Keto Factor: Does It Really Work?

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat approach to weight loss that is widely popular but challenging to follow. Keto diet pills and supplements claim to help boost energy, burn fat and lose weight fast. However, there is little evidence to support these claims and health experts do not recommend them.

One way to make the keto diet more convenient is to use a keto meal delivery service like Factor 75. Factor 75 is a gourmet meal delivery service that delivers ready-made, chef-prepared, dietician-approved meals to your doorstep. The meals are delivered fresh and not frozen, and the service offers tons of options depending on dietary needs.

Factor 75's keto meals are designed to be high in healthy fats, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates. An average day of eating Factor 75's keto meals falls within the standard range for a ketogenic diet. The meals are also tasty and convenient, making it easier to stick to the keto diet.

However, Factor 75's meals are not very customizable and can be expensive. Some people may also find the portion sizes to be too small. Overall, Factor 75's keto meal delivery service is a convenient option for those looking to follow the keto diet, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

Keto meal delivery services: worth the cost?

The keto diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb diet. The goal is to enter a metabolic state called ketosis, where your body burns ketones from fat as its primary fuel source rather than glucose from carbs.

Sticking to this diet can be challenging, and that's where keto meal delivery services come in. They can save you time and energy, and help you stay on track with your dietary goals.

There are a variety of keto meal delivery services to choose from, and the cost per meal can range from $9 to $25. Some popular options include Factor, Green Chef, Trifecta, and HelloFresh.

So, are keto meal delivery services worth the cost? Here are some factors to consider:

Cost

As mentioned earlier, the cost per meal can vary depending on the service you choose. Generally, the more meals you order per week, the lower the cost per meal. For example, Factor's meals start at $15 per meal for four meals per week, but the price drops to $11 per meal if you order 18 meals per week.

It's important to note that the cost of the service may not include shipping, so be sure to factor that into your decision. Additionally, some services may charge extra for add-ons or premium options.

Convenience

One of the biggest benefits of keto meal delivery services is the convenience they offer. These services can save you time on meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking. This can be especially valuable if you have a busy schedule or simply don't enjoy cooking.

Variety

When considering a keto meal delivery service, it's essential to look at the variety of meals they offer. You'll want to make sure that the service provides a good mix of cuisines and flavours so that you don't get bored with your meal options.

Some services, like Green Chef, offer a rotating menu with a variety of keto-friendly options to choose from each week. Others, like Factor, offer a mix of classic comfort foods and more adventurous recipes.

Quality

The quality of the meals is, of course, an important consideration. You'll want to look for services that use fresh, high-quality ingredients and have positive reviews for taste and texture.

Some services, like Factor and Green Chef, offer meals that are fully prepared and ready to heat and eat, while others, like HelloFresh, provide meal kits that require some preparation and cooking.

Dietary Restrictions

If you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to choose a service that can accommodate your needs. For example, Factor offers meals that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and suitable for other dietary requirements.

However, it's important to note that there may still be a risk of cross-contamination, so if you have a severe allergy, you may want to consider preparing your own meals to reduce the risk.

Sustainability

If sustainability is important to you, look for services that use recyclable or compostable packaging. For example, Factor and Pete's Real Food are known for their eco-friendly packaging.

Keto meal delivery services can be a valuable tool for those following a keto diet. They can save you time and energy, provide variety and convenience, and help you stick to your dietary goals.

When deciding if these services are worth the cost, consider your budget, how much time you have to cook, and your specific dietary needs. Remember to read reviews and compare the features and benefits of different services before making your decision.

Keto diet pros and cons

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that was originally developed to help manage epilepsy. It has since become a popular weight-loss strategy, with many people reporting successful weight loss and reduced hunger while in ketosis. However, there are several pros and cons to the keto diet that are worth considering.

Pros:

• Weight loss: The keto diet can be an effective choice for weight loss, especially for people with a significant amount of excess body weight. This is because cutting carbs leads to a rapid drop in water weight, which is motivating for many people.
• Appetite suppression: Research suggests that certain types of ketones released during ketosis may play a role in reducing hunger, making it easier to stick to a calorie-controlled diet.
• Blood sugar management: The keto diet may help stabilise blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Potential cancer treatment: Some small studies have shown that the keto diet may 'starve' cancer cells of energy, potentially weakening them and making them more susceptible to chemotherapy and radiation.
• Heart health: There is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of the keto diet on heart health. Some experts claim that it could be good for heart health, while others argue that the high saturated fat content may increase the risk of heart disease.

Cons:

• Nutrient deficiencies: The keto diet restricts fruits and vegetables, which are the primary sources of essential vitamins and minerals. This can lead to deficiencies in vitamins A, E, and B6, as well as folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
• Digestive issues: The low-carb nature of the keto diet can lead to constipation and slow digestion. Additionally, consuming high amounts of fat can cause gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea, cramping, bloating, and stomach upset.
• Hard to stick to: The keto diet is very restrictive, and many people find it challenging to stick to long-term. It can be difficult to find keto-friendly options when eating out or socialising, and the strict nature of the diet may lead to obsessive or disordered eating.
• Health risks: Long-term health risks associated with the keto diet include kidney stones, osteoporosis, and liver disease. It is also not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as diseases of the pancreas, liver, thyroid, kidney, or gallbladder.

In conclusion, while the keto diet may lead to successful weight loss and have potential benefits for blood sugar control and cancer treatment, there are several drawbacks and health risks to consider. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting the keto diet, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

Keto meal prep vs. delivery services

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb diet. Most people following keto limit their carb intake to no more than 25 grams of net carbs per day. The goal is to enter a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body burns ketones from fat as its primary fuel source instead of glucose from carbs.

Sticking to keto can be challenging, but meal delivery services can make it easier. These services offer a range of options, from fully prepared meals to meal kits that require some cooking.

Keto Meal Prep

Keto meal prep involves preparing and cooking your own keto-friendly meals at home. This option gives you complete control over the ingredients and macros in your meals. It can also be more cost-effective than delivery services, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk. However, meal prep can be time-consuming, and it may be difficult to find a variety of keto-friendly recipes to keep things interesting.

Keto Meal Delivery Services

Keto meal delivery services provide a convenient way to stick to the keto diet. These services offer a range of options, from fully prepared meals that just need to be reheated to meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes.

• Factor: Factor offers fully prepared meals, including keto-friendly options. The meals are delivered fresh, not frozen, and can be heated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Factor provides a variety of meal plans, including keto, vegan/veggie, protein+, and calorie-smart. The cost per meal ranges from $11 to $15, depending on the number of meals ordered.
• Green Chef: Green Chef is a meal kit service with a dedicated keto-friendly menu. They offer 8-10 easy-to-prepare keto entrees to choose from each week, and most ingredients are organic. Green Chef is family-friendly and gives the option to receive keto meal kits that feed 2, 4, or 6 adults. The price per serving is $11.99 to $13.49.
• Trifecta Nutrition: Trifecta offers prepared meals designed for various health and nutrition goals, including keto. Their keto-friendly meals contain no more than 10 grams of net carbs per meal, and they recommend heating the meals on a stovetop for the best texture. The price per serving ranges from $13.79 to $15.85.
• HelloFresh: HelloFresh doesn't have a dedicated keto menu, but it's easy to adapt many of their meals to fit a keto lifestyle. You can remove carb sources or replace them with keto-friendly alternatives like cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles. HelloFresh is also inexpensive compared to other services, making it a good option for families with mixed dietary needs.
• The Good Kitchen: The Good Kitchen offers fully prepared meals made by local chefs, with a rotating menu that usually includes at least 5 keto-friendly options each week. You can order 4-12 fresh meals per delivery and filter the menu to find options that fit your specific needs. The price per serving ranges from $12.99 to $21.99.
• Pete's Real Food: Pete's Real Food offers fully prepared keto meals without a subscription requirement. You can mix and match keto-friendly meals from their seasonal menu and add optional add-ons. The meals are delivered fresh and require no cooking, just reheating. The price per serving is $13.95 to $22.99.
• Provenance Meals: Provenance Meals is a New York City-based service offering fresh, ready-to-eat meals with a rotating menu. They have a keto-friendly menu, with most meals containing less than 15 grams of net carbs. Meals are designed to be reheated in the microwave and typically take 90-120 seconds. The price per serving is $13.95 to $22.99.

Both keto meal prep and delivery services have their advantages and disadvantages. Meal prep gives you more control and can be more cost-effective, but it's time-consuming. Delivery services offer convenience and variety but may be more expensive. Ultimately, the best option depends on your personal preferences, budget, and how much time you want to spend in the kitchen.

Keto diet pills: do they work?

Keto diet pills claim to help you sustain ketosis and lose weight. But do they really work?

Keto supplements typically contain two active ingredients:

• Ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a compound that the liver produces from fats.
• Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat found in coconut and palm oil that can be used as a source of energy for the body in ketosis.

There is some evidence that keto pills can help you achieve ketosis faster. A small 2021 study found that people with obesity who followed a low-calorie ketogenic diet and took 24 grams of a BHB salt supplement per day for six weeks experienced enhanced ketosis. However, having higher levels of ketones in the blood didn't seem to boost weight loss when compared to a keto diet without the supplement.

Another 2017 study found that taking a BHB supplement lowered blood levels of unhealthy triglycerides and fatty acids. However, the study only looked at the effects of a single day, so it's unclear if taking a keto supplement for longer would offer any health benefits.

Additionally, while some animal research suggests that keto supplements can help burn body fat, there is currently no evidence that people who take keto pills alone lose weight.

Warnings and Recommendations

It's important to note that dietary supplements, including keto pills, are not approved or regulated by the FDA. There is a chance that what's listed on the label may not be what's in the bottle, and there may even be harmful contaminants. If you decide to purchase keto supplements, look for products that have been tested and certified by third-party organizations.

Experts do not recommend keto pills or any diet pills, for that matter. Very restrictive diets like keto are hard to follow and not sustainable. Most of the weight lost at the beginning of a keto diet is water weight, not fat.

Alternatives to Keto Pills

If you're considering the keto diet, it's important to ask yourself if it's really worth it. Instead of taking keto pills, some alternatives to help you achieve ketosis include:

• Following a keto diet without the supplement
• Fasting for at least 24 hours to get into ketosis faster
• Consuming wholesome, well-rounded, healthy meals made with real food

Keto meal delivery service reviews

Factor

Factor is a popular keto meal delivery service that offers freshly cooked meals to your doorstep every week. The meals are ready-to-eat and only require reheating. Factor's keto meals are designed to be low in carbohydrates and calories to aid in weight loss. The meals are also GMO-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and refined-sugar-free. The service offers a wide variety of menu options, including Herb-Crusted Chicken with Mashed Cauliflower & Toasted Almond Green Beans and Cheesy Bacon Ranch Shredded Chicken with Portobellos & Garlic Broccoli. Factor's keto meals have received positive reviews for their taste and convenience. The service is also praised for its sustainability efforts, with recyclable and compostable packaging. The cost of Factor's keto plan starts at $11 per serving, with the option to choose between 6 and 18 meals per week.

Green Chef

Green Chef is a keto meal kit delivery service that provides pre-portioned ingredients to cook your meals. The recipes are high in protein and contain less than 20 grams of net carbs per serving. The ingredients are organic, gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, and legume-free. The service offers a rotating menu with 10 new keto recipes each week, such as One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Soup and Coconut Shrimp Soup. Green Chef's keto plan starts at $12 per serving, with the option to choose between 3 or 4 meals per week for 2, 4, or 6 people.

Fresh N Lean

Fresh N Lean is a keto meal delivery service that offers fully prepared meals that are vacuum-sealed to retain freshness and flavour. The meals are either warmed on a stovetop or microwaved. Fresh N Lean's keto offerings are low in net carbs, with most meals containing around 8-10 grams. They also provide around 30 grams of protein and fat per meal and have a calorie count of 400-500. The service offers a rotating menu with 13 keto meal options per week, including Mediterranean Salmon and Chicken Parmesan. Fresh N Lean's keto plan starts at $10 per serving, with the option to choose between 1, 2, or 3 meals per day, 5 or 7 days a week.

Pete's Real Food

Pete's Real Food is a paleo and keto meal delivery service that offers freshly cooked meals delivered weekly. The meals are then frozen for easy reheating at home. The service offers a rotating menu with 9 keto meal options per week, including Butter Chicken and Cilantro Cauliflower Rice, and Brats Over Seasoned Cabbage with Mustard Sauce. Pete's Real Food's keto meals are portioned at 11.5 ounces and cost $14 per serving, with a minimum order of 5 meals per week.

Trifecta

Trifecta is a keto meal delivery service that caters to athletes and offers fully prepared meals. The meals are developed by a team of dietitians, chefs, and doctors and are made with organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and locally sourced ingredients. Trifecta's keto meals contain 10 grams or less of net carbohydrates, with an average total carb count of 12.5 grams and 2.5 grams of dietary fiber. The service offers a rotating menu with 10-14 new recipes each week, including Beanless Chili Con Carne and Grilled Salmon with Pesto. Trifecta's keto plan starts at $105 per delivery, with the option to choose between 5 and 14 entrees per week and the option to add 7 breakfasts.

Snap Kitchen

Snap Kitchen is a keto meal delivery service that offers freshly prepared meals by chefs. The meals are designed by registered dietitians and are free from preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and hormones. The service offers a rotating menu with 4 keto meal options per week, including Herb-Roasted Chicken, Braised Salmon, and keto-friendly burgers. Snap Kitchen's keto plan starts at $11 per serving, with the option to choose between 6 or 12 meals per week.

Frequently asked questions