I used to think that ‘wellness’ meant doing it all from scratch. But I’ve realized that true health lives at the intersection of Salt and Soul. Salt is the practical reality of my life as a busy mama—the need for efficiency and a break from the mental load. Soul is my desire to sit down to a nourishing, home-cooked meal with my family. Today, I’m talking about why I’ve embraced meal kits as a tool to save my sanity without sacrificing my standards.

It’s 4:30 PM on a Tuesday. The kitchen counter is currently a landing pad for school bags, the kids are asking for snacks for the third time since they got home. They have practice in an hour and I’m staring into the fridge like it’s a puzzle I’ve forgotten how to solve.

Even as someone studying holistic nutrition, the ‘mental load’ of meal planning can sometimes feel like a second full-time job. We all want the ‘Soul’ of a home-cooked meal—the laughter around the table, the fresh ingredients—but sometimes the ‘Salt’ of our daily reality (the time, the grocery runs, the prep) makes it feel impossible.

Lately, I’ve been leaning back into a middle ground: meal kits like HelloFresh and GoodFood. Are they the perfect ‘holistic’ solution? Maybe not. But are they a tool for more intentional living? Absolutely. Today, I’m sharing how I use these services to keep my kitchen a sanctuary, even on the busiest weeks.

When Life Gets Loud

We’ve used these services off and on for years, and they have been a true lifesaver during those “scrunched for time” seasons. You know the ones—where the calendar is double-booked, the kids have extra activities, and my own energy is running on fumes.

The greatest gift of these boxes isn’t just the food; it’s the mental reprieve. On days when I’m feeling under the weather or simply hit a wall, the pressure is off. Because the instructions are so clear and the ingredients are pre-measured, my family can step in. They can follow the recipe and create a delicious and nutritious meal themselves, allowing me the space to rest and heal—which is a vital part of wellness in itself.

Many of us often talk about the cost of the box, but we rarely talk about the cost of the mental load. Deciding what to eat, checking the pantry, and making the list takes up so much ‘brain space.’ When I use a meal kit, I’m not just buying dinner; I’m buying back an hour of my evening to go for a walk with my husband, read a story to my boys, or simply sit in the quiet. In a busy season, that time is the ultimate form of soul-care.

While the boxes provide the foundation, I like to use my nutrition background to ‘level up’ the nutrient density.

  • The Green Boost: I always keep a big tub of organic arugula or spinach to toss into the pans at the last minute.
  • The Healthy Fat Swap: If a recipe calls for a lot of vegetable oil, I’ll reach for my high-quality olive oil or avocado oil instead.
  • The TCM Touch: If a meal feels a bit ‘heavy’ or damp, I’ll grate some fresh ginger into the stir-fry or serve it with a warm cup of herbal tea to support digestion.

The Benefits: More Than Just a Box

  • The “Soul” of Skill-Building: I love that these kits have turned my kitchen into a classroom. My boys get to see how a meal is built from scratch, and it gives them the confidence to help out.
  • Global Flavours at Home: It keeps our palates adventurous. It’s a way to bring those “ramen bowls of Tokyo” or “bold Jamaican spices” into our weeknight routine without me having to hunt down twenty different niche ingredients.
  • Portion & Nutrition: From a holistic perspective, it helps with portion control and ensures we’re getting a colourful variety of vegetables that I might have skipped over in a rushed grocery haul.

The “Salt” of the Matter (The Cons)

Of course, it’s all about balance, and there is always a bit of “salt” to consider:

  • The Packaging: As someone who values the earth, the amount of plastic and cardboard can feel overwhelming. I try to balance this by being extra diligent with recycling and reusing the ice packs.
  • The Lack of “Intuitive” Seasoning: Sometimes the recipes can be a bit heavy on sodium or sugar in the sauces. As a nutrition student, I often “doctor them up”—I might swap their dressing for a splash of apple cider vinegar or add an extra handful of spinach from my fridge to boost the nutrients.
  • The Cost: It is an investment. That’s why we use them as a tool, not a permanent crutch. We lean on them when life is loud, and we return to our roots when life slows down.

Why This Works

What I love most is that these kits have turned into a tool for family empowerment. On those days when I’m under the weather or simply hit a wall, the pressure is off; because the instructions are so clear, my family can step in and lead the way. It’s a beautiful ‘Soul’ moment to see the heart of the home keep beating even when I’m resting.

We’ve used these services off and on for years, leaning into them during the busy seasons and returning to our roots when life slows down. To me, that is the essence of a Salt & Soul life: being intentional enough to know what you need, and flexible enough to accept a little help along the way.

Have you tried a meal kit during a ‘loud’ season of life? I’d love to hear which ones worked for your family—or if you have your own ‘hacks’ for making them even healthier!