone who eats breakfast upon waking, brown-bags it five days a week, cooks dinner just about every night, and enjoys meals that are light and fresh but still filling, I was over the moon to learn about Fit Eats.

With the tagline “It’s Fresh. It’s Fit. It’s Easy” the company allows customers to pick up pre-made meals—cooked using high-quality, locally grown and zero-processed ingredients, sans GMOs—at their brick-and-mortars in both Roseville and Sacramento and, for those extra pinched for time, offers doorstep delivery. 

Since I was the latter candidate a few weeks ago (being a magazine editor means serious deadlines, folks—not to mention my zest for cooking had been put on the backburner as of late), I decided to give the delivery option a try.

Shrimp Diablo

After quickly registering then reading over the website’s FAQ, I got to perusing (or more like drooling) over the menu, which is grouped into “breakfast, lunch and dinner” options (think Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bowls, and Shrimp Diablo served over brown rice spaghetti); sides, sweets (why yes, I will try a dark chocolate Peanut Butter Cup!) and meats (by the pound); along with cold-pressed juices from local fav Liquidology. Although certain selections are a mainstay, they also add new items every Thursday at 10 a.m.—resulting in a menu that’s big and varied enough to satisfy all palates and dietary needs.

Since my experience was for one full day’s worth of meals, it was quite the struggle trying to pick between items like Blueberry Protein Pancakes, a Bacon-Egg-Spinach Panini or Thai Scramble (and that was just breakfast!). Luckily, the ingredients—all simple, straightforward and easy-to-pronounce— nutrition facts and dietary categories (i.e. gluten-free, vegetarian, paleo, dairy-free, etc.) are listed alongside each offering, so I was finally able to click my picks and order away. As long as you hit “submit” by 10 a.m. the day before you want delivery (delivery days include Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), you’re set to jet. 

Upon wakening, a reusable bag—jam-packed with B, L and D for the entire day and ice packs—was patiently waiting for me. Not only was the convenience of not having to prep and plan out my meals nice, but so was stepping out of my recipe rut (is it just me or do you tend to make the same things every week?).

First up, Banana Nut Protein Bread, served with a side of spinach-caramelized onion-scrambled eggs (1:3 egg-to-egg white ratio). With a quick nook in the microwave, my morning meal was ready. The house-made, gluten-free bread wasn’t only moist but tasted of actual bananas and was studded with plenty of baked-in walnuts, giving it a nice, nutty texture. The accompanying eggs were tasty, too, although I did add a small squirt of ketchup and hot sauce to wake up my taste buds a bit (c’mon, it was 6 a.m., they were tired). 

Overall score (out of 10): 8.5; cost: $7.99 (regular), $9.99 (large)

Fit Tacos (Chicken, Steak or Tofu)

For lunch, I ventured south of the border with the Fit Chicken Tacos (vegetarians can opt for a tofu filling, and those hankering for red meat can select steak). Seasoned with Mexican spices, the chicken was lean, juicy and flavorful, while the corn tortillas served as the perfect plate-to-mouth vessel. I appreciated how the pico de gallo and cheddar cheese was served on the side—preventing sogginess—and could’ve eaten a pound of the bean salad (kidney beans, onions, bell peppers, cilantro lime dressing). While some sour cream, chips and guac would’ve been nice, this is “Fit Eats,” and I definitely returned to my desk feeling satiated but not grossly stuffed. 

Overall score (out of 10): 9; cost: $8.99 (regular), $10.99 (large)

Dinner called for no dishes and Turkey Meatloaf that was so good, I almost shed a tiny tear when the last forkful hit my lips. Tender and jam-packed with plenty of savory goodness, sweetness (thanks to a ketchup-brown sugar glaze) and veggies secretly tucked in (carrots and celery), this version took everything I remembered (and disliked) about Gram’s bland recipe and made me a meatloaf lover once again. The sides of cauliflower-red potato mash and snappy green beans made the meal colorful and complete. 

Overall score (out of 10): 10; cost: $9.49 (regular), $11.49 (large)   

FINAL THOUGHTS: If you dislike cooking or don’t know how to cook but want the health benefits of eating home-cooked meals, are hoping to lose (or maintain) weight, need help with portion control (and trust me, most of us eat way more than recommended!), are looking to incorporate or try new foods (why buy a whole block of tofu if you have no clue how to cook it, or if you’ll even like it?) or simply need a break from slaving in the kitchen, Fit Eats would be a perfect fit. Try it today, and thank me tomorrow…

For more info, visit Fit Eats.