With my busy schedule as an editor, finding time to cook nutritious meals has always been a huge challenge. Between deadlines and meetings, I have little room left for meal prep. So, I've been resorting to quick fixes that aren't exactly the healthiest choices.
Realizing I had to make a change, I challenged myself to a 30-day quest to meet more intelligent nutrition goals. But I had no idea where to start.
A while back I noticed a work colleague in the lunchroom eating a nutritious-looking lunch. “What are you eating? It’s gotta be delicious,” I said. Turns out it was Chicken Piccata with Roasted Zucchini. I asked what his secret was, how did he find the time to cook all that?
He told me he uses Tempo, a meal delivery service that sends chef-crafted, no-prep meals right to my door.
Although it sounded too good to be true — starting at only $10.98 per meal — it wasn’t that much of a risk to try Tempo for 30 days. If it’s as convenient and nutrient-rich as my colleague said, it could be the solution I’m looking for.
On the other hand, if I need to skip a week or adjust my plan, Tempo’s flexible subscription is easy like that. And I can opt out whenever I want.
So… Here are the highlights from my first 30 days with Tempo:
Week 1:
Starting my 30-day Tempo journey with Baked Chicken Marinara on Monday night was a revelation. It tasted amazing. All I had to do was cook it in the microwave for 3 minutes and let it cool for one — no mess, no stress.
For lunch on Tuesday, I indulged in the Creamy Tomato Penne — it’s a gourmet meal without the effort.
Wednesday night's Sweet Chili Pork Chop was not only satisfying but packed with protein, making it the perfect post-workout meal. I was starting to believe Tempo's protein-packed, balanced meals with 30+ grams of protein really may help me reach my new nutrition goals each week.
Week 2:
Monday's Red Wine Sauced Beef Steak proved to me that Tempo's recipes really are chef-designed. Restaurant-quality meals like this make managing a balanced diet truly effortless. After my hectic workdays, the effortless 3-minute cook time is a total game-changer.
For lunch on Wednesday, I tried the Buffalo-Style Cauliflower Bowl. I could taste how dedicated Tempo is to using real, high-quality ingredients. I can’t believe how fresh the veg tastes.
Dinner on Thursday featured the Roasted Garlic Beef Sirloin. I was never a big fan of butternut squash, but they go so well with sirloin. Who knew?
Week 3:
Starting my third week with Southwestern-Style Beef Steak on Monday — so rich and flavorful. What truly impresses me is how Tempo provides options for calorie-conscious and carb-conscious meals, but they never compromise on taste. How do they do that?!? This is the first diet I've stuck to this easily for this long — no calorie or macro counting needed!
For lunch on Thursday, the Cuban Black Bean Bowl was a burst of flavors. I love how versatile Tempo is. I’m trying tons of global cuisines I’ve never tasted before. I always look forward to sitting down to my Tempo meals — such a treat after a long, stressful workday.
Week 4:
Each week I can choose from 20+ mouth-watering, fresh, never frozen meals. I am never-ever bored. Their Spicy Sausage Grain Bowl is the comforting hug in a bowl I needed on Monday.
On Thursday, after a high-intensity gym session, I devoured the Apricot Glazed Chicken Breast. I love how Tempo's focus on balanced nutrition ensures that even my indulgences are guilt-free. And to cap it off, Friday’s Spicy Arrabiata Pasta was a delicious finale to my first month using Tempo. But it’s far from my last week with Tempo…
The Results
Tempo's nutrient-rich, no-prep meals blend perfectly with my busy lifestyle. What a terrific strategy to help me stay the course with my nutrition plans — and so sustainable. I savor every meal throughout the week. Plus, I look and feel better than I have in years. And I haven’t ordered takeout once!
Signing up for Tempo is such a weight off my shoulders. I’m definitely sticking with this service. Starting at only $10.98 per meal, I no longer worry about what I’m putting into my body. Tempo does all the hard work and I just heat and enjoy!
