Food is my passion, my joy, and my vice. I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted, but after the birth of my second child, I couldn’t lose the baby weight, and I’ve gained a little more every year. Recently, my doctor told me that I’m pre-diabetic and for the sake of my health, I needed to get serious about weight loss once and for all. I knew I needed to finally tackle the 40-plus pounds of extra weight, but between work, managing my kids’ activities, and cooking for the whole family, I just didn’t have the energy to figure out a whole separate menu, let alone count calories. When I heard about BistroMD, a doctor-developed weight loss plan with high-quality meals, I was intrigued. Once I saw that I could test it for a week with no commitment, I decided to give it a try. BistroMD is a weight loss program that delivers healthy, chef-made meals that contain a carefully balanced ratio of macronutrients designed to boost your metabolism and jumpstart healthy weight loss. Developed by Caroline J. Cederquist, M.D., a board certified bariatric physician who has spent more than 20 years helping patients achieve and maintain weight loss, BistroMD differs from other diet programs. It emphasizes a scientific understanding of food combinations, as opposed to calorie counting and restricting portions, to embrace better health.
How it Boosts Your Wellness
When you join, you first select a program, depending on your gender and/or medical condition — there are different plans for men and women of specific age groups, as well as people with specific health concerns. A registered dietician customizes your meal plan according to your personal situation, and you are encouraged to speak with him or her at any time to discuss the plan and ask nutritional questions. BistroMD is beneficial for anyone who is look for a weight loss program but doesn’t have the time to plan or cook meals. The service offers more than 150 entrees, and people with diabetes or any other health concern will appreciate the unlimited access to a registered dietician. I’m happy to report that BistroMD understands the unique challenges of being a woman of a certain age. The meal plan specifically designed for women approaching, or in the middle of, menopause is ideal for addressing the weight gain that is typical once you reach your 40s. BistroMD also recommends you include exercise as part of your new healthier lifestyle, and a fitness expert is available to provide tips and virtual support to help you create a fitness program. Other tools and support you receive as part of the program include webinars from BistroMD experts, and newsletters filled with weight-loss tips.
How it Makes Wellness Possible
Did I mention that I have a lot on my plate? BistroMD feels like a gift in my busy life. The frozen meals are surprisingly delicious, and they heat up in less than five minutes. During the first couple of weeks, I was worried that I’d cheat, so I ordered the meals for all seven days. The amazing thing was that the food wasn’t restrictive at all. For breakfast, I was enjoying bagels, cheese omelettes, and turkey sausage. For lunch, I could have blackened tilapia with red pepper coulis, sloppy joes with cabbage slaw, or chipotle pineapple smoked pork tacos. Dinner runs the gamut from grilled salmon with lemon dijon dressing to turkey breast with cranberry chutney and wild rice, or hickory smoked barbecue beef with yukon gold potatoes. The plan even offers treats like chocolate gelato and cheesecake. The first week, I lost three pounds, and two more the following week. I’ve had no pain on this diet. I feel lighter, and I’m seeing my waistline again, one month and 11 fewer pounds later. The big question is, is it sustainable, and will the weight come back when I’m no longer on the program? To me, BistroMD’s value goes way beyond the meals. I feel like I’m taking a master class on how to eat properly. For example, the portion sizes I was used to were way too big. And I’m learning that different food combinations offer more efficient ways to fill up. I’ve also learned that sometimes it’s better to have more fat, not less. Between the diet and fitness coaches, dieticians, the webinars, the newsletter, and even the customer service team, I feel like I’m getting an incredible amount of information and support. Although I’m doing this on my own, I have a virtual community on the same journey as me on the BistroMD Facebook page. We’re a community, and we keep one another accountable.
How Much Does it Cost?
BistroMD’s plan is extremely flexible, allowing you to cancel or put your service on hold at any time (there’s a weekly deadline to pay attention to for changes to menus or cancellation), and there’s no long-term contract. The company also offers a satisfaction guarantee — if there’s a problem with an item in your delivery, they’ll do their best to make it right or refund the cost. Plans range from $119.95 a week (5 days of lunch and dinner) to $179.95 a week (7 days with all meals, including snacks). The first week is 25 percent off, (so between $89.96 and $134.96), plus there’s an extra 5 percent off coupon code offered on the site. If you think about the cost of all of your own meals versus this option, this is an incredible value.
The Bottom Line
With its evidence-based nutritional program, hundreds of positive reviews, personalized meal plans, and chef-prepared menu, BistroMD is a great choice for someone who wants to remove the hassle of planning and prepping meals from their weight-loss journey. The customer service can’t be beat, and the site’s extensive nutritional library offers support and guidance for long-term weight-loss maintenance. Learn more at BistroMD.com.
The Competition
Medifast offers protein-packed, nutritionally balanced meals for weight loss, and provides meal options for customers with diabetes, and those with special dietary requirements for conditions like gluten or soy intolerance. Nutrisystem also delivers portioned breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks to subscribers looking to eat healthier to help keep the weight off.
