How to Choose Meals on Factor: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting What You Really Want
With busy schedules and health goals pulling in every direction, Factor makes eating well simple by delivering fresh, chef-prepared meals straight to your door. But once you subscribe, you’re faced with a weekly menu packed with 35+ meals. So, how do you choose the right ones?
Whether your goal is to lose weight, build muscle, save time, or simply eat better, this guide will walk you through exactly how to choose your Factor meals like a pro.
1. Start with Your Health Goals
The first step in choosing your meals is knowing what you're aiming for. Factor’s menu is divided into categories that match most lifestyle goals:
- Keto Very low-carb, high-fat meals for those on a ketogenic diet.
- Calorie Smart Meals under 550 calories, ideal for weight loss or calorie control.
- Protein Plus High-protein meals (30g+) for muscle gain or athletic goals.
- Vegan & Veggie Plant-based options for vegetarians or vegans.
- Chef’s Choice Balanced meals that fit general health and taste priorities.
Before you select anything, decide what your priority is: weight loss, muscle building, energy, or simplicity. That will help you filter the menu quickly.
2. Use the Filter Tools
Factor makes it easy to sort through its weekly meals. After you log in and go to your weekly menu, you’ll see filters at the top or side of the screen. Use them to narrow meals based on:
- Diet preference (e.g., Keto, Vegan)
- Protein content
- Calories
- Spice level
- New items
If you're following a strict diet, like keto or calorie counting, using filters is essential. For example, someone on keto can filter out all high-carb options and just focus on the keto meals offered that week.
3. Read the Nutrition Info
Every meal on Factor comes with full nutritional breakdowns:
- Calories
- Protein
- Carbs
- Fat
- Fiber
- Sugar
This is especially useful if you’re tracking your macros. For instance, if you’re aiming for high protein and low carbs, you can compare meals to hit your daily targets.
Pro tip: Look for meals with 25–35g protein if you're strength training or trying to stay full longer. If you're trying to lose weight, meals under 500–550 calories tend to work best.
4. Check Ingredients and Allergens
If you have dietary restrictions (e.g., dairy-free, gluten-free, or soy allergies), click into each meal for the full ingredients list. Factor also labels common allergens like:
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Soy
- Tree nuts
- Eggs
Factor doesn't offer a certified gluten-free kitchen, but they do have gluten-free menu options. Still, if you have serious allergies or celiac disease, it's best to consult their FAQ or reach out to support.
5. Balance Your Week
Instead of choosing seven similar meals, consider mixing it up:
- 2–3 heavier protein meals (Protein Plus) for post-gym days
- 2 Calorie Smart meals for light days or dinner
- 1–2 keto or low-carb meals to manage cravings
- 1 comfort or chef’s choice for enjoyment
This keeps your meals satisfying and prevents boredom or burnout.
6. Try Customer Favorites
Some meals appear again and again for a reason they’re highly rated. Factor often highlights these as Top Rated or Most Popular, based on subscriber reviews.
Common customer favorites include:
- Keto Poblano Bowl
- Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Turkey Chili and Zucchini
- Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken
- Tomato and Roasted Veggie Risotto (vegetarian)
You can always try 1 or 2 of these and see if they match your taste before committing to more of the same style.
7. Read Customer Reviews
Below each meal, you’ll often find star ratings and written reviews. These can help you avoid meals that are too spicy, bland, or not as filling as expected.
Look for comments like:
- “Great post-workout meal”
- “Too salty for my taste”
- “Loved the texture, super creamy”
- “Filling but under 500 calories”
Factor constantly rotates their menu based on feedback, so your voice also matters.
8. Try New Items Weekly
Factor introduces new meals almost every week. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. This helps keep your meal plan exciting and you might discover a new favorite.
Look for labels like:
- New This Week
- Seasonal Special
- Limited Time Only
Seasonal meals often include unique ingredients like butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or cranberry glaze that you won't find year-round.
9. Use Add-Ons Wisely
Beyond meals, Factor offers breakfast options, smoothies, shakes, soups, snacks, and even desserts. If you’re someone who tends to snack or needs something quick in the morning, adding a few extras can save even more time.
Popular add-ons include:
- Keto cheesecake
- High-protein peanut butter bites
- Chocolate brownie batter smoothie
- Bacon and egg bites
Just keep in mind: these add-ons are charged separately, so check your total before checkout.
10. Modify Anytime Before the Cutoff
After choosing your meals, you have until Wednesday 11:59pm CT (U.S. Central Time) to make changes for the following week. You can:
- Swap meals
- Add more
- Pause a week
- Cancel meals altogether
So don’t stress if you change your mind or find a better option later in the week, just log in and adjust your picks before the deadline.
Choosing Smart Eating Smart
Factor gives you flexibility, nutrition, and convenience but to get the most out of it, you need to choose meals that fit you. By understanding your goals, using the built-in filters, reviewing nutrition info, and staying open to new options, you can make each delivery box feel like a personalized meal plan.
Whether you're aiming to slim down, bulk up, or just eat better without cooking, the right choices start with your weekly menu. Take a few minutes to plan wisely and your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you.