After compiling this week’s Takeaway Challenge cover feature, the Time Out Abu Dhabi office was a very sorry sight. Bloated and cranky, we swore we’d never dial up for another meal ever again, with grease-stained menus and leaflets responsibly fed into the nearest shredder. As it turns out, though, you can enjoy the convenience of having your meals dropped at your door without tempting cardiac arrest. Designed for those whose schedules don’t allow time for chopping up carrot sticks and blending super-fruit smoothies, we’ve scouted out four services that claim to be able to undo your fast food sins in no time.
Health Factory
How it works: First up, select your meal plan. With a database of more than 2,000 dishes, this could take some time, so best to plump for one of their pre-assembled menus, which are specifically structured to meet common dietary goals. ‘Miracle’, for example, is designed for those who don’t have time for exercise, pairing low-calorie meals with foods that boost your metabolism, while there are also packages for expecting mums and the uber-nutritional ‘Superheroes’ lunchboxes for kids. Deliveries then arrive every morning (except Friday), with evening meals requiring heating.
Cost: Dhs1,400-Dhs3,980 per month
www.ediet.ae.
Bite Rite
How it works: After a full nutritional assessment that takes into account your BMI and level of physical activity, you’re prescribed a calorie-controlled programme of daily meals and snacks, with the most popular dishes including grilled meats and low-fat curries. Uniquely, they’ll deliver each meal separately at your beck and call, meaning those with busy lifestyles needn’t worry about heating up their grub or being in a certain place at a certain time to receive their package. For an additional charge, Bite Rite also offers cooking classes that show you how to prepare sensible meals, so you can maintain some healthy momentum after your plan has finished.
Cost: Dhs2,500 per month
www.biterite.ae (02 644 6461).
Slim’n Lite
How it works: Following a meeting with a dietician, you select a month’s worth of breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks, which are then delivered to you every evening (except Fridays). Dinners – which can include everything from steamed fish dishes to burgers with low-fat fries, depending on your goals – are eaten hot, while breakfast and lunch go in the fridge for the next day. Dessert is very much part of the Slim’n Lite ethos, too, with chocolate mud pie and brownies among the popular choices. Got a tricky allergy? Let the dietician know before you kick off and they’ll tailor your plan to suit.
Cost: Dhs2,000 per month
www.slimandlite.com (02 222 2677).
D-Club
How it works: Together with a dietician, customers build up a month-long meal plan, choosing light, healthy meals that suit the individual’s nutritional needs. Meals can then be delivered to either your home or your office, with five, six and seven-day plans available to choose from. Unlike other health plans, however, D-Club also includes a mid-month dietary assessment, which should not only deter you from snaffling mid-meal Toblerones, but also make sure the meals you’re eating are doing the job. Want to try before you buy? They also provide healthy lunchboxes at Dhs45-Dhs70 per pop, or you can drop into their café (opposite the Tourist Club City Terminal) to sample the wares with no obligation to sign up.
Cost: Dhs2,200-Dhs2,800 per month
www.thedclub.com (02 644 6461).
