By Ally Morrison
With a new year comes new goals, new fitness routines and new healthy diets. Eating healthy is one of the top-ranked new year’s resolutions, especially for those discovering dietary restrictions, those wanting to refrain from fast food or those wanting to eliminate sugar and processed goods.
Originally established as a healthy bakery in Bluff Park called Consider It Joy Baking, the now Joyful Food Co. is a Hoover-based meal plan company that provides healthy meal options in an accessible way.
Owners Elizabeth Wood and Rebecca Wanagat re-branded the company in January 2017 when the menu expanded beyond baked goods. In May 2020, Joyful Food Co. opened its second location, in the Crestline Park area of Birmingham.
“I started the company as a small specialty bakery. Customers immediately began asking for more options,” Wood said. “Our vision grew out of what we were already doing for our families at home. We offer delicious meals made with high-quality ingredients.”
Joyful Food Co. offers a variety of food items in store for ordering an on-the-go lunch, in addition to providing pre-cooked family meals for pickup or local delivery.
The menu was created by both owners and is based heavily on meals from their childhood.
“Our chicken pot pie and meatloaf are comforting favorites from our childhood made healthier. We also offer a Swiss cake roll and nacho cheese based on after-school snacks from the ‘90s,” Wood said.
Pre-cooked meals include items such as bento boxes, organic salads, fresh meat options and frozen family meals. Nearly the entire menu can be catered to dietary needs such as gluten or lactose intolerances. The menu has also been certified by the Whole30 organization.
Wood and Wanagat pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients such as local grass-fed beef, organic chicken and free-range eggs. All food prepared is made without artificial ingredients or preservatives, and all bakery items are made with natural sweeteners.
Wood discusses the main mission of Joyful Food Co. by stating, “We want people with dietary restrictions or health goals to enjoy dishes while not having to compromise on quality. We want to feed our customers the same way we feed our family: delicious meals made with simple clean ingredients.”
Joyful Food Co. offers an option for healthy eating while not having to sacrifice time and money to live a healthier lifestyle. Both locations are open seven days a week and provide convenient local delivery on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Joyful Food Co. has two locations. The Bluff Park store is at 759 Shades Mountain Plaza, Hoover. The Crestline Location is at 4500 Montevallo Road, Suite E104.
For more information, visit www.thejoyfulfoodco.com.
