Green Chef has unveiled a new range of meal kits designed specifically for women’s health, focusing on the dietary needs associated with menopause and menstruation. The subscription service, which is a sister brand to Hello Fresh, aims to offer 17 recipes that incorporate essential nutrients to support female wellbeing.
The launch comes at a time when both meal kit delivery services and discussions surrounding menopause are gaining prominence. Recent commentary from broadcaster Kirsty Wark on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour highlighted the potential exploitation of middle-aged women through questionable health products aimed at alleviating menopause symptoms. “Who needs menopause shampoo, for god’s sake?” she questioned, reflecting a growing skepticism towards wellness marketing.
Green Chef’s initiative is designed to bridge the gap between everyday nutrition and women’s health. According to Lily Keeling, the Senior Recipe Development Manager and Registered Nutritionist, the recipes focus on two critical areas: iron for menstruation and calcium and Vitamin D for menopause. “We decided to focus on iron for menstruation, which is supported by Vitamin C for better absorption, particularly from plant-based sources,” Keeling explained.
She emphasized the importance of realistic expectations, noting that improvements in perimenopausal symptoms would not occur overnight. “It really depends on the individual and what stage of life they are at,” she added. While increased energy may come from iron-rich foods during menstruation, bone health during menopause is more about long-term risk mitigation.
Green Chef’s meal kits aim to provide a thoughtful diet that can help manage hormonal changes and support overall health. Keeling pointed out that there is an elevated risk of cardiovascular issues, bone density decline, and metabolic slowdown during this life stage due to hormonal shifts. A well-balanced diet, in conjunction with attention to sleep and stress management, can significantly impact symptom severity.
In an effort to evaluate the effectiveness of these meal kits, an interested participant subscribed to receive three meals a week for a month. The selection included dishes such as baked salmon with green goddess dressing, which provides Vitamin D, and jerk tofu, a good plant-based source of iron. Other recipes featured high Vitamin C ingredients like kiwis and peppers, which enhance iron absorption.
Each recipe card includes details explaining the health benefits of the meals. For instance, the roast duck in orange and sage sauce is noted for its high protein content, essential for maintaining muscle mass and bone health. The Cajun chicken and kidney bean one-pot highlights the importance of iron for women, particularly during menstruation, and includes kiwi for improved iron absorption.
After four weeks of testing the meal kits, the participant reported no noticeable change in symptoms but did feel positively about the healthfulness of the meals. “Anything packed with chickpeas, protein, avocado, and seeds feels like the healthier option,” she noted, praising the variety and flavor of the recipes.
While there were some discrepancies with ingredient deliveries, such as missing kiwis and herbs, the participant appreciated the online access to recipes. The experience encouraged a departure from routine meals, introducing new ingredients and flavors.
Green Chef’s pricing starts at £5.50 per serving for four people, four meals a week. The initiative aims not only to provide nutritious options but to empower women to take control of their health through informed dietary choices. For those interested in exploring this new offering, further details can be found on the Green Chef website.
