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    3 Meal Subscription Services That Plan Your Meal For You

    By | Shine Food – Mon, Jul 11, 2011 10:41 PM EDT

    Photo: ThinkstockPhoto: ThinkstockBy Lynn Andriani

    Sometimes we just need someone to tell us what to do. Whether it's a big decision (should we buy this house?) or a small one (what should I wear today?), it can be a lot easier when you can just take a directive and go with it, rather than agonizing over the options. That's the idea behind meal plan subscription services. They aim to make planning a week's worth of dinners less daunting, especially for cooks who are more about following recipes than just winging it based on what's in the fridge. Getting a shopping list in their in-box and instructions on what to do and when to do it makes the job a lot less stressful.

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    If you...live near a farm or greenmarket, or participate in a CSA, try Lilly's Table.
    What you'll pay: $12/month
    What you'll get: Healthy, vegetable-heavy meals with an emphasis on what's in season right now.
    What you might make for dinner: Strawberry Cucumber Gazpacho, Warm Dandelion-Sweet Potato Salad

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    If you...follow a gluten-free diet but don't want to eat prepackaged food, try The Fresh 20.
    What you'll pay: $5/month
    What you'll get: A gluten-free plan that promises five meals using just 20 fresh, seasonal ingredients per week.
    What you might make for dinner: Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Easy Potato Salad and Caramel Apple Cups

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    If you...are on a budget and shop at large chain grocery stores, try E-Mealz.
    What you'll pay: $5/month
    What you'll get: Cost-conscious dinners made with food from name-brand stores (Kroger, Publix, Wal-Mart and others-or just choose "any store").
    What you might make for dinner: Balsamic Pork Chops with Rice Pilaf and Buttery Corn

    RELATED: 10 Mouthwatering Recipes for Sweet Summer Meals

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