Eating well without cooking? Here are 15 effective solutions
Who says you have to spend hours behind the stove to eat well? Between work, the gym and going out with friends, cooking can quickly become a chore. But there are simple, quick and tasty ways to enjoy a meal without having to break out the saucepan.
Who says you have to spend hours behind the stove to eat well?
Between work, the gym and going out with friends, cooking can quickly become a chore.
But there are simple, quick and tasty ways to enjoy a meal without having to break out the saucepan.
Whether you're a microwave pro or a take-out enthusiast, this guide will give you 15 practical ideas for eating well without cooking. Ready to revolutionize your meals?
1. Ready-to-cook meal boxes
Want to eat like a chef without lifting a finger? Meal boxes like La Boîte du Chef deliver gourmet dishes already prepared, to be reheated in just a few minutes.
It's the perfect solution for those who want to impress without breaking a sweat.
What's more, 80% of users claim to save more than 5 hours a week thanks to this service. No more excuses, just more fun!
2. Fresh meal services to assemble
For those who like to eat healthy without breaking the bank, Fresh Prep offers fresh ingredients, already cut and portioned.
Simply assemble, cook quickly and enjoy. According to one study, this type of service reduces food waste by 30%.
Practical, eco-friendly and delicious, it's the winning combo for guys in a hurry.
3. DIY meal kits
Don't feel like shopping? HelloFresh delivers everything you need to prepare a variety of dishes, without the headache.
The recipes are simple, quick and suitable for all levels. 90% of subscribers say they discover new dishes every week.
It's the perfect way to get away from routine and eat a balanced diet effortlessly.
4. Premium frozen meals
Forget bland frozen dishes! The new premium ranges offer recipes worthy of a restaurant, ready in 10 minutes.
According to Nielsen, the market for premium frozen foods is set to grow by 18% by 2023.
It's the ideal solution for an express meal without compromising on taste.
5. Online delicatessens
Ordering ready-made meals from an online delicatessen means treating yourself to quality without lifting a finger.
Many Canadians businesses offer a variety of home-delivered menus. By 2022, 40% of urban men had tried this service at least once.
It's a practical way to vary pleasures without cooking.
6. Take-out restaurants
Take-out is the basis! Today's restaurants offer healthy, balanced take-out options. According to Statista, 54% order take-out every week.
It's the ideal way to eat a variety of foods without having to go to the kitchen, especially after a long day.
7. Meal delivery apps
Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes... These apps deliver your favorite meal in under 30 minutes. In 2023, the meal delivery market generated over $2 billion in Canada alone.
One click, and you're eating hot, with no dishes to wash. A dream come true, right?
8. Salad bars and poke bowls
Looking for something fresh? Salad bars and poke bowls are a dime a dozen. You choose your ingredients, and it's ready in 5 minutes.
According to a survey, 35% of men aged 18-35 opt for this type of meal at least once a week. Fast, healthy and infinitely customizable.
9. Ready-to-eat meals in grocery stores
Supermarkets now offer a variety of ready-to-eat meals: roast chicken, sushi, vegan dishes... 72% of Canadians buy these meals at least once a month.
It's the express solution for eating a balanced diet without cooking, even when you come home late from work.
10. New-generation vending machines
Vending machines are no longer limited to potato chips! Some offer fresh dishes, salads, wraps or bowls of pasta.
Almost 15% of urban workers use these machines for their lunch. Convenient for eating fast and well, even at the office or gym.
11. Local caterers
When you use a local caterer, you support the local economy and enjoy a delicious meal at the same time. Many offer weekly home-delivered menus.
According to the Association des traiteurs du Québec, demand is expected to grow by 22% in 2023. Ideal for varying pleasures without cooking.
12. Takeaway brunches and breakfasts
No time to prepare your Sunday brunch?
Many cafés offer takeaway options: bagels, smoothies, protein bowls... 28% of men prefer to buy their breakfast ready-made. Perfect for a stress-free start to the day.
13. Healthy lunch subscriptions
Some services offer subscriptions to receive balanced, ready-to-eat lunches every week.
According to an Ipsos study, 19% of working men use this type of service to save time and eat better.
Practical for never running out of lunchtime ideas.
14. Dishes to share with roommates or friends
Ordering a large dish to share is convivial and economical. Pizza, sushi, Indian dishes... there's no shortage of options.
47% of men in shared flats prefer this format for game nights or evenings out with friends. Less dishes, more fun!
15. Hybrid solutions: cooking just a little bit
For those who want to stay on top of things without spending all evening at it, hybrid solutions are ideal: assemble a salad, reheat a dish, add a personal touch.
According to Statistics Canada, 36% of men prefer this compromise. The result: a quick, no-fuss, home-cooked meal.