Okay, deep breath—because I’m about to say something that I haven’t always felt comfortable admitting out loud.

I love being vegan. Like, truly, deeply, passionately love it.

But… I hate cooking.

Yep. I said it. It’s out there.

I know, I know. Aren’t vegans supposed to be whipping up chickpea flour pancakes and batch-prepping quinoa bowls with hand-massaged kale and homemade tahini dressing on Sunday afternoons?

That’s never been me.

I used to feel so much guilt around this. Like, somehow, not liking to cook meant I was failing as a “real” vegan. I’d see gorgeous Instagram plates with perfectly grilled tofu and colorful roasted veggies and think, “Why don’t I want to do that?”

And here’s the thing—I tried! I’ve gone through all the phases. The “I’m gonna meal prep this week” phase. The “just keep it simple with smoothies and salads” phase. Even the “maybe I just need a new pan” phase. (Spoiler: it was not the pan.)

Eventually, I had to accept the truth: I love being plant-based. I love how it makes me feel. I love the ethics behind it. I love raising my kids this way. But spending an hour chopping, sautéing, blending, and washing up after? No. Thank you.

Enter: My Mealtime Hero

And that’s when I found Thistle.

Let me just pause here and say: I am not the kind of person who casually recommends things. I’m a recovering perfectionist, okay? I over-research everything, compare prices like it’s a sport, and Google “vegan meal delivery reviews” like it’s my part-time job.

But after hearing about Thistle for the third time in a week from three totally different people (and watching one of them devour a salad that literally looked like it came from a Michelin-starred restaurant), I thought: “Alright, universe. I’m listening.”

I signed up. And I was hooked. Fast.

Like, three bites into my first salad and I was texting my friend:
“OK WHY IS THIS SO GOOD?? WHAT IS THIS DRESSING??” (Yes, all caps were involved.)

What I Actually Get Each Week

Every week, I get meals delivered straight to my door—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That’s three healthy, plant-based, protein-packed, colorful meals a day. No grocery store. No meal planning. No wondering, “What the heck am I gonna eat tonight?” I also can opt in to snacks, juices, and desserts. YUM!

The meals are already made. All I have to do is heat them up (if needed) or just dig in. My fridge is stocked, my mind is at ease, and I’m not living on toast and hummus anymore.

And y’all. The food? It’s legit good.

Like, not “meh, it’s healthy, so I’ll choke it down” good. I’m talking bold flavors, incredible sauces, unexpected combos, and vegetables I’d never think to pair together—but somehow work perfectly.

My Absolute Favorites

Okay, let’s get into the fun stuff. These are the Thistle meals I get way too excited about:

• The salads – I am not exaggerating when I say I’ve become obsessed with their salads. Every single one has something crunchy, something creamy, sometimes a little spicy, and a dressing that deserves its own fan club.
• The hot bowls – Think warm lentils with Moroccan-spiced veggies, jasmine rice with sesame tofu, and stews that make you feel like you’re eating in a cozy vegan cafe—even if you’re in your pajamas.
• Breakfast – Smoothie bowls, chia puddings, protein-packed oats… my mornings are officially delicious and drama-free. And these more than satisfy my sweet tooth!

Oh—and did I mention they label the macros? So if you’re one of those people who wonders “Am I getting enough protein?” (especially on a vegan diet), Thistle makes it really easy to see what you’re getting with every bite. No tracking, no apps. Just simple, honest info.

Why This Works for Me (and Maybe for You Too)

I want to say this clearly, because I think someone needs to hear it (and past-me definitely needed to hear it):

You can love being vegan and not love cooking.
You can care deeply about your health and still need support.
You can be smart and organized and still have too much going on to make beautiful Buddha bowls every day.

That’s not failure. That’s life.

And for me, Thistle is the thing that bridges the gap. It’s the thing that lets me live this lifestyle without burning out on it. It’s how I stay nourished, energized, and excited about food—without the stress.

It’s how I’ve stopped playing the “what’s for dinner” guessing game. It’s how I’ve stopped wasting veggies in the back of the fridge. It’s how I’ve started actually looking forward to meals again—because I know they’re going to be delicious.

And bonus: my kids steal bites from my meals now. Even my toddler has a favorite salad (she calls it “the crunchy green one with sprinkles”—aka seeds).

For Anyone Who’s Curious (or Struggling)

If you’ve been feeling the same way—loving your vegan lifestyle but not loving the work it sometimes takes—I see you. And if you’ve been wondering whether Thistle is worth trying? This is your sign.

You can get $120 off using my link here.

Honestly, it’s been a game-changer for me. And it might be for you, too.

You deserve meals that feel good, taste good, and make your life easier—not harder.

And if a beautifully packed salad that shows up on your doorstep can do that? I say bring it on.

TL;DR?

If you’re short on time, tired of cooking, or just want to eat better without the stress:
Thistle. Is. Everything.

And yes, it’s 100% vegan. (And gluten-free!) And yes, it’s actually that good.

Here’s that link again to get $120 off—because you deserve meals that are as nourishing as your values without the burnout.

Let this be your permission slip to skip the chopping, the prep, and the guilt—and still show up for yourself, fully fed and totally thriving.

Because being vegan doesn’t have to mean being in the kitchen 24/7.
It can mean ease. Joy. And yes—even obsession-worthy salads.

Trust me—you’re gonna love this.

This post contains an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small thank-you from Thistle if you sign up using it. But all thoughts, opinions, and salad lovefests are totally my own.