If you need help losing weight but aren’t sure where to begin, a meal delivery service can offer convenient, calorie-controlled meals. BistroMD provides over 150 doctor-approved meals delivered straight to your door. Whether you follow a specific diet like vegetarian, gluten-free, diabetes-friendly, or keto, BistroMD can support your weight loss plan.
Losing weight and keeping it off can be challenging for many, with both genetic and lifestyle factors influencing how well people manage their weight. (1) Following a regular exercise routine and prioritizing a well-rounded, nutritious diet can help. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight or simply improve your overall health, BistroMD may be the right meal service for you.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
BistroMD
Key product features
What you should know
BistroMD offers over 150 frozen meals you can quickly heat and eat when pressed for time.
- We like that BistroMD offers tailored plans for specific populations, including diabetics and menopausal women seeking weight control.
- The starting price for a BistroMD meal is $11, and shipping is $19.95, which is more expensive than other services on the market.
- BistroMD is great for busy people who want accessible, nutritionally-balanced meals to help them manage their weight.
What is BistroMD?
BistroMD, founded by physician Caroline J. Cederquist in 2005, is a USDA-approved meal service offering over 150 frozen, ready-to-eat meals.
Designed for weight loss, each meal is carefully balanced with the following breakdown:
- 30% fats
- 40% protein
- 30% carbs
With about 25 grams of protein per meal, BistroMD aims to maximize weight loss and muscle gain through strategic macro timing. (2, 3)
Based in Naples, Florida, BistroMD ships nationwide from centers in Indiana and Nevada. Meals arrive within six business days via FedEx, packed in recyclable boxes with dry ice to ensure freshness. Being that it takes six days, it’s important to prepare ahead when ordering meals.
Specs
| Starting price | $11 |
| Shipping cost | $19.95 |
| Shipping area | Continental U.S. |
| Meal type | Prepared meals |
| Number of meals per week | 10 to 20 meals |
| Meal options | Diabetes-friendly, gluten-free friendly, menopause-support, keto, heart-healthy, vegan, and vegetarian |
| Cancellation method | Online |
How does BistroMD work?
To get started with BistroMD, you’ll take a quiz on the company’s website that will lead you to create a custom program tailored to specific weight-loss goals, gender, emotional readiness, and any other important health factors like diabetes or perimenopause.
New subscribers can choose a five- or seven-day weekly program and enjoy a promotional offer of 40% off plus free shipping, saving up to $107.87 on the first week. This offer is valid until December 31, 2024. FedEx delivers from Wednesday to Saturday, and you’ll receive a tracking number after placing your order. While you can’t select a specific delivery time, tracking allows you to monitor your package. Keep in mind, there’s a minimum order of 10 meals per week, which might be more than you need.
BistroMD meal options
BistroMD provides a wide selection of meals, covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. With more than 150 chef-prepared dishes, they offer specialized meal plans tailored to different needs, such as heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly, gluten-free, keto-flex, and vegan. They even have specific plans for men, women, and menopause.
For instance, the heart-healthy menu includes meals like a Western egg scramble, grilled salmon with creamy pesto, and butternut squash with chicken meatballs. Snacks like protein-packed chocolate peanut butter energy bars help keep you satisfied between meals. (4) According to BistroMD, all meals are free from trans fats, MSG, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame.
BistroMD’s menopause program is packed with low-carb meals designed for women experiencing weight gain due to mid-life changes. This stage of life brings an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, as insulin resistance declines, making it more difficult for the body to convert glucose into energy. (5)
“Higher protein and fat intake is often found to be beneficial for those who are going through menopause.”
Victoria Burgess, PhD, CSCS, CISSN, Fortune Recommends Advisor
Our tester appreciated the meal combinations, which featured lean proteins, complex carbs, and vegetables. She enjoyed the flavors overall, though she felt the vegetables could have used a bit more cooking time to suit her taste.
Counting calories with BistroMD
BistroMD meals are designed as part of a low-calorie program, with some meals containing fewer than 300 calories. Our tester was concerned that these smaller portions might not be filling for everyone, which would mean they would have to include snacks or more than three meals a day to reach a higher calorie count. For those on the women’s plan, BistroMD will send meals that add up to 1,200 calories for the day, while the men’s plan offers 1,400 calories. Many dietitians and nutritionists will note that this calorie maximum isn’t sustainable for the long-term. We recommend checking with a registered dietitian before making any dramatic nutritional changes, including greatly reducing your daily calorie intake.
To safely lose about one pound per week, you need to create a daily calorie deficit of 500 from your total daily energy expenditure. (6)
For additional support, BistroMD offers blog posts from registered dietitians, covering topics like How to Count Calories and 10 Health Benefits of Walking. You can also join their Facebook group, which has over 15,300 members, to find accountability partners.
A healthy weight loss plan should also include some sort of physical activity and exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. (7) If you’re still exploring options, one of the best weight loss programs for 2024 may be helpful in accomplishing your goals.
Customer service
If you need help with your BistroMD order or have questions, you can reach customer service at 866-401-3438, Monday through Friday 8 AM through 8 PM EST, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM EST. You can also email customer service or seek dietitian support at customerservice@bistromd.com.
BistroMD weight loss medications
In addition to their low-calorie meal plans, BistroMD now offers GLP-1 medications, which are designed to help regulate glucose levels for those with diabetes and aid in weight loss. These medications are designed to help you feel fuller for longer by managing insulin levels. (8) To determine if you’re eligible, BistroMD will guide you through a quiz about your health, including your height, weight, and weight loss goals. If eligible, they’ll connect you with a telehealth service for further medical evaluation. It’s important to consult with a doctor to ensure this option is safe and appropriate for you.
BistroMD vs Nutrisystem
Both BistroMD and Nutrisystem offer low-calorie, diabetes-friendly, and low-carb meal options, including high-protein meals designed for weight loss, especially for women in menopause.
BistroMD meals start at $11, while Nutrisystem’s start at $9.86. BistroMD stands out with one of the priciest shipping rates in the meal delivery market at $19.95, while Nutrisystem offers free shipping on orders over $50. While we haven’t had the opportunity to test BistroMD’s meals yet, reviewers note that they look appealing and can be heated in the oven, which often results in better texture for proteins and vegetables compared to microwaving.
Our tester found Nutrisystem’s meals to be underwhelming. The vegetables were soggy, the meats chewy, and a microwaved hamburger was particularly disappointing. Additionally, the meals left her feeling hungry, due to such a lower calorie count. As someone who dislikes stevia, she couldn’t tolerate Nutrisystem’s meal replacement shakes either.
Unlike BistroMD, Nutrisystem offers coaches to guide you through your weight loss journey. These coaches are individuals who have successfully lost weight using the program, though they are not registered dietitians. In contrast, BistroMD provides access to registered dietitians via email for personalized nutrition support.
Nutrisystem also offers the Numi app, which includes home exercises, macronutrient tracking, water intake monitoring, and reminders to log meals. The app also features healthy recipes to try at home. Nutrisystem claims users can lose up to seven pounds in the first week, which exceeds the Mayo Clinic’s recommendation of one to two pounds per week for safe weight loss. (9)
What customers are saying
BistroMD has received 590 reviews on Trustpilot and gets 3.4 out of 5 stars. Verified reviewers give mixed reviews on the food and the customer service. Some really like both, while others feel the quality of the food has gone down.
“I joined BistroMD a few months ago. It was part of a larger commitment I made to myself during the pandemic to focus on my health. Since starting, I have regained a bit more control over a key aspect of my life—what I eat! The meals have retrained my eye to healthy portions, reduced the amount of processed food I am consuming and “encouraged” me to have helpings of vegetables every day. Thanks to all the folks at BistroMD who have contributed to my ongoing success. I’m really on my way to better health!”
Jennifer H., Trustpilot
However, there are more than a few complaints about the quality and taste of the food. Here’s one from a verified reviewer named Susan.
“I personally have used a couple of food delivery companies over the years… I tried BistroMD because, as a post-pandemic couch potato, I wanted to lose some weight. I have had a couple of weeks of their food service now. The food is really awful, tasteless or bland, combo flavors don’t work well either.”
We’ve featured BistroMD in:
- The 13 Best Meal Delivery Services, Reviewed By a Registered Dietitian
- Best Keto Meal Delivery Services
Who BistroMD is recommended for:
- People who don’t want to cook
- People who want to lose weight but don’t want to create a meal plan
- Women going through menopause
- People with diabetes
Who BistroMD is not recommended for:
- People on a tight budget
- People with food allergies
- People who want to swap out ingredients in a meal
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding who may need more calories than some of the BistroMD provide.
Expert opinion
According to Victoria Burgess, PhD, CSCS, CISSN, BistroMD’s meals are well-rounded, though they provide the possibility of customers undereating, which is an issue.
“Creating a deficit is important when trying to lose weight,” she notes, “but it’s also equally important to make sure you aren’t under consuming calories and creating too much deficit.”
BistroMD vs. competitors
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| BistroMD | Everyplate | Marley Spoon | Hungryroot | Blue Apron | |
| Rating | |||||
| Starting cost per serving | $11 | $5.99 | $10.99 | $9.69 | $7.99 |
| Shipping cost | $19.95 | $10.99 | $11.99 | $6.99 for orders under $70; otherwise free | $10.99 |
| Shipping area | Continental U.S. | Continental U.S. | Continental U.S. | Continental U.S. | Continental U.S. |
BistroMD provides a variety of doctor-designed meal plans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, specifically aimed at supporting weight loss. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, EveryPlate might be a great alternative. Their menu includes comfort food favorites like burgers and crispy chicken, alongside lighter choices like zucchini spaghetti with mushrooms, allowing you to enjoy a balanced weekly meal plan.
For those who love Martha Stewart’s recipes, Marley Spoon offers meal kits and prepared meals inspired by her collection. This service provides a variety of options, including low-calorie, low-carb, gluten-free, quick and easy, vegetarian, vegan, and keto-friendly meals. The current menu includes American, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, and Japanese dishes.
If you’re looking for a meal kit service with organic ingredients and groceries, Hungryroot could be a solid choice. Their veggies come pre-washed and pre-cut, saving you time on prep when you’re in a rush.
Blue Apron is ideal for those who want a mix of meal kits and pre-made meals from a single service. Each week, Blue Apron pre-selects your meals, but you can easily swap them out for dishes you prefer.
FAQs
Is BistroMD worth it?
Yes, BistroMD is a great option if you’re short on time but still focused on weight loss. It simplifies meal prep by handling the carb, calorie, and fat counting for you. Plus, it’s customizable for various dietary needs, including people with diabetes, with all meals being low in calories.
Are BistroMD meals frozen?
Yes, BistroMD meals are frozen and shipped with dry ice to keep them cold. You can either thaw them in the refrigerator, heat them right away in the microwave, or warm them up in the oven.
What do BistroMD meals cost?
BistroMD meals range from $11 to $14.99 each, with a flat shipping fee of $19.95.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN
Victoria Burgess earned her Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and holds her NSCA CSCS and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). She is an adjunct professor in the Human Performance and Nutrition department at Concordia University Chicago & Parker University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level courses.
Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Lily Moe
Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Lauren Evoy Davis
Fortune Recommends Staff Writer
About Author
Lauren Evoy Davis is a health journalist with expertise in cancer and other chronic conditions. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from American University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Elon University. Her work has been published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, National Council on Aging, HelpGuide WebMD, Everyday Health and Verizon. She tests meal kits, meal delivery services, and fitness apps. When not writing or reading, Lauren enjoys paddle boarding on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, weightlifting, and gardening.