While it’s nice to know there are healthy options when going out, dining at sit-down restaurants just isn’t possible on many weekday nights. But between work and the kids, many St. Louisans have little time to cook healthy dishes. Enter premade meals, the latest trend in nutritious dining. Here are four options from local entrepreneurs, services that take calorie counting and cooking out of the equation.
FitFuel365
After opening two Stratton’s Café locations, Ben Stratton decided his next venture would take a health-based approach—in part because he was trying to lose weight himself. So he launched FitFuel365, a menu of healthy, refrigerated meals. The meals are both affordable ($7 to $14.65 for lunch and dinner, $4 to $8.90 for breakfast) and flexible (no sign-up required). Since opening a location in Clayton last January, he’s added a spot in Des Peres—a good kind of growth. 176 Carondelet Plaza, 314-287-9162; 11742 Manchester, 314-965-3835; fitfuel365.com.
Lean Feast
St. Louis fitness enthusiast Jayson Gifford launched his online meal-delivery service in 2012, providing meals that cater to a variety of diets: gluten-free, low-carb, and paleo-friendly. Options include dishes such as gingered pork and blackened beef tenderloin, with plans available on a weekly basis and in a 50-mile delivery radius. 314-882-4753, leanfeast.com.
Metabolic Meals
Former wrestler Jason Barbour’s meal-delivery service specializes in superfoods, like quinoa, free-range eggs, and grass-fed meat. The business is touted as “St. Louis’ first organic diet delivery company.” As for the dishes? Executive chef Mike Farrell and sous chef Jason Seidel, formerly of BC’s Kitchen, make items such as grass-fed sirloin and spicy broccoli, gluten-free pasta with wild-caught shrimp, and more. Clients—who have included pro athletes and executives—can choose from a five-day or seven-day plan, with weekly prices from $150 to $200-plus. 133 Matrix Commons, 636-296-6325, mymetabolicmeals.com.
Feed Your Vitality
After her own struggles with weight loss, personal chef Ashley Nanney established Feed Your Vitality, a food service that centers around fresh, healthy meals that use only anti-inflammatory ingredients and that also cater to a variety of diet programs. 812 N. Tucker, Ste. 412A, 314-910-3324, feedyourvitality.com.
