A Healthy Meal at Home in 7 minutes : The New Option is Otago

It’s been a while since I wrote. Lots of things happening in my little life, and some have been difficult which kept me from writing. But here I am again to tell you about something I was able to experience. I think you’ll like it.

I’ve heard it many times before from new mamas, and it’s the number one thing that all mamas want after they have their new bundle of joy, aside from sleep.

Food!

Bring them food! Make them food! Deliver them food!

Because let’s face it, new moms are not ready to start cooking up a great healthy meal for themselves right after they have their baby. And maybe they were efficiently organized and created a few dishes and placed them in the freezer for after, but it doesn’t last long.

I ended up going on bedrest in the hospital with my twins and was stuck. I got the hospital food but I shudder to think what my husband was eating with our toddler every day for five weeks.

So when I heard about Otago Real Life Food I was very excited for all the friends of moms-to-be that now have a perfect gift to bring!

The concept is a simple one, but one that that not all food services are providing by any means. Otago combines healthy ingredients, free of preservatives and GMOs with the inspiration of Michelin-trained chef, Vaughan Chittock, to create delicious meals you can pick up or have delivered and enjoy at home in just seven minutes. That’s right, the HEAT dishes only require seven minutes in boiling water.

No fuss, no muss. Just good, healthy food.

How amazing is this?!

Aside from this being extremely exciting, here are some other things you will be happy to know:

  • The packaging is done in a “sous-vide” package meant to be boiled in water, and completely “food safe”.
  • The package is BPA, phthalate and plasticizer-free.
  • The packaging is recyclable!
  • The food can last up to 10 days in the fridge (please check expiration dates since these are freshly made foods with no preservatives) which is perfect for gifting a new mama.
  • Organic, locally sourced ingredients are used whenever possible.
  • The menu includes choices for people who are gluten-free, lactose-free, or who have low sodium or no sugar diets.
  • The foods are never frozen, making them extremely fresh (and soooo good).
  • There is even an EAT menu that requires no boiling of water (perfect for fresh dishes at the office or on the go).

I broadcasted my experience to show you all just how easy it is to prepare. All you need is a pot of boiling water, scissors and seven minutes. Have a look. My apologies for the many clips, Periscope was very glitchy that day!

Like I said in the video, being able to have a sweet romantic dinner with nothing to clean up and two completely different meals that both you and your husband will love is just genius! I will definitely be doing this again.

How Did it Taste?

I didn’t broadcast myself eating the food but here is what I thought.

I was pleasantly surprised by the salmon. It was prepared to perfection. It wasn’t dry or overdone in any way. If you saw the video, you know that was Papa MOE’s meal, but I took a few bites! He loved it, and he eats salmon often, so that says a lot. The carrots were also very good. There was a nice marinate to it that gave it a delicate flavor and they were noticeably fresh to the taste as well.

My chicken was also tender and not dry at all. I liked the quinoa mushroom medley side dish but when I do order my meal next time, I feel I would lean to the salmon and asparagus or even mashed potatoes, since I make a lot of poultry dishes at home. I really think it was a personal preference because everything was delicious.

Having a meal ready in seven minutes without any cleanup was a dream! I felt pampered and afterwards I felt satisfied. I truly can’t wait to gift this to new mamas. I think Otago Real Life Food is ideal for anyone who needs a helping hand, doesn’t cook much, or doesn’t have time to eat well. As well, the pricing for these meals is really good. If you consider what it would take in ingredients to make these meals, or worse if you consider alternative meals you would likely choose that are fast, like takeout or long shelf life items in the grocery store, this is worth it.

The website has been updated and you can see the full range of delicious meals. The menu is concise with 26 choices in total which includes mains, sides, breakfasts, lunches and dinners. There is something for everyone and everything is notably well thought out.

When searching the site, you have the option to find the closest drop off location in your area, or you can plug in your address for home delivery.

And if you sign up to be on the mailing list, you will receive 10% of your next order!

To learn more about Otago Real Life Food, visit them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or the website.

And if you’re not in Montreal, you’ll be happy to know that Otago Real Life Foods has launched in Toronto as well.

Let me know in the comments below what you think of Otago and if you are anxious to try it too!

Bon Appetit!

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