Growing up in a big family, we only had the luxury of ordering takeout once a month. So, I was used to home-cooked meals and savored eating a variety of fresh dishes night after night. But then I moved away from my family into the city, and cooking every day was simply out of the question.

I tried to make my own dishes but work constantly got in the way. I barely had time to do my laundry, let alone cook. So, I’d order take away far more than necessary. I needed a solution. Lucky for me, my colleagues kept recommending HelloFresh.

I was unsure about trying a meal kit. Would it be too much hassle to cook from scratch? Would the meals pile up in my fridge because I didn’t have time to prepare them? My colleagues insisted the plans are flexible and that I can pause or opt out if I wanted. So I figured I might as well give it a try.

I took their advice and signed up immediately. I had no idea that home cooking could be done without spending hours in my kitchen.

To discover why HelloFreshis the unexpected essential you need to give you back more time — keep reading.

My first box arrived — at my doorstep, thank you HelloFresh! — and I was so happy. The ingredients arrived pre-portioned and individually packed for each recipe I’d selected.

Each week, HelloFresh offers 35+ recipes each week that are easy to prepare. Their box arrives with a simple step-by-step recipe card that helps you put together delicious, healthy meals in just 20-30 minutes.

I started slow with the Creamy Beef & Pork Romesco Fusilli with Parmesan & Veggies — it turned out so much better than I expected. In fact, I ate leftovers for lunch the next day. Then I branched out into flavorful, international cuisines. I quickly fell in love with the Sticky Sweet & Sour Tamarind Chicken with Jasmine Rice & Asian Greens — ready in only 30 minutes! And did I mention how great it is to have zero food waste?

Then I check the HelloFresh 5-star reviews. I’m SO glad there are others out there who love HelloFresh as much as I do.

“HelloFresh is a super convenient service with a great variety of meals that are also healthy and well-balanced. Additionally, they’re very well priced - in fact we save money each week with little or no food wastage!”
- Marilou H

“Quick delivery, recipes are easy to follow, it’s great to have the ingredients supplied. Healthy meals and kid-friendly!”
- Tanya

“We love HelloFresh! Hardly ever have to go shopping anymore. So many great ideas, changing flavors every day. What else do you need?”
- David P

Over the following week, I realized how much time I was saving with HelloFresh. Selecting my meals in advance saves me the recipe browsing and standing on endless lines grocery shopping. Living alone used to mean I had to forget about me-time. But quickly enough, HelloFresh has unexpectedly become an essential in my life. And with meals starting at only $5.50 per plate, I save tons of money!

Now I have enough time to enjoy a home-cooked meal and read a book. And with more free time, I’ve started playing tennis again – something I haven’t done since college.

Want to save time in the kitchen and spend it on doing what you love? Give HelloFresh a try. Before you know it, it will be your unexpected essential.

The folks at HelloFresh are extending a special offer to our readers! Follow this link to get up to $140 off!