Keto X Factor: Does It Work?

The keto diet has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. It involves consuming a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet that aims to put your body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where it uses fat for energy instead of glucose. This can lead to weight loss and improved overall health. However, following the keto diet can be challenging, especially when it comes to meal planning and preparation. This is where meal delivery services like Factor come in. Factor offers a keto meal plan that provides pre-made, keto-friendly meals designed to make following the keto diet more convenient and easier to stick to. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Factor's keto meal plan, including pricing, personal experiences, and how it compares to other keto meal delivery services.

How does Factor work?

Factor is a pre-made meal delivery service designed to be easy and convenient for customers to follow specific diets. The company offers a few different diet plans, such as Protein Plus and Vegan & Veggie, but the main diet that most of their meals fall into is keto.

Once you sign up for the service, you will receive pre-made meals that are designed by their in-house dieticians and prepared by their chefs. Factor's meals are primarily made with whole foods, lean proteins, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense ingredients. In addition to their meals, Factor also offers a marketplace where you can purchase keto-friendly add-ons like snacks, juices, pre-cooked meats, and even desserts.

Factor operates on a subscription-based model, which means that you will receive meals on a weekly basis. The number of meals you receive will depend on how you initially set up your plan, but you can always make changes to your plan later on.

You have the ability to choose your meals up until Wednesday at 11:59 PM CST each week. After that, the menu for that week “locks,” and if you haven’t chosen your meals, Factor will do so for you based on your plan preferences and any previous meals you’ve purchased.

Regardless of the plan you choose, you can cancel your subscription at any time.

Factor offers a straightforward and user-friendly ordering system. While you’ll need to create an account to receive meals, you can browse the menu beforehand to get an idea of what’s on offer. They also have a free mobile app, which is handy when you’re on the go.

To begin your subscription, click the “Get Started” button in the middle of the website’s homepage. This will direct you to a page where you can “create your first box.” You’ll then pick your meal preferences from either Keto, Calorie Smart, Vegan & Veggie, Protein Plus, or Chef’s Choice, which will help Factor prioritize the meals you’d like to receive each week.

From there, you’ll choose the number of meals you’d like to receive each week. The more meals you order, the cheaper each one will be. Once you’ve made your selections, click the “select this plan” button at the bottom of the screen. Over the next few pages, you’ll enter your email address, create a password, and enter your delivery address and any special instructions for the courier. Finally, you’ll submit your payment information and be guided to the menu to choose your meals.

One nice feature of Factor is that, while you can’t “pause” your subscription, you can skip a week whenever you need to. You can even skip multiple weeks in a row if you’re going out of town or need to save money.

Factor’s menu changes weekly, so while you may not see your favorite meals in the lineup each time, you’ll still have plenty of ready-to-heat options to choose from. Overall, the menu leans protein-heavy, with plenty of chicken, beef, pork, and seafood. That said, you’ll also find pasta, potatoes, and rice dishes if you’re looking for a carb fix.

Factor’s meals are sorted into several categories, and each dish is tagged according to its dietary preference. Each week, you’ll find roughly 16 keto, three vegan, two vegetarian, 15 “calorie smart,” and 28 “protein plus” dishes.

Since all of Factor’s meals come fully prepared, no prep work or cooking is involved. Slip the plastic tray out of its cardboard sleeve, puncture the film cover a few times, and place it in the microwave to reheat. You can also heat the meals in a conventional oven, although this will prolong the cooking time.

Meals are said to cook in only two minutes in the microwave, but depending on the dish and the power of your microwave, you may need to add an extra 15- or 30-second burst to warm any spots that haven’t heated through.

Each week, your Factor meals will arrive in a sturdy, recyclable cardboard box with ice packs and insulation sheets to keep them cool during shipping. The ice packs are composed of a nonrecyclable plastic bag filled with a non-toxic gel that can be disposed of in the trash. You can also save the ice packs in your freezer to reuse later. While the insulation sheets in my box were not recyclable, they were made of 100% recycled material.

Is Factor keto-friendly?

Factor is a meal delivery service that offers a variety of diet plans, including keto. The keto diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet that aims to put the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where it uses fat for energy instead of glucose.

Factor's keto meals are designed by in-house dietitians and prepared by chefs. The meals primarily consist of whole foods, lean proteins, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense ingredients. An analysis of an average day's worth of meals from Factor's keto plan shows that the macronutrient ratio falls within the standard range for a ketogenic diet, confirming that the meals are indeed keto-friendly.

In addition to the meals, Factor offers a marketplace with keto-friendly add-ons like snacks, juices, pre-cooked meats, and desserts. The service operates on a subscription model, with the cost per meal decreasing as the number of meals per week increases.

Overall, Factor's keto plan offers a convenient way to follow the keto diet, with tasty and varied meals that make it easier to stick to the restrictive keto macros. However, it's important to note that breakfasts are an add-on, and some meals may have low-calorie counts, requiring additional snacks or meals to meet daily calorie needs.

Factor's keto plan and weight loss

Factors Keto Plan and Weight Loss

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been used for centuries to treat specific medical conditions. The premise of the keto diet for weight loss is that depriving the body of glucose – its main source of energy – will lead to the production of an alternative fuel called ketones from stored fat. This metabolic state is called ketosis.

The keto diet has gained popularity as a potential weight-loss strategy, and there is research to suggest it is effective. One review of 13 studies found that the keto diet led to a slightly greater reduction in weight, triglycerides, and blood pressure when compared to a low-fat diet. Another study of 34 older adults found that those on the keto diet lost nearly five times as much total body fat as those on a low-fat diet.

The keto diet can also be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes, as it can help to lose excess fat and improve blood sugar management. It has also been tested and used in closely monitored settings for cancer, epilepsy, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease.

However, the keto diet is not without its drawbacks. It can be challenging to stick to, and some people may experience negative side effects like the "keto flu," which includes symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and brain fog. It may also not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, and it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet.

Additionally, the keto diet can be restrictive and challenging to maintain. It involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This means cutting out foods like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, sweets, and most fruits. It also requires careful planning to ensure adequate nutrition, as whole food groups are excluded.

Despite these challenges, the keto diet can be an effective tool for weight loss and improving health. It is important to note that the exact ratio of fat, protein, and carbohydrates needed to achieve health benefits will vary among individuals, and it is recommended to consult with a physician and dietitian when starting the keto diet.

A Personal Experience with Factor's Keto Plan

One individual shared their experience with Factor's keto meal plan, a pre-made meal delivery service. They found the meals to be impressive in variety and taste, with most dishes well-seasoned and flavorful. The portion sizes were decent, and the high-fat content helped them feel full throughout the day.

Factor's keto plan made it easier for them to stick to their keto diet, as the meals were already pre-portioned and calculated to fit within the restrictive keto macros. The convenience of the pre-made meals was a game-changer, especially when combined with the high-fat content, which helped keep them feeling full.

They also noted that Factor has a wide range of keto-friendly add-ons, including snacks, shakes, desserts, and more. However, they mentioned that breakfasts are an add-on, and the cost of the plan can be a consideration. Overall, they found Factor's keto plan to be a convenient and delicious way to stick to the keto diet.

Factor's keto meals pricing

The pricing of Factor's keto meals varies depending on the number of meals per week. The more meals you order per week, the lower the cost per meal. Here is a breakdown of the cost per meal for each plan:

6 meals per week: $13.49 per meal

8 meals per week: $12.99 per meal

10 meals per week: $12.49 per meal

12 meals per week: $11.99 per meal

14 meals per week: $11.49 per meal

18 meals per week: $10.99 per meal

The 18-meal plan offers the best value, with the lowest cost per meal. However, it is important to note that these prices do not include any add-ons, such as breakfast meals and snacks, which are available for an additional fee.

Factor also offers discounts and promotions on their add-ons from time to time. For example, they may offer a keto breakfast bundle with a discount of 15% off the original price.

While the cost of Factor's keto meals may be higher than some other options, the convenience and quality of the meals make it a worthwhile choice for those following a keto diet. The meals are freshly prepared, and you only need to heat them before eating, making it a convenient option for busy individuals or couples who want to eat healthily.

Pros and cons of Factor's keto meals

Factor's keto meals are designed to be easy and convenient for customers to follow. The meals are created by in-house dieticians and prepared by chefs. Factor's keto meals have received positive reviews, with customers reporting that they are tasty, fresh, and convenient. However, there are some pros and cons to consider before trying Factor's keto meal service.

Pros

• Convenience: Factor's keto meals are pre-made and require minimal preparation, making it easier to stick to the keto diet.
• Variety: Factor offers a wide range of keto-friendly meals, snacks, and add-ons, ensuring that customers don't get bored with their food options.
• Taste: Most of the dishes are well-seasoned and flavorful, making the diet more enjoyable and sustainable.
• Portion Size: The portion sizes are decent and filling, thanks to the high fat content of the meals.

Cons

• Customization: Factor's keto meals are not highly customizable, so it may not be suitable for those with food allergies or specific dietary needs.
• Breakfast: Breakfast meals are considered add-ons and incur an additional fee, which can be inconvenient and costly for those who want a full day's worth of keto meals.
• Calorie Counts: Some meals have low-calorie counts, so customers need to be mindful of their calorie intake and may need to order additional meals or snacks.
• Cost: Factor's keto meals are not the cheapest option available, and the cost of add-ons can add up quickly.

Frequently asked questions