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Fast Company
4 days ago
- Health
- Fast Company
AI has a resilience problem. Designers and researchers can help fix it
2012. I walk out of a gastroenterologist's office with a brochure titled 'Your Life With Ulcerative Colitis.' What the brochure doesn't say: A month later, I will wake up on the day of a critical midyear design presentation feeling too nauseous to leave my apartment, and will have to spend several weeks at my parents' house, where I will miss several more midterms. A year later, I'll stand at a boarding gate and feel too sick to take a five-hour flight and meet with potential graduate school advisers. I'll soon learn that, for me, these won't be one-offs. Instead, I'll live a life of constant flux, impossible to plan for. Desperate for some control as I push through academia, I turn to tech products. But technology can't help me. Digital tools excel at routines, but falter at exceptions. I can schedule weeks of meetings in a few clicks, but when I'm unwell, I'm copy-pasting the same cancellation message a dozen times. My personal-finance app keeps me on track, but only until an urgent-care bill throws things off. When my fitness tracker chastises me for not closing my rings during a particularly brutal flare-up, I shove it into my junk drawer. Technology is failing me when I need it the most. Happy paths 2016. I join Big Tech, working as a user researcher in early-stage and AI technology. Two things become immediately clear. First, my story is far from unique. Anecdotes from many hundreds of user interviews reflect lives riddled with chaos and disruption. Change—unplanned and planned—is the norm. Second, consumer products are largely designed for 'happy paths.' A clear-cut problem is solved by a superhero technology, resulting in a favorable outcome that is tied off with a neat bow. For the sake of clarity, efficiency, and technical ease, the zigzag realities of lives are often sanitized into an idealized arc. We trot out these squeaky clean stories as 'hero use cases' for a product idea—first to convince ourselves, then our executives, and, finally, our users. Today's explosion of consumer-facing GenAI products are built with the same recipe. We get heartstring-tugging stories with just enough complexity to feel real, without any of the mess. A dad uses AI to prepare for a job interview while reminiscing on parenthood. A parent brings a child's imaginary creature to life in a custom picture book. Some brands try to incorporate more chaotic realities (a storm hits restaurant patio seating) only to portray absurd overdependence on AI (waiters leave their customers drenched because an AI agent doesn't reseat them indoors). If you're like me, these ads make you want to scream: 'You're standing in the middle of the kitchen. How are your kids not interrupting your conversation with AI 27 times?' But in contrast to the 'hero use case,' taking kid snack breaks and asking AI to repeat itself over the noise of toddler screams are often cordoned off as 'edge cases' in product development. The implication: These occurrences are rare. But they aren't. Human journeys are not straight lines. They are dynamic, defined by change, interruptions, and curveballs. Some 60% of Americans reported experiencing an unexpected expense in the past year, though 42% don't have an emergency fund greater than $1,000. Households with two or more children have a viral infection in the household more than 50% of the time. And an estimated 28% of work time each year is lost to distractions. When technology isn't resilient to this reality, it breaks—sometimes catastrophically. Like when a Florida teen dies by suicide after his lengthy conversations with a chatbot turn darkly romantic. When AI-powered cameras mounted on public buses mistakenly ticket thousands of legally parked vehicles in New York because they fail to recognize alternate side zones. Or when AI weather models fail to predict the worst storms because extreme weather data doesn't exist in the training data. These outcomes are extreme, but the pathways leading there are deeply ordinary, broken by nascent technology that isn't resilient to the gritty reality of human behavior. Sometimes, the catalyst stems from the tech itself, like security vulnerabilities. Other times, it's agnostic of the technology, like mental health. But in all cases, the technology was not resilient to changes in context. AI's broken promise Years ago, you could blame technology as the limiting factor. But AI should, ideally, thrive on this sort of complexity—using its superpowers of pattern recognition, synthesis, and triangulation of thousands of data points about users and their environment. GenAI has introduced a new frontier around deep reasoning and human interaction that should make the technology more tractable and transparent. AI is uniquely positioned to help people anticipate and recover from change, the kind that they may not have seen coming. Yet the system didn't raise the alarm when a conversation overtly turned dangerous, much less recognize patterns that may suggest that it was headed that way. On issuing its 7,000th ticket in one day, the MTA's system didn't flag that this is an unusually large number of violations on a route. It's never easy to deal with the complex behavior of humans and societies. But when we keep designing to make already great lives 1% better, we are perpetuating a specific type of harm—one that happens when the people designing the technology aren't considering the real ways it might be used. As UX practitioners, we are uniquely positioned to start the conversation about how to change this. To move toward an AI UX rooted in resilience, we'll need to shepherd at least three main shifts in the way our products are designed. 1. Shift the user stories we tell—which directly map to the problems we choose to solve. UX must choose to foreground the hard, complex story. We all have one: a multigenerational household with life-stage changes, moves across the country, divorce, job loss, a chronic illness. Right now, a key barrier to centering these stories is that they extend ideation cycles, which is uncomfortable in an increasingly launch-first-or-perish climate. As a result, cleaner stories, like the product narratives described earlier, win out. To break this cycle, UX can introduce complex user stories to product teams starting with ideation, through prototype and concept testing—especially ones that cut horizontally across product ecosystems. This requires creating a new canon: an accessible taxonomy of types of complexity, curveballs, and changes that we can easily pull from. Such a taxonomy might take the form of brainstorming prompts, user journey templates, or a card deck or visualization used in sprints. This cracking open will take time, but the more we tell these stories, the easier they will roll off the tongue, and the more they can become normalized. 2. Shift how we leverage user data in AI-powered products. Today, user data collected by companies—while wide-ranging—isn't always curated or connected well. Most users, particularly younger generations, have resigned themselves to data collection and don't mind it, but also don't understand how the data is used or whether it benefits them. This is not an argument to collect more data. Rather, it's a call to connect existing data for more meaningful, tangible user benefits, like helping navigate blind spots and complexity. Consider a simple example: Ann's AI agent has access to a calendar app where she has blocked off time for a post-work run, a weather app that shows unexpected evening rain showers, and a maps app that she frequently uses to navigate to a yoga studio. This agent can now surface a timely suggestion: help Ann move meetings to shift the run to earlier in the day, or help her find a class at the yoga studio at that time. In reflecting how people really use their technology, this sort of cross-product dialogue and synthesis has the opportunity to leverage AI and user data to unlock resilience in the face of change. 3. Shift away from traditional definitions of 'seamlessness' and 'magic moments' toward ones that gracefully embrace failure, meaningful friction, and deep, explicit user feedback. AI advancements tend to tempt product teams to remove all friction and present users with auto-magical solutions to needs they weren't even aware of, from hyper-personalized AI-driven ads to 'smart' nudges on food and shopping apps. Common success metrics used today reflect the value we place on frictionless experiences: fewer clicks, greater session length, engagement with automation features, fewer user-submitted comments. This can cause a misleading overreliance on implicit behavioral signals that don't always reflect real intent. Take the example of an in-app pop-up: A user might spend a long time viewing it, even clicking on a link—not because they find it useful but because they can't find the exit. Even when users do provide explicit feedback, it's often not in a form that can be interpreted meaningfully, leading to undesired outcomes. Think, for example, of how OpenAI's models grew sycophantic after a thumbs-up on a response was used as a signal to make the chatbot behave more in that direction. Instead, how might we offer users more ways to provide granular feedback that can shed light not only on the 'what' but also the 'why'? This can be meaningful friction that can empower users to have their unique human context be better understood while harnessing the beyond-human capabilities of AI. One could argue that this, in fact, is the more magical experience. Finally, the pursuit of seamless perfection risks underplaying the shortcomings of AI itself—misunderstood accents, factual inaccuracies, biased imagery. These are a function of the technology, and are bound to happen. UX needs to treat these as predictable breaking points in the technology, build frameworks to classify them, and design intentionally with them as part of the user narrative. Of course, it's far simpler to sketch these solutions than implement them, but if AI is to work well for real-world problems, we need to tackle real-world complexity head-on. UX is in a powerful position to shift these mindsets. As it has done for domains like accessibility and product inclusion, UX can redefine the problems and narratives that emerging technology is built for, and reshape the UX to accommodate product and user realities to support resilience.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Louise Thompson shares health update as she discusses 'invisible diseases' and thanks NHS staff for 'giving her more time' in tribute to medics
Louise Thompson has given fans a health update and thanked NHS staff for their incredible work as she admitted they have 'given her more time'. The former Made in Chelsea star, 30, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a post commemorating World IBD Day, which raises awareness for Crohn's and other inflammatory bowel diseases. Louise herself was diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis in 2018, as well as Lupus, and Asherman's syndrome. She also suffered two haemorrhages and had a stoma bag fitted. She nearly died when giving birth to her first child, Leo, after undergoing an emergency C-section in December 2021 due to suffering 'serious complications'. In her latest post, Louise candidly discussed the difficulties of dealing with an 'invisible disease' as she shared a photograph of herself in hospital. 'Invisible diseases are deceptive. They can be cruel because people can't see them,' she explained. 'I don't walk around showing people photos of the blood coming out of me so I often suffer in silence and alone. 'This photo is a prime example of what can be hidden behind strength, a smile and some loose clothes. 'On the outside I look OK. You wouldn't know I had four drains underneath this top that are causing me a lot of mental and physical pain.' Louise went on to reference how she recently saw a post from someone who had left the medical profession and thanked all doctors and nurses for their tireless work. She said of the post: 'They were complaining about the NHS, the lack of pay, the long hours, but then talking about how happy they were that they'd handed in their notice and moved onto more lucrative times doing something different, maybe in aesthetics… I think! 'I sort of lost track when it came to that bit because I was so engulfed and emotional reading the other words that had been shared. 'Come to think of it I really hope it wasn't all a clever ploy just to get more business and more eyes on their brand. But it really REALLY made me think. 'It made me think S*** I am SO glad that there are people out there who sacrifice their time day in day out doing long 8 hour (sometimes more) shifts to help people when they are at their most vulnerable time in their lives. 'People that sacrifice their own mental health by putting themselves in a position where they may have to watch someone die. I can't imagine how HARD that is. 'They commit to making a difference. They keep people living. They give people like me more time.' She continued: 'Imagine being able to offer life to someone because life really is the biggest gift. WHERE would we be without all of those people. SHOUT OUT TO YOU GUYS> those that are brave enough to keep going and not hand in your notice. 'You are all no doubt incredibly intelligent people which is what led you to this career in the first place (I know when I was at school all the smartest girls in my year studied triple science teehee) and the opportunity cost of that is great. 'There are many things you could be doing, but you choose to put others first. SO THANK YOU to all the amazing people that dedicate there time to any poor health condition.' Louise revealed last April that she had been fitted with a stoma after years of battling with ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic bowel condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed and small ulcers develop on the colon's lining, which can bleed. A stoma is a surgically-created opening made on the abdomen, which is made to divert the flow of body waste into a medical device, which the person can then empty. Since her diagnosis, Louise has continued to spread awareness and proudly show off her stoma, which she's nicknamed Winnie, in a reference to Winnie The Pooh. And last month, Louise opened up about suffering a 'horrendously debilitating' stoma leak while out in central London. She explained that she had headed to Marylebone with her fiancé Ryan Libbey on his motorbike for an appointment and a coffee, before going to record a podcast. But despite their 'great start', she suddenly realised her stoma bag had unfortunately leaked, forcing her to rush to the nearest hospital for supplies. Sharing several selfies of her and Ryan on their bike journey before everything went wrong, she wrote: 'Yesterday I found myself in a really depressing situation. 'l had a great start to the day. I had a medical appointment at @ in the morning with Ryan... we biked there to get ahead of the traffic and managed to shave off 20 minutes from the journey. 'Then was off to record a podcast with 2x good friends which has been in the diary for ages. Had a lot of excited energy in my belly following a c**p week of of c**p health. 'We got off the bike in Marylebone blissfully happy and headed to @watchhouse for some delicious coffee and cookies pre-recording because we were a smidge early, but then I felt something a bit wet in my pocket. I looked down and had had the most horrendously debilitating stoma leak.' She recounted how she was left 'too overwhelmed' to explain the situation, but Ryan stepped in, while she was left in a bathroom for an hour waiting for staff to try and source any new stoma bags. Louise said: 'I had to hobble to the nearest hospital which was a private one so a bit awkward. I was actually too overwhelmed to speak when we got to reception so thankfully Ryan who I was with handled it for me. 'I then literally waited locked in a bathroom for an hour sat on the loo covered in mess whilst they dug around to see if they had any stoma bags for any of their [sic] inpatients.' Sharing a photo of the bag they had found, she explained she'd had to painfully rip off her old one and cut down the new device, while her assistant rushed to buy her a new pair of trousers and she struggled to pull herself together. She broke down after the ordeal and realised that she was unable to continue with her work commitments, needing to prioritise her mental health. What is a stoma? A stoma is a surgically-created opening made on the abdomen, which is made to divert the flow of urine and faeces. According to the NHS, this procedure may be needed if you cannot pass stools through your anus, which could be the result of an illness, injury or problem with your digestive system. In the UK, it is estimated that one in 335 people have had the surgery. The procedure can be part treatment for a number of illnesses, including cancer, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease or any trauma to the abdomen. The stoma will generally be 'pink and moist - like the inside of our mouths'. After the surgery, it will be swollen, but this will reduce in six to eight weeks. There is no sensation to touching a stoma - as there are no nerves - but different people will have theirs in a different size or shape. It is also possible to have a temporary stoma, which could later be reversed, if the diseased or damaged area in the bowel needs to heal over time. TYPES OF STOMA COLOSTOMY This refers to an opening in the colon - the large intestine. During the operation, a part of the colon will be brought from inside the body through their abdomen. The output from this 'often resembles a traditional stool' and functions around one to three times a day. ILEOSTOMY For this procedure, the surgeon will bring a part of the small intestine - the ileum specifically - from inside the patient's body and bring it through the abdomen, stitching it down to secure it. The output for an ileostomy is looser than that of a colostomy. An ileostomy bag - which enables drainage into the toilet between three to six times a day' - is also worn. UROSTOMY A urostomy refers to an opening for a person's urine specifically. For this, the surgeon will take a piece of someone's small intestine and attach it to the ureters. This will 'form a passageway for urine to pass through'. For this, one of the tube is brought out through the abdomen. A urostomy bag will also have a 'bung or tap on the bottom to allow urine to be drained at regular intervals into the toilet'.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Johnson & Johnson sets Guinness World Record with largest awareness ribbon mosaic
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and is divided into Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis [1] Johnson & Johnson, with the endorsement of the Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology Society, has created the largest awareness ribbon mosaic in honor of World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day Dubai, United Arab Emirates: In recognition of World Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) Day, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine – Gulf, with the endorsement of Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology Society, has set a Guinness World Record for the largest awareness ribbon mosaic in support of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), highlighting the need for awareness and early diagnosis. The record-breaking installation spans 30 square meters and was assembled using over 20,000 purple IBD awareness ribbons. This powerful visual representation of solidarity aims to shed light on the challenges faced by IBD patients while symbolizing hope for improved care and increased awareness. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and is divided into Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The disease can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, often leading to persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, and unintended weight loss [2]. Recent study shows that IBD affects over 10 million people globally, reflecting its rising global burden and the growing need for timely diagnosis and long-term management [3]. Dr. Sameer Alawadhi, President of Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology Society said: 'Spreading awareness about Inflammatory Bowel Disease is an essential aspect of our mission, as timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial for effectively managing this chronic condition. This initiative not only offers hope to those living with IBD but also reflects the collective commitment of our healthcare community to improving patient care and outcomes.' Pedro Matos Rosa, Managing Director, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Gulf, said: 'Inflammatory Bowel Disease is not only physically debilitating – it also carries a significant humanistic and economic burden. Addressing this multifaceted impact requires raising awareness, fostering innovation, and advancing solutions that ease these burdens and improve quality of life for all affected.' This initiative not only celebrates a creative and collective effort but also reinforces our ongoing commitment to supporting the IBD community and the healthcare professionals. With more than 30 years of leadership in IBD, Johnson & Johnson has contributed to advancing the understanding and management of the disease. Through continued investment and collaboration with healthcare professionals, the company remain committed to supporting improved outcomes for patients. By marking this Guinness World Record, the company reinforces its strategic goal to bring awareness, hope, and better outcomes to patients living with IBD across the region. About Johnson & Johnson At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at For more information, please contact: Maroun Farah Email: MFarah@ [1] [2] [3]
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
How can early nutrition interventions prevent Inflammatory Bowel Disease in children?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompassing Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. In infants, IBD often manifests subtly. Poor weight gain, feeding difficulties or frequent diarrhoea are indicators of an inflamed gut. As the child grows, these struggles evolve to persistent tummy aches, unexplained fatigue, recurrent bathroom visits and growth failure. Early intervention with gut-friendly foods promotes healing and can limit the use of medications. In adolescence, managing IBD is complex due to hormonal changes, academic pressures, and social challenges. Ignorance can cause long-term complications in adulthood, such as intestinal blockages, fistulas, or joint inflammation. Thus, it is crucial to establish a healthy gut microbiome from the very beginning. The foundation of our gut microbiome is laid at birth, shaped by the mode of delivery and initial feeding practices. Disturbance during this delicate beginning can unknowingly set a journey towards IBD. Additional factors such as genetic predisposition, infections, certain medications, smoking, stress contributes to the onset of IBD. Effective nutrition therapies are targeted at reducing inflammation, sustained remission, and correcting nutrient deficiencies. Below are some nutritional remedies for IBD LOW FODMAPS limit the intake of fermentable carbohydrates that cause bloating and flatulence. Substituting with nutrient-dense, easy-digestible foods such as certain fruits, vegetables, gluten-free, and dairy alternatives can soothe the digestive system and support recovery. Crohn's disease diet eliminates food containing emulsifiers, maltodextrin, processed meats, simple sugars, and fatty foods, which can harm the gut barrier or microbiota. An anti-inflammatory and Mediterranean diets emphasising whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids supports gut health and reduces systemic inflammation. Curcumin, a polyphenol found in turmeric, plays a beneficial role in managing IBD. Plant-based diets rich in antioxidants and fibre help modulate the gut flora by increasing short-chain fatty acids. Following modification tips can help to effectively tackle IBD: Having small nutrient dense meals to ease digestion Adequate hydration to prevent constipation or dehydration from diarrhoea. Supplementation of micronutrients to address deficiencies particularly vitamin D, B12 and iron. Fibrous plant-based foods are better tolerated by thoroughly chewing and cooking or processing them to a softer consistency. Dietary restrictions can pose social and emotional challenges, causing feelings of isolation or frustration. Balancing symptoms with guided nutrition plans can facilitate enjoyable food options to help negate these issues. Regular monitoring of weight loss and muscle loss is crucial to prevent the risk of malnutrition It is important to understand that fad diets are misleading. Integrating medical advice with mindful eating, evidence-based guidance and personalised nutrition plans can help in effective management of IBD. Dr Hiteshi Dhami Shah, Clinical Nutritionist specialist in liver disease and metabolic health, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
CNET
15-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
We Tried MealPro Meal Delivery, and It Was Better Than Takeout
CNET's expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. 9.0 / 10 SCORE MealPro Buy at MealPro Pros Health-focused meals, and you can shop by diet and medical conditions Large portions Vacuum sealed for extended freshness and freezable No subscription needed, but you can opt in or out of recurring deliveries Meals are customizable (you can double the protein, remove carbs, etc.) Cons Pricier than other options Fewer vegetarian and vegan options Can only purchase a minimum of 18 meals per delivery MealPro 9/10 CNET Score Buy at MealPro When I learned that we were going to start taste-testing premade meal delivery services for CNET, I thought I would be hard-pressed to find one that not only tasted fresh and delicious but was also healthy. MealPro proved me wrong. This high-end service boasts flavor and plenty of meals to choose from, so whether you're training for a body-building competition, need to cut back on your cholesterol or simply want to eat heart-healthy meals that don't take hours of cooking, MealPro can step in and help. Here's everything to know about the service. How MealPro works MealPro is a premade meal delivery service that offers healthy and customizable meal plans. According to its website, the meals are cooked daily so they can be delivered as fresh as possible. You can order one box at a time or opt in or out of recurring orders. The website is pretty straightforward. If you're planning to order from the regular menu, you will select what size box you want from two choices: 18 or 21 meals. Then, you choose your meals from a selection of 24. In addition to the meals, there are nine protein and side options that you can add to your cart. MealPro's website is simple to navigate. Corin Cesaric/CNET If you don't see something on that main menu that you like, there are several additional options when you scroll to the bottom of the website. On the left-hand side, you will see the following options: Fitness Meals, Medical Meals, Custom Meals, Vegan Meals and A La Carte Menu. These menu filters allow customers to get hyperspecific with nutrition goals. Under Fitness Meals, there are six plans to pick from: Bodybuilding Meal Plan 400 Calorie Meal Plan Keto Meal Plan Paleo Meal Plan (Whole 30 compliant) GLP-1 Friendly Meal Plan Low-Carb Meal Plan Under each meal plan, there are various meals that are not on the regular menu. For the medical meals, there are 10 plans available: Diabetic Meal Plan Low-Sodium Meal Plan Renal Meals Stage 1-3 Renal Meals Stage 4 (Pre-dialysis) Renal Meals Stage 5 (Dialysis) Heart-Healthy Meal Plan Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis Meal Plan Low Cholesterol Meal Plan Celiac Meal Plan Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan For each specialty meal plan, you can choose to buy the full plan or shop them a la carte. Each meal also includes a full nutrition label, so you know exactly what you're getting. MealPro pricing The MealPro price varies widely depending on what meal or plan you choose. For the regular menu, prices vary between $7.99 and $21.49 per meal or snack. The meals can also be adjusted to your preference, such as adding double protein or purchasing a larger size, which incurs an upcharge. Below is a snapshot of a handful of the meals available and the prices. Meal Price Protein Pancakes (10oz) $7.99 Clam Chowder (16 oz) $9.99 Lentil Stew (20oz) $11.99 Roasted Chicken (19oz) $13.99 Spinach Lasagna (16oz) $14.99 Carnitas (20oz) $15.99 Atlantic Salmon (20oz) $20.99 Pulled Brisket (16oz) $21.49 The specialty plans also vary in price based on what meals you choose. Meal Plan Meal Price Pre-Dialysis Couscous Prawns (11oz) $17.49 Low-Cholesterol Turkey Bolognese (14oz) $13.99 Celiac Zucchini Chicken (14oz) $14.99 Diabetic Southwest Tilapia (13oz) $15.99 Bodybuilding Teriyaki Chicken (20 oz) $15.99 Vegan Cauliflower Bean Blend $13.99 Paleo White Fish & Yam Mash (16oz) $16.99 First-time customers can use the code HEALTHY10 for $10 off their first order, but the service doesn't offer any other promotions or discounts. The box of 18 meals also has an additional shipping cost. Free delivery is offered for the box of 21 meals to certain states on the West Coast. You can customize the meals you purchase as well. Corin Cesaric/CNET MealPro packaging The meals are shipped with a thermal lining and dry ice to keep them cool in transit, and each individual meal is vacuum sealed. The shipping box is recyclable, and the company also offers the option to enroll in the 'Recapture and Reuse Return Label Program' in order to send back the thermal lining for reuse by the company. (If you want to enroll in that program, all you have to do is type 'Recapture & Reuse' into the delivery instructions field on your order.) The food trays that hold each meal are recyclable and 'moisture resistant, oven- and microwave-safe,' according to MealPro's website. What we ate and how we liked it At the CNET office, we tasted five MealPro meals, and they were some of our favorites when compared to numerous other prepared meal kits we've tested. Here's everything we had. Beef Barbacoa: I loved this meal. It was flavorful and the portion was enough for two people to share for lunch. I defrosted it in the microwave for 10 minutes, then heated it up for four minutes and it was ready to be eaten. The meat was tender and it paired perfectly with the refried beans and rice, which was perfectly cooked, too. I would have never guessed this meal was frozen before eating it. The beef barbacoa was perfectly seasoned. Corin Cesaric Spinach Lasagna: This was another favorite of mine. It was also a large portion and had more than enough cheese. It was well-liked in the office, and even without a side, it felt like more than enough food for a satisfying meal. This hearty lasagna was full of cheese and spinach and heated up perfectly. Corin Cesaric/CNET Pulled Brisket: This was another tasty meal served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. I slightly preferred the flavor of the barbacoa over this brisket, but this meal was still nothing to scoff at, and everyone enjoyed it, too. Carnitas: Our taste-testers agreed that although the rice and beans were flavorful and cooked well, the pork carnitas lacked flavor and could have used more seasoning. Overall, this was the least favorite meal in the bunch. While the rice and beans were flavorful, the pork could have used more seasoning. Corin Cesaric/CNET Atlantic Salmon: Because this was heated up in a microwave, the salmon was slightly dryer than when served fresh, according to our taste testers. And although it looked like a well-plated meal, it could have benefited from more seasoning or being heated up in the oven instead. Who is MealPro good for? MealPro is clearly targeting the health and wellness crowd, and it's a great choice for people with specific diets or restrictions. Because the service also offers custom meals as an option, there is truly a meal for everyone. It's also a great choice for anyone who is trying to cut down on the time they spend meal planning or for those who simply don't want to cook lunch or dinner. Corin Cesaric/CNET Who is MealPro not good for? Compared to other prepared meal services like CookUnity and Factor, MealPro is quite a bit more expensive, and it doesn't follow a clear-cut pricing structure, so it might not be the best choice for someone on a strict budget. However, to me, the large portion size of these meals did help make up for the cost, especially if you can split a meal with another person or save it for a second meal the following day. Plus, when I compared it to your average lunch or dinner prices in NYC, it was still a steal in my eyes. How we test meal kits or food services Like all of the meal kits we've tested, we consider various factors, including the freshness, healthiness, taste, value and recipe variety. Using those metrics, we calculate the final score of the service. We also test out how easy or difficult it is to use the website and look at the packaging and delivery. Final verdict on MealPro I personally enjoyed the taste and quality of these meals. They were some of the best-tasting premade meals that I've had. Dare I say the barbacoa was restaurant quality? I could see myself ordering these meals in the future to have a freezer full of quick lunch and dinner options on hand. If there's a downside, it's that you have to order at least 18 meals per box, but because they are freezeable and vacuum-packed, they can stay fresh longer than some other options. (Up to six weeks in the freezer and four days in the fridge.) So you should have plenty of time to polish them off, especially if you're sharing with a spouse or family.
