There are so many reasons why I love the meal kit delivery service, Blue Apron. I rave about it all the time to my friends and family, and it simply makes life easier (for anyone.) I’ve only talked about it like a thousand times on my blog, but guys; I honestly love it and, it’s a big part of my lifestyle.
There are only fifty-two days left until my (first) half-marathon. This is the moment I’ve been training and working so hard for. Seven years ago, I couldn’t run for one minute without wanting to fall over and quit. I used to try and play sick on the P.E. “one mile” days back in high school. They used to make us run one mile around the track twice a year to see how fast we could do it. Don’t ask me how fast I was because I’m pretty sure I paid my mile tracker five bucks and a lunch ticket to help me cheat. Three years ago, I had runner’s knee and Achilles tendonitis so bad I never thought I’d ever run again, but now I’m here, about to run 13.1 miles without stopping. And the craziest part about it? I’m super excited.
Running and lifting weights isn’t the only part of training. It’s the food I eat and the people who support me that make me even stronger. Blue Apron has been a big part of my training process, and I always look forward to a healthy-post workout meal. I took some photos of my post-workout Blue Apron meals from the weekend to show you how I incorporate the meal kit delivery service into my half-marathon training. Not only am I learning how to cook new recipes and cuisines, but I’m fueling my body with all farm-fresh ingredients. Plus, I get to spend more time training and less time making trips to the grocery store. I am usually turned off by making recipes from cookbooks because of all the ingredients it requires. It ends up being cheaper just going to the restaurant, but with Blue Apron, I never have waste or remaining ingredients, and I love that. Saves me money too! 🙂
Blue Apron is giving the first 50 readers three free meals on their first Blue Apron meal! Just click here!
I try to make my Blue Apron meals on the days I’m with my boyfriend because he loves them. He’s a very healthy eater, loves working out, and making the meals is something fun we can do together. Blue Apron meals and Dateline NBC have become our go-to weekend date nights.
Last Saturday, my friend Meighan and I stepped up our training. We mapped out a new route with more hills. Sounds fun, right? (wrong) After our run, we were both exhausted. It was only six miles, but the hills were killer, and we decided to step up our time. We usually run the flat trails at a light pace, so this was a great way to push ourselves.
All of that running made me hungry, and I was ready to refuel.
Kyle and I had three Blue Apron meals to choose from on Saturday night. He had just finished a workout at the gym, and we were both starving!
We decided to go with the Tangelo & Honey Glazed Salmon because it sounded delicious, and we were both eager to try farro for the first time. There is always something new to try in each box.
This recipe had very little ingredients for how good it tasted. This dish is something I will make again, and next time I plan on trying it with chicken or pork chops.
My little Blue Apron sous chefs!
We got the meals on Friday afternoon but decided to save it. Blue Apron is shipped in a refrigerated box, so the ingredients stay fresh! We didn’t have to worry about anything going bad.
One of my favorite parts is preparing the ingredients. I’m a very visual person, so it makes it easy that they provide recipe cards. The ingredients are always so fresh, and it’s great that Blue Apron sources their food from quality suppliers and artisans.
I would have never of thought about sauteing apples with salt, pepper, and green onions. This is the type of learning experience I enjoy. Thinking outside of the box is their specialty, and I can’t wait to use these techniques with my recipes. This is why a meal subscription box is ideal for anyone wanting to learn how to cook. If you’re wondering where they get the name “Blue Apron” from, the blue apron is a symbol of lifelong learning in cooking, and it’s worn by chefs in training all around the world.
Nothing better than the sound of sizzling salmon!
I have always baked salmon in the oven, so I loved learning how to cook it on the stovetop. It made the outside crisp and the center perfectly moist.
The honey tangelo sauce glazed the salmon much better on the stovetop.
This meal only took thirty minutes to make! Blue Apron meals can be prepared in forty minutes or less.
I topped the farro with the salmon and sauteed apples. It looked gorgeous!
I poured the honey tangelo glaze leftover in the pan on top of the salmon and farro.
This meal was a great post-workout dish. It was around 600 calories, contained a lot of protein, healthy carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, healthy fat, vitamin d & b12, potassium and so much more! All of their meals fall between 500-800 calories. You never have to worry about going hungry.
We turned on our Saturday night Dateline episode and enjoyed our tasty meal. Every bite was incredible! Though, I wasn’t shocked because every single Blue Apron meal I’ve ever made has been fantastic.
Sunday night was a rest day from running. I typically do my long runs on Saturday and a strength workout + long walk on Sunday.
When I got back from my workouts, Kyle and I made Chicken Yakiniku. I had never heard of the dish before, but I was looking forward to trying it out. The recipe had my heart at garlic rice.
There are some weeks when I do not have time to make Blue Apron because I’m out of town or busy with projects. Blue Apron allows you to skip meals on weeks like that, and it’s very convenient. If you end up not liking the service, you can quit at anytime. There is no commitment.
How delicious does this look? You don’t have to stick to the exact steps, either. I’ve never been a fan of crunchy carrots unless they are soaked in hummus or ranch, so I decided to saute them up with the leftover sauce. They turned out great.
This meal was excellent. I will never cook rice the boring way ever again! Roast garlic in olive oil before cooking up your rice and it’s a complete game changer.
This recipe was a great post-workout meal too!
Blue Apron offers two types of plans! The 2-person plan is perfect because I can make it for my boyfriend and me, or I can make it for myself to eat six days out of the week. If you want more meals or are cooking for a family, you can select the family plan. If you live with a roommate, consider splitting the cost of the subscription. It would be a fun way to bond and cook healthy meals at home. There are new recipes added to the menu each week for you to choose from, so you can customize it. It never gets boring 🙂 I always avoid anything with mushrooms!
I saved my third meal for Monday! I had a running date planned with my mom, and the falafel pitas were the best post-workout dinner.
Mondays are great for my recovery runs. I ran five light miles with absolutely no hills and ended it with a stretch session. I also tried to ice my knees in the ice cold swimming pool. YIKES.
Falafels are something I’ve always wanted to make. I love the way they taste, but they seemed a bit intimidating. I’m now laughing at the thought because they ended up being the easiest recipe I’ve made with Blue Apron yet.
There are a couple ways to recycle your Blue Apron Packaging. I throw most of the boxes and containers in my recycling bin, but you can also return your packaging for free back to Blue Apron via USPS! Learn more here
All you have to do for the falafel mix is mash up the chickpeas with a fork, add the dates, garlic, tahini sauce, salt, pepper, and their provided seasoning. I don’t know why I assumed it was so much harder, or filled with crazy ingredients.
This recipe made eight large falafel patties!
I cooked them right on the stovetop.
The falafels were so tasty, and I loved the sweetness that the dates added. If you take a look at Blue Apron’s vision page, you’ll see that they are working to develop a sustainable system and continue to use high-quality ingredients.
I wrapped my falafel in a lettuce wrap! I’m obsessed with the lettuce wraps right now.
I love that Blue Apron fuels my runs, helps with recovery, and is so convenient. The meals have been a significant part of my training, and I always look forward to my next box. Cooking the meals is something my family and I enjoy together, and I can’t wait to continue! Thank you, Blue Apron for sponsoring this post and always providing me with healthy and fresh meals!
Blue Apron is giving the first 50 readers three free meals on their first Blue Apron meal! Just click here!
Questions for you!
- What is one recipe that you’ve always wanted to cook, but intimidates you?
- Have you ever used Blue Apron?
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
AhhHhHHh I’m seeing Blue Apron pop up everywhere and I really wish it was available here in Hong Kong! I suppose I’ll just have to wait until the meal prep trend catches on here.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh, no! I wish it was in Hong Kong, too! It’s so good!!!! But you can totally check out their website for recipe ideas! They have so many 🙂
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
I’ve actually been wanting to try making my own falafel too! I too have been weirdly intimidated by it. Guess I need to give it a whirl!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! For some reason I thought it had so many weird ingredients and it was difficult to make, but WRONG! So easy 🙂
Carrie This Fit Chick says
THAT SALMON! Dang, that looks delicious, girl! I’ve never used blue apron, but I sure see it everywhere on blogosphere! One meal I really want to cook is beef wellington!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’ve never done a BLUE APRON!? WHAT?!!? You really should just try it out once!! You’ll love it.
K says
I would LOVE to know where your cute red leggings w the cutouts are from!
Thanks! 🙂
Blue Apron looks like a great idea – I’m excited to try it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Marshalls 😉
& you should try!!
Krystin says
Where are those red leggings from? So cute!
Taralynn McNitt says
Marshalls!! 🙂
Hillary Danielle says
Chicken Cordon Bleu! I’ve been wanting to make it for such a long time, but haven’t brought myself to do so…yet. Maybe I will eventually.
And I JUST signed up for my first 3 meals coming next Tuesday! So I can’t wait to try Blue Apron!
Taralynn McNitt says
YES! That is something I’ve wanted to make too!! Let me know if you do it!
Ahhh you’ll love love love it!
Amber says
Just signed up! Can’t wait 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
YAY!:)
Jessica says
This looks great and I have wanted to make falafel for forever!
Taralynn McNitt says
So easy too!
Jennifer says
Hello Tara! I was wondering, do you ever worry about toxins in your cookware/bakeware? I can’t really tell what you are using but, have you considered investing in a set that isn’t non-stick? Just food for thought! Hope all is well 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Jennifer!
I do not, but thank you for bringing that to my attention.
Linda @ The Fitty says
I’ve always wanted to recreate pekking duck (it’s a chinese dish) but it requires extensive cooking! And patience Have you ever tried it?
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ve never even heard of it! Would be cool to make though and I’m sure you’d be great at it.
Desiree says
I love blue Apron!
Taralynn McNitt says
Me too!
Elizabeth says
My husband and I have been doing Blue Apron for at least a year now and we love them! I eat gluten free due to having celiac disease, and it is so easy to make substitutions. For example, with the farro you had with the salmon, I wouldn’t be able to eat it and would make rice instead, use Barilla GF spaghetti noodles (which are AMAZING by the way) instead of regular wheat spaghetti noodles, etc. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! It’s VERY VERY easy to make those gluten free swaps!
Melissa says
Haha Funny enough I have always wanted to try Falafels but thought they would be way more involved, or I needed a food processor. I think I have a can of chickpeas in the cupboard that will be getting used up this weekend now! lol thank you 😉
I like the fresh take they give on simple dishes. I dont think they ship to Canada yet though!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol me too, girl! That is why I love Blue Apron! You learn how easy it is to make some favorites.
I wish they shipped to Canada!
Aimee says
I have been wanting to try Blue Apron forever, but I am waiting until we are in our new place! One thing I have always wanted to try making is Chicken Marsala. It is my favorite Italian dish!
Taralynn McNitt says
Me too!!!
I’ve wanted to make that ever since watching them eat it on Parenthood lol
Blue Apron will be a perfect house warming meal! 🙂
Anonymous says
Are you still on a gluten free diet? Farro is a wheat and not gluten free, so I hope you’re no longer doing that!
Taralynn McNitt says
I am still trying to stick to the gluten-free diet. I actually read about farro AFTER eating it, but luckily I don’t have celiacs or an intolerance, so it didn’t make any crazy impacts on my stomach. I try to stay away for ENDO reasons to reduce cramping and inflammation. So far I’ve been so good on it, but expected some mess-ups! I really thought farro was like rice…lol
Anderson says
We are huge fans of Blue Apron! I just made the falafel and had the same thoughts as you! How great did the dates taste?
Taralynn McNitt says
SO GOOD! I would have never thought about adding them!
Allie says
Love this post! The food looks great.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!
Ayla says
I loved to read this Taralynn! I’ve been following you since the beginning (was that on Tumblr? I don’t remember..) and it makes me feel so proud of you to see that you are now training for the half and doing so so well!
I live in Holland so Blue Apron is not something we have here, we do have other food box options but I’ve never tried. The one thing I would like to make but intimidates me is Chicken Kung Pao, we had it last year on Bali and it was só good, but the ingredients are mostly diehard Asian and I wouldn’t know how to handle them!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ayla!
Thank you for the kind words and YES! Started WAYYYYYY back on Tumblr like 7 years ago!
I totally wish Blue Apron was near you! It’s so amazing.
Yes, that does sound super intimidating, but I bet you could make it!
Zoe says
Personally, Blue Apron would never be worth it for me. Typically, I can feed my entire family for a whole week with anywhere from $65-$125 (depending on what I have to stock up on, and whatnot) but the family plan for just 4 meals a week is $135. If I want to spend that much, I’d give myself a well-deserved (?) night off and find a restaurant.
That being said, I do see the benefit of it for other people. Particularly those who don’t have time to shop or aren’t confident in the kitchen. But it’s certainly not for everyone. I’m glad it’s helping you with your goals though!
Taralynn McNitt says
Sounds like you’re having luck doing what you’re doing for sure! Blue Apron is more fun for me because I get to learn new techniques and create meals I would never do on my own. I usually stick to boring veggies with ground turkey! So it’s a lot of fun 🙂 xo
Hannah says
Totally going to try out Blue Apron! I never thought about using it for training. Great post!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Hannah! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Let me know what you think of your first box!
Madison says
Yes!! Thank you! I was literally just talking about having no clue what to eat while I’m training for my half! You always come through for me!
-Madison
Taralynn McNitt says
Awww thanks, Madison!! xo xo
Carly says
Your salmon and falafels both look delicious! I’ve always loved eating falafels but also thought they were ‘too hard’ to make too! Call me inspired because I’m adding the ingredients to my shopping list and am going made them next week!
I’ve always thought of anything with whipped egg whites to be too daunting to conquer (I’m scared I’ll over stir and ruin the consistency of it). But just yesterday I made coconut macaroons with whipped egg whites and they turned out great!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Blue Apron! Their directions are easy to follow and having all the right ingredients makes life SO simple! I also love that they help me branch out and try new things that I wouldn’t necessarily buy at a grocery store before knowing I liked it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Carly!
They were so good!
I hope you love them, and if you check out the blue apron recipe pages, they have the directions!
OH wow!!! I bet those were so good. I’d love to know what recipe you used!!
Glad you’ve always had a good experience with Blue Apron!
Carly says
I used this one recipe for the macaroons! I also doubled it because what on earth am I going to do with half a can of sweet and condensed milk!? ha! http://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/coconut-macaroons.html
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!!
Ollie says
I didn’t realize you could pick your meals or choose which weeks! That sounds great. I will give it a try.
Taralynn McNitt says
Let me know how you like it!
Siobhan says
I’ve always wanted to try Blue Apron but they don’t ship to Alaska 🙁 All of the meals from your post sound so good though! I really like that you can send back the packaging to recycle for free.
Garlic rice sounds like it would be absolutely magical! I’m kind of a cautious cook; I don’t like to experiment too much, because I don’t want to mess it up, then not have anything to eat haha.
Also, the picture of the dogs sniffing at the counter is the cutest picture ever!
Good luck with your half marathon training! It sounds like you’re crushing it xo
Taralynn McNitt says
I wish they could send to Alaska! 🙁 But totally take a look at their recipes online!
If you love garlic…the rice was incredible. Just roast the garlic in olive oil in a pan and then add water and rice! COMPLETE GAME CHANGER.
Lol they love being nosy!
I really hope I crush it! I’m actually excited about it!
Siobhan says
I am totally going to make garlic rice this week! I’m so excited.
Sometimes I look on Blue Apron just to make wishlists of food haha.
Herliome says
Blue Apron sounds great
Taralynn McNitt says
It is! 🙂
Jamie says
WOW!
Taralynn McNitt says
🙂
Amanda Abbott says
I’m currently living in New Zealand and we have a very similar service here called My Food Bag! My host mom gets this service almost every other week and it is so simple and convenient! It has got me thinking about subscribing to Blue Apron once I return to the states. And now after seeing your posts about it, I will definitely be subscribing!