I'm a pretty good cook. I eat well-balanced, basically healthy meals: one portion protein, two portions complex carbs. If I've a glass of wine . . . no dessert for me. But ever since the lockdown my life - and my diet - was kaput.

During a humiliating trip to the supermarket with the wilted veggies and endless lines, I was asked to leave after mistakenly walking the wrong way down the snacks & chips aisle. I realized that I couldn't even think straight. I needed to focus more on me and up my self-care. For me, that starts with eating better.

When I got back from the store, I noticed a big green HelloFresh box in the lobby. It was for Mauritia, my upstairs neighbor. This got me thinking. As I sat on the couch, munching on a bowl of dry cereal, I pulled up HelloFresh on my phone.

I liked what I saw. With more than 20 meals to choose from each week, it's easy to see why it's America's most popular meal kit subscription. Flexible meal plans provide variety and accommodate unforeseen circumstances. If you need to skip weeks, swap recipes, or even cancel, there's no hassle and no problem.

I was thrilled to see that meals start at a sooo-affordable $7.49. Totally within my budget! Signing up was easy-peasy. I quickly checked next week's recipes, selected a plan, clicked 2 servings of 3 recipes a week. That's 6 dinners for me. Leftovers every other night - perfect for lunch the next day.

4 days later, 8 AM: buzzz! A delivery guy dropped off my big green HelloFresh box - sealed securely - right in my lobby. Sweet.

In anticipation of the unboxing, I'd cleaned the fridge and tossed out condiments that expired last year. I'd reorganized the kitchen to make the cooking process flow more smoothly.

I opened the box and found 3 super-simple, step-by-step Recipe Cards. They come with nutritional information and fresh, high-quality ingredients for a wide range of cuisines. I couldn't wait to taste the Middle Eastern Creamy Dill Chicken w/ Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus. At only 460 calories per serving, I was lovin' it already.

HelloFresh'sinsulated box and ice packs keep the ingredients fresh, and all of the packaging is recyclable. The perfectly pre-portioned, non-GMO ingredients mean less prep for me and less food waste.

I mentioned that I'm a pretty good cook. But after following the 1st week's menu cards and preparing super fresh ingredients sourced from local farms, I had to change my opinion. HelloFresh has made me a great cook!

From cutting board to table in about 30 mins, the Dill Chicken was a dream. Wednesday night's Steak & Rice Pilaf w/ Tzatziki, Almonds & Smoky Roasted Veggies was simply scrumptious. And the Gettin' Figgy With It Chicken w / Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Mashed Potatoes is my absolute fave.

HelloFresh takes the guesswork out of meals because it handles my food shopping and meal-planning, then ships everything directly to my door - well, my lobby. But practically my door.

These days, in the early mornings I go for a run. Sometimes I pass the grocery store. But I don't go in. Because dinner with HelloFresh is always planned, simple, and simply delicious - exactly what I need to keep me centered.

Follow this link to get $80 off including free shipping on the first box!