My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Here's where users test and review products and give their feedback. If you'd like to run a product test please email [email protected].

MNHQ have commented on this thread

Product tests

Diet Chef feedback thread NOW CLOSED

66 replies

AngelieMumsnet · 03/11/2014 12:37

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnetters who are testing out Diet Chef.

Diet Chef say: "We give you breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack for each day of the week. Everything is calorie counted and portion controlled so you just tuck in and enjoy. We believe you should eat the food you love, so our menu, with around 100 delicious dishes, even includes things like curry and pasta. With Diet Chef you can expect to lose 1-2 pounds a week, in line with UK Government recommendations for healthy, sustainable weight loss, while eating real, yummy food."

Testers: we'll be asking you to add feedback once a week - we'd like your first impressions now and every week after that, we'll be posting some new questions for you to answer.

So, in terms of your first impressions...

  • What is your first impression of Diet Chef?
  • What do you think of the Diet Chef website?
  • What are your thoughts on the menus and food choices?
  • How did you find the online order process?
  • What did you think of the delivery options, and what about the delivery service itself?
  • What are your thoughts on the presentation of the Diet Chef hamper and food items?
  • What do you think of the Diet Guide and website information about how the meal plan works?
  • Is there anything else you would like to add about your initial experience of Diet Chef?


Everyone who adds their feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will receive a £200 John Lewis voucher, good luck!

Please note: your anonymous comments may be used by Diet Chef on their website and other marketing materials.

Thanks,
MNHQ
OP posts:
Report
SunshineDaisiesButterMellow · 04/11/2014 20:00

Can't wait. Mine arrives tomorrow but I won't be starting till Monday as its my anniversary this weekend and dh just let on he arranged for mil to look after the kids so we could have a meal out.

Will post feedback soon.

Report
Justnotimaginitive · 04/11/2014 20:09

I received my 'package' today Smile

First impressions - they seem quite good based on feedback I their website.

What to you think of the Diet Chef website - it's straight forward and pretty easy to navigate the only issue I had was with finding how many calories I should be consuming based on the fact I do a lot of exercise. Found it in the end though.

What are your thoughts on the menus and food choices -
There are a lot of choices and something to suit almost everyone. A lot of tradition meals as well.
The snacks seem good although some nuts and seeds would be nice.

How did you find the online order process - quick and easy was very surprised by this Grin

What did you think of the delivery options and what about the delivery service itself- the options on the website were limited however the company used to deliver were very good, I received a text and email yesterday to say it was being delivered today and give me the option to change the day. This morning I received a text giving me an hr window of when it would arrive. As it happens it arrived about 15 mins before the delivery hr began but I was in anyway so no problem.

What are your thoughts on the presentation of the diet chef hamper and food items - it's not really a 'hamper' it's a box GrinGrin, the breakfast, lunch , dinner and snacks where separated so easy to work out what was there. Packaging is nice ok, has all info needed ie calories on it. The portions are small Grin.

What do you think of the diet guide and website information about how the meal plan works.- all the information you need is there and it's explained well not a lot of room for confusion.

Is there anything else you would like to add about your initial experience of diet chef - it would perhaps be nice to have some form of human contact maybe someone who is assigned to you that if you have any questions or problems you could contact them. So far it seems very impersonal, I know it hasn't cost me anything as I'm testing but if I had spent all this money I would like to think I had more 'help ' if I needed it. So far it's like ' we have your money here's your food get on with it ' and that doesn't seem very good to me.
The website is very good though and easy to use which makes a change. Smile

Report
babylily · 05/11/2014 13:17

Mine arrived this morning and my son is helpfully unpacking it now....

  • What is your first impression of Diet Chef?

Seems all very sensible, and easy to follow. Mentioned it to a few people who had heard good recommendations and results.

  • What do you think of the Diet Chef website?

Colourful, easy to use

  • What are your thoughts on the menus and food choices?

As a vegetarian there was a good choice of meals, the variety of breakfasts is something I am looking forward to. I was glad to see that we still have our 5 a day and low fat dairy in addition to the meals.

  • How did you find the online order process?

Really straightforward and took me all of 10 minutes to select menus and order.

  • What did you think of the delivery options, and what about the delivery service itself?

No complaints. Didn't receive the 1 hour delivery window text, but I was in and had already detailed a safe place to leave the delivery.

  • What are your thoughts on the presentation of the Diet Chef hamper and food items?

It is just a cardboard box rather than a 'hamper', but it was nice to open up and see everything neatly packaged in rows!

  • What do you think of the Diet Guide and website information about how the meal plan works?

Diet guide is to the point and has good advice. The website is good, but I haven't yet found how I find out how many calories I personally need in a day. Will look later when not distracted!

  • Is there anything else you would like to add about your initial experience of Diet Chef?

Nothing to add right now....Looking forward to starting tomorrow!
Report
AngelieMumsnet · 05/11/2014 13:45

Thanks for your comments so far :)

Justnotimaginitive - Diet Chef have said "Thank you very much for your feedback, we’re glad to see that you are overall happy with the product and service so far. Although we are an e-commerce business, we do have a friendly Customer Services Team, who are on hand to help with any questions or issues customers may have, online or over the phone.
Please do not hesitate to contact the team at any point during the test. They are available 8am-8pm Monday-Thursday, 8am-6pm Friday, and 10am-2pm Saturdays and Sundays. Monday-Friday, you can chat with a team member live online, using the LiveHelp link in the top right-hand corner of our website, //www.dietchef.co.uk. Alternatively, if you prefer to speak with someone on the phone, you can call the team Monday-Sunday on: 0333 103 6000.
We also have busy social media networks on Twitter and Facebook, that you can use to engage with other dieters, share comments or feedback, or ask us questions / report problems. We always try our best to get back to social media enquiries within 24 hours (most often sooner) Mon-Fri, and at the weekends where possible. Additionally, our blog – Diet Times – contains our latest news along with customer case studies and lots of useful articles about the diet, our food, and how to make the most of it.”

OP posts:
Report
AngelieMumsnet · 05/11/2014 14:18

babylily - Diet Chef says: “To find out how many calories we recommend you have each day, use the ‘Free Profile & BMI Calculator’ tool on our website homepage (www.dietchef.co.uk). We recommend that you re-enter your details in the tool once for every 7 lbs that you lose – this is because your calorie allowance may well go down as your weight drops. If you have any questions or need help, just contact our Customer Services Team (see contact details in our response to Justnotimaginative above) or get in touch with us on social media. Good luck! :)”

OP posts:
Report
lorka · 06/11/2014 12:23

I have ordered my hamper. The process was extremely easy and the choice of food was really good. I've not heard yet when my package will be delivered but I'll feedback again once it arrives. Smile

Report
Dietcheftester · 06/11/2014 12:29

I have name changed for this as I've just told the world I am testing it and don't want to out my old old posts Grin just found out today I have been selected so I have ordered my packs and will start when they arrive. I found the order process easy but didn't select my own packs I think they are pre-chosen? Or have I messed up already!!

Report
Dietcheftester · 06/11/2014 12:39

Just realised I could have chosen my packs....I was too excited and just ordered! Ah well I might be trying something new I wouldn't have chosen myself anyway.

Report
Roisin · 06/11/2014 18:01

I'm not starting this week as I'm about to run a conference, so will start as soon as I get back.

  • What is your first impression of Diet Chef?

Seems good; very efficient. I hadn't heard of them, but then I don't watch TV and have very little exposure to adverts!

  • What do you think of the Diet Chef website?

Seems good, professional: it worked well for me and was easy to navigate.

  • What are your thoughts on the menus and food choices?

There seemed plenty of choice and variety. I ordered quite a variety, including some things that I wasn't sure about, just to get a wide view of the product.

  • How did you find the online order process?

No problems - very straightforward.

  • What did you think of the delivery options, and what about the delivery service itself?

It was fine. I thought there was suppose to be an option to choose a delivery slot, but I didn't notice this as I went through, so I just got it delivered to work on an appropriate day.

  • What are your thoughts on the presentation of the Diet Chef hamper and food items?

It's a box. The items were well packed and were all present and correct. I would have liked the box to be "top loading" in sections, rather than packed in two layers, so that I could store the food in there and easily get out what I need each day. But the way it is, I have to unpack all the snacks and breakfasts in order to get to the lunches and main meals.

The packaging is pleasing, nicely-branded and looks professional.

  • What do you think of the Diet Guide and website information about how the meal plan works?

The diet guide is clear and I'm sure i can work it out, but I had expected something a bit more detailed; maybe including full examples of a menu for a day, with calorie-counted extras; or personal examples for people on different calorie limits, just for inf. I thought as well there might be a booklet with serving/accompaniment suggestions for each of the menu items : eg tomato soup - serve this with a slice of bread for XX calories, or crispbread for XX, or a salad ... etc. Maybe there is more of is sort of info on the website, I'm not sure, I haven't explored it fully. I hadn't really realised that I would still have to do counting myself, but it won't be a problem. It certainly should make life a lot easier having the main items all calorie counted and ready to prepare.

  • Is there anything else you would like to add about your initial experience of Diet Chef?

Not yet...
Report
Roisin · 06/11/2014 18:11

One thing I'm not clear on: and don't want to unpack the box again to find out. If I have ordered, say chicken jalfrezi which is shown on the website served with rice...

I assume the rice is not in the food pack? So I add it if I want to? But I assume this is then extra calories on top of the 300 that's measured for the meal?

... I'm going to have to unpack the box again and look more closely, aren't I?

Report
babylily · 06/11/2014 18:40

Day one and first impression is that this is going to teach me a lot about portion size! I had macaroni cheese and added salad for dinner and I am still hungry. However, it is a cold miserable day and I have been running around all day. Haven't managed all my 5 a day yet either so I am really looking forward to an apple a bit later!. Only want to lose about 5lbs and feel positive this will be achievable.
Breakfast granola with pink apple was lovely.
Diet times page is really useful for portion sizes and calorie counting. Liked the individual success stories too.
My apple is calling me..

Report
Justnotimaginitive · 07/11/2014 09:16

I'm on day 3 and like babylily it's teaching me a lot about portion size, in other words they are small Smile.

I also only want to lose about 6lb my bmi is 22.5 so I know I'm not over weight but would feel more comfortable with those pounds off.

The weekend is going to be hard I can feel myself itching to eat already I want a takeaway GrinGrin

Report
AngelieMumsnet · 07/11/2014 15:21

To everyone who has fed back so far – Diet Chef says: "Thank you all for your feedback, we really appreciate it and are of course very pleased to see that your first impressions are good, overall! :)"

Roisin – Diet Chef says: "Hi there, thank you for your feedback Roisin – we’re really pleased to see that your initial impressions are mostly good! The curries do not come with rice – the rice on the website / packaging food image is a serving suggestion. You are right though, in that any rice or pasta added to meals would constitute ‘extra calories’. If you are only allowed 1200 calories, you could have the curries with steamed vegetables or a large salad. If you are adding rice, noodles, couscous, pasta etc., we recommend 40g (uncooked weight). You will find lots of useful in formation re added foods, along with examples and calorie content, in our Calorie Guide, which you can download from the FAQs page on our website (see under ‘What other foods should I eat whilst I am on the Diet Chef Diet?’). If you have any further questions, please contact our Customer Services Team, who will be happy to help. :)"

Babylily & Justnotimaginative – Diet Chef says: "The portion sizes can feel small to start with, and customers do sometimes report that they feel hungry between meals when they commence the diet – however, this usually subsides after a few days, as your body gets used to your new eating habits and portions sizes. Remember to drink lots of water (we recommend 8 large glasses per day) as this can help stave off hunger, and add lots of fresh vegetables to your meals!"

OP posts:
Report
Dietcheftester · 07/11/2014 15:32

My packs arrived today, very fast. I will be starting Monday as I have meals planned for this weekend.

  • What is your first impression of Diet Chef?

I like the idea of everything being ready made and just following the plan. I have seen the advert on TV and considered trying it before but was put off by price.

  • What do you think of the Diet Chef website?

Very good. Nice and clear, not confusing. I would be put off with having to set up a subscription instead of buying as and when needed.

  • What are your thoughts on the menus and food choices?

Very good. Plenty of choice and good variety of food.

  • How did you find the online order process?

Easy and straight forward, although in my excitement to order I didn't edit my meals (thought it was a set hamper and didn't realise I could change the packs)

  • What did you think of the delivery options, and what about the delivery service itself?

Delivery options were good and received my hamper next day.


  • What are your thoughts on the presentation of the Diet Chef hamper and food items?

Everything looks good. I will be having everything at home, not sure how I would feel if I had to take packs to work as everyone would see it was diet chef and I personally wouldn't want to advertise I was on a diet.

  • What do you think of the Diet Guide and website information about how the meal plan works?


Both good. The diet guide explains how it works clearly and the website worked out my bmi and stated how many extra calories I can have per day.

  • Is there anything else you would like to add about your initial experience of Diet Chef?

Very happy with everything so far. Look forward to trying the packs.
Report
babylily · 07/11/2014 23:09

Day 2 was easier....mushroom soup was a great big lovely bowl full, had vegetable curry with 40g brown basmati for dinner and it was full of flavour, veggies, and very filling.....however, friday night and a gin and tonic meant a craving for snacks. BIg snack bag of Popcorn and some celery with added chilli flakes made me feel I hadn't cheated too much. I had two crisps stolen from my husband. Usually I would steal a handful or two and conveniently forget.
I am partial to a food diary and a habitual calorie counter but like everyone I probably miscalculate...
I guess overall I am feeling conscious of my food consumption..Hmm

Report
lorka · 08/11/2014 12:51

I received my package yesterday. Thank you Diet Chef and Mumsnet. Grin

  • What is your first impression of Diet Chef?

Easy to follow, calorie controlled and prepared for you which saves on measuring out food, good choice of meals and snacks.

  • What do you think of the Diet Chef website?

Website was straightforward and easy to navigate. Lots of customer stories of weight loss which is encouraging.

  • What are your thoughts on the menus and food choices?

I thought the food choices were great. Lots that appealled to me. I also like the fact that you can still eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day as well as 2 portions of dairy.

  • How did you find the online order process?

Really quick and easy.

  • What did you think of the delivery options, and what about the delivery service itself?

Delivery was 2 days after ordering. I received an e-mail to let me know when it was going to arrive. I wasn't in when it arrived but my neighbour took it in.

  • What are your thoughts on the presentation of the Diet Chef hamper and food items?

Well packaged and neatly packed in rows.

  • What do you think of the Diet Guide and website information about how the meal plan works?

Easy to follow and the guide has calorie details on the back for food you may supplement the plan with. I have worked out my calorie intake on the Diet Chef website so the guide will be a useful tool.

  • Is there anything else you would like to add about your initial experience of Diet Chef?

Very happy with everything so far. Looking forward to trying out the different meals/snacks.
Report
MommyVan · 09/11/2014 20:09

Hi there

My pack arrived on Wednesday but I only started the diet today as I was waiting to get a boozy dinner out of the way!

  • What is your first impression of Diet Chef? I had already heard of the company, thought the concept was good, and thus far dealings with them and the products themselves have been great - all positive!
  • What do you think of the Diet Chef website? Seemed good; haven't fully explored the tips etc yet but I will be!
  • What are your thoughts on the menus and food choices? Very extensive, more so than I had expected. Liked the fact that there were some "grab and go" items for breakfast as this is often how I roll.
  • How did you find the online order process? Thought it was ok, but I got a message afterwards to say my address had not been entered (it had). Could no down to my slightly unreliable ipad. Angelie Mumsnet sorted it very quickly anyway.
  • What did you think of the delivery options, and what about the delivery service itself? Absolutely great, was given a one hour slot. We have workmen in the house at the moment so I let them accept the delivery.
  • What are your thoughts on the presentation of the Diet Chef hamper and food items? As others noted, it's a largish cardboard box and i think "hamper" is pushing it a bit - but it doesn't matter in the slightest, the important thing is the contents and it was quite exciting to open it up and put everything away. I liked the way the different courses/snacks were is separate compartments, would have been an organisational challenge otherwise!
  • What do you think of the Diet Guide and website information about how the meal plan works? Haven't fully explored yet, and I need to as I do a fair amount of exercise. Will report back next time! I am also using myfitnesspal so that might suffice.
  • Is there anything else you would like to add about your initial experience of Diet Chef? I'm one day into the diet and so far not been too hungry. Had a muesli bar for breakfast after taking 2 of my DC swimming, and it was great! Mushroom soup for lunch, a protein bar, and then chicken curry for tea with lots of veg. Also snacked on fruit. No complaints at all - the items I've tried have a lot tasted better than I had anticipated.
Report
SunshineDaisiesButterMellow · 10/11/2014 17:55
  • My first impression of diet chef was a good one. I saw the adverts on tv and was intrigued but was put off because of the price.

    *The website was easy to navigate although I haven't looked at all of it yet.

    *I was happy with the choices of meals on the website. There were a few meals I couldn't eat as I don't like pork so just substituted it for what I did like. I was impressed by how many different meals there were.
    I would have liked different snack choices as I didn't like a lot of them.

  • Ordering was very easy. Although I was sure I put my address in diet chef said I didn't but a quick email and Angelie sorted it.

  • Quick delivery with an email saying when it would arrive.

  • All the food aS in a box arranged by meal type so it was easy to see what was what.

  • All the information was on the website and the leaflets in the box

    Today was my first day and I am pretty impressed with the meals. I had a chocolate museli bar for breakfast, spicy tomato and beef soup for lunch with a piece of toast. And had a cookie for a snack. Have to have dinner soon and I am looking forward to it as I'm very hungry right now. The food is tastier than I was expecting.
Report
micah · 12/11/2014 10:50

I'd not heard of Diet chef before this. I've had a nightmare few weeks so haven't even looked at the website.

Finally got round to doing my order yesterday. Followed the link, made some changes, easy. Then got an email saying my surname and address hadn't been registered- I definitely filled in the forms.

First glance I was really impressed, easy to alter and order. Menu choices are good, I only eat limited meat and no fish, but I could adjust to accommodate that.

I made the assumption that the hamper provides everything for the 28 days, but reading this thread it seems you can/need to add stuff like rice to curries, fruit, veg etc? So it's not as no-brainer as I thought, I still need to calculate my calorie needs and work out what I can have "extra".

So my only concerns so far are if I can add my own food I'll go overboard or underestimate calories, which is probably why I'm not losing weight on my own and why I thought diet chef might work if I,m told exactly what to eat. I'm also thinking of how I can fit it in with family meals, especially feeding DH.

Off to do some research!

Report
Justnotimaginitive · 12/11/2014 16:25

Day 7 today, I've not weighed in so will do later and report back.

I'm finding it relatively easy and the dinner meals despite not looking great do taste quite nice.
I don't actually eat lunch ever so will use some of the lunches as dinners a bit further in but I am actually enjoying it , the popcorn is amazing and I wish i had ordered just popcorn as snacks BlushGrin

I am able to have about 300 calories more as I exercise 5 times a week so that is helping with the additional extras for dinners.

I didn't stick to it at the weekend at all so I am actually on day 5 and if I don't lose weight it's not diet chefs fault SmileSmileGrinGrin

Report
SunshineDaisiesButterMellow · 13/11/2014 20:35

Hi there, I'm going to ask an extremely daft question and hope someone can answer.
I ordered the chocolate muesli for breakfast but don't know how to eat it. Do I just eat it plain? Or pour milk on it?
I've never had muesli before.

Report
lorka · 13/11/2014 21:50

Hi I ate my chocolate muesli with milk and a banana. It was rather tasty!! Smile

Report

Don’t want to miss threads like this?

Weekly

Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

babylily · 13/11/2014 21:54

Add skimmed milk, sunshine. It counts towards part of your daily dairy allowance too.
I weighed today and have lost 1.5 lbs. Considering I only want to lose a few pounds and had a takeaway and wine at the weekend I am extremely happy. Love the soups at lunchtime and the daal and curries have gone down a treat. I feel very conscious of what I am eating and will be interested to see how the next few weeks go.
loving the savoury snacks too, the cereal bars are a bit sweet and insubstantial for me.
I run and have a pretty active daily life and I am managing to maintain necessary energy levels.

Report
SunshineDaisiesButterMellow · 14/11/2014 06:21

Thank you both. I will be trying it this morning.
Day 5 today and its going well so far.

Report
MommyVan · 16/11/2014 12:03

I'm a week in and have lost 1lb - fingers crossed that is down to diet and not general fluctuation...!

Most days finding the diet easy to follow, only mild complaint is that the dinners have a lot of sauce - if I have them with broccoli instead of rice then it becomes a bit soupy.

I'm trying to stick to 1,200 cals per day. Also eating more fruit and veg than before which is a good habit to get into.

I have 2 days away this week on a residential course so will just be calorie counting instead of Diet Chefing, slightly worried about that and will be trying to avoid the wine at dinner.

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.