If you’re working toward weight loss with medication to support your goals, you probably already know: food just isn’t the same. For me, it looks like an appetite that’s gone way down and a total downshift in my cravings. But somehow, figuring out what to eat still feels like a whole thing.
Personally, I went from obsessing over every snack and craving… to forgetting to eat. Then getting overwhelmed when I did remember. The idea of cooking a full meal, with the additional parameters of meeting my new lifestyle’s goals? I didn’t know where to begin. I needed something satisfying and low-effort, without the angst of whether I’m doing this right. That’s when I found Tovala, and it completely changed how I eat day-to-day. I could trust what was on my plate.
The smart oven that got me back into the kitchen (without actually cooking)
Tovala is a countertop smart oven that basically thinks for you. It pairs with a chef-curated meal service, and all you have to do to cook is scan the meal’s QR code on the oven and press start. No prep, no thermometers, no “how long does chicken take to bake again?” The oven does it all. But in particular, the way it cooks meat—juicy, tender, and how meat is meant to be cooked—is making my protein goals easier to meet than I could’ve dreamed. Knowing I don’t have to settle for rubbery reheated microwave chicken to fuel my body appropriately is my Roman Empire.
I was skeptical at first. But after one week, I was hooked. Here’s why this little oven became a non-negotiable part of my routine:
1. Total relief from “what’s for dinner?” stress
I used to waste so much brainpower trying to plan, shop, and prep meals, which of course made it way easier to just grab something random or snack instead. With Tovala, I choose my meals for the week ahead (takes 5 minutes), and they show up at my door, ready to go in the oven with just one minute of prep.
Now, when I remember I need to eat (usually later than I should 🙃), I just toss one in and go back to whatever I was doing. It’s a pass from the chopping, cleaning, and decision-making that scare me away from the kitchen.
2. Perfect portions for my appetite now
Since starting my medication, my hunger cues are totally different. Some days I eat half a portion, others I finish the whole thing—but what I love is that Tovala meals are already perfectly portioned for one, and their GLP-1 Balanced meals are chef-designed to reduce that pesky bloating and constipation. This means I can mindlessly eat what’s on my plate without worrying about portioning, waste, or guilt about what’s left on the plate. It fits with how I eat now.
3. Protein-rich, actually good meals
One of my goals is to keep my protein up, which can be weirdly hard when you’re not that hungry. Tovala makes this so simple. Their menu is packed with high-protein, nutrient-dense options. Every meal on their GLP-1 menu offers 35+ grams of real protein, aka from quality steak, chicken, and seafood. Some of my favorites so far are the Chicken Tikka Masala (impeccably seasoned), Red Wine-Braised Filet Mignon (yes, in my own kitchen!), and Blackened Chicken Breast with Maple Dijon Kale Salad (a perfectly uncomplicated meal). Not having to meal prep, track, or calculate is a huge relief. The macros are right there, and I know I’m getting what I need.
4. Minimal cleanup = maximum win
This might sound small, but I can’t overstate it: Tovala meals cook in their own recyclable trays, so there’s almost no cleanup. For me, that’s the difference between actually eating or deciding it’s too much effort. It makes staying consistent feel easy, even on low-energy days.
5. This does everything, beyond the meal service
Tovala isn’t just a “meal re-heater”—it’s a full-on smart oven with settings for steam, bake, broil, toast, and reheat. You can use it for anything including frozen foods, leftovers, even your own recipes if you’re feeling fancy. But the feature I’m all about is the Scan-to-Cook function.
Just scan the code on your Tovala meal and the oven sets the time and temp automatically. It’s push-button easy, and somehow it comes out perfectly every time.
Bottom line: Tovala just makes life easier.
If you’re navigating the same shifts in appetite, energy, and mindset that I am, you’ve got to try Tovala. It keeps me nourished without draining my battery. It supports my goals without making food the center of my day. And it gives me back time and energy I didn’t realize I was expending worrying whether I was getting my GLP-1 dietary needs “right.” I can’t recommend Tovala enough.
