the fresh 20

During book club last week, my friend, Paige, told me about the fresh 20. You can choose between classic, gluten free, and vegan/vegetarian meal plans. I chose vegan/vegetarian, and I was provided with five recipes for the week, a shopping list {of about 20 items} organized by the layout of the store, and a prep to-do list. I've noticed several benefits:

1. This saves me tons of time! I used to spend over an hour each week planning meals and making my list.

2. I don't waste anything. All produce you buy is accounted for in the recipes. For example, I bought a bunch of six green onions. Usually, I use about two of those onions, but I used them all this week.

3. I'm trying meals I never would have made before. Carrot soup. I would never have made carrot soup. I just wouldn't have thought of it.

4. Some of the vegetarian meal plans call for eggs, cheese, milk, honey, grapeseed oil, etc. We don't eat these things, but I've been able to substitute most of the items easily to make them vegan {and cheaper}. There was only one recipe out of 15 I couldn't make work, because it was a frittata. I suppose you could make that vegan, but I don't love tofu enough, especially when it's made to resemble eggs. Gag. Also, we use olive oil or vegetable broth in place of grapeseed oil. From my research, grapeseed oil isn't a very healthy fat.

5. All of the produce suggested is seasonal.

6. My grocery bill is within budget.

7. The cost of the service comes to $5 a month - $15 for three months. That's about the cost of a new cookbook, and this does more work for me. Sold.

8. Leftovers for lunch.

9. Variety. The recipes really don't repeat, which is awesome, because I like variety.

10. Meal time is quicker, because I prep everything on the weekend. It took me about an hour to prep for the rest of the week, but week night meals are really quick.

The post was not sponsored. Haha, like the fresh 20 know who I am. I mean, I have a username and they have my PayPal info, but I don't receive anything free. Not that I would mind...I just love their service and thought I'd share.