BistroMD Review

About BistroMD

BistroMD is a meal delivery service that promotes weight loss through healthy and sustainable eating. Featured on NBC and Dr. Phil, BistroMD has helped people on a spectrum of dietary preferences to achieve their fitness goals for 16 years.

Obesity and overweight are increasing worldwide, having almost tripled since 1975^[1]. In 2019, the CDC^[2] reported that 42.5% of U.S. adults were obese, and 31.1% were overweight. For those committed to losing weight, evidence suggests that packaged prepared meals can help them achieve the goal.

Interestingly, a trial conducted at the University of Illinois compared the efficacy of two weight-loss diets with the same composition and amount of total calories. Sixty women with overweight and obesity participated in the study. Half of them received packaged portion-controlled meals^[3], while the other half selected their portions according to the guidance provided. 

After two months, the portion-controlled group showed a greater weight and body fat loss. Looks like the pre-packaged, portion-controlled meals worked! 

This BistroMD review will detail the effectiveness of BistroMD meals, how their delivery works, whether or not their customers are satisfied, pricing details, and much more. We’ll help you decide if the service is right for you.

Overview of BistroMD

Founded in 2005 by Dr. Cederquist, BistroMD is now a top-rated diet meal delivery service that supports balanced and nutritious diets. Their registered dietitians ensure that each meal not only has the freshest possible ingredients, but is also tasty and helps you reach optimal wellbeing.

The science behind BistroMD’s meal design is based on macronutrients. Essentially, Dr. Cederquist realized that metabolic dysfunction is a leading cause of weight gain, and also the reason why those excess pounds are so difficult to lose. If you balance BistroMD with a long-term and disciplined mindset, you are certain to see results. 

With the company’s origins explained, this BistroMD review will now give you a breakdown of some highlights:

Highlights

• The brand offers six meal programs to meet your health and weight loss needs.
• Designed by a doctor and a team of registered dieticians 
• Hundreds of meal options
• Free shipping and 25% off on your first week of meals
• Cancel or skip meals easily via the BistroMD login
• Competitive pricing
• Ongoing, personalized support from licensed dieticians

How Does BistroMD Work?

BistroMD works through a subscription that delivers you macronutrient-balanced dishes. By providing you with a consistently well-rounded diet, BistroMD will halt weight gain and make those numbers go down gradually. 

Each plan allows you to choose your meals for the week. The general programs include:

• Standard 
• Gluten-free 
• Heart-healthy 
• Diabetic-friendly 
• Menopause 

Whichever program you choose, dietitians will work to design the menu that’s right for you. There are hundreds of meals to choose from that arrive ready to eat in 5 minutes.

They all focus on achieving results without sacrificing a quality breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Coming up, this BistroMD review covers the 6 best-selling program categories.

BistroMD Women’s Program Review

With the Women’s Program you get regularly scheduled, restaurant quality meals without leaving the comfort of home. Just grab a plate, thaw some mouthwatering Salmon with Dill Mustard Sauce, and dig right in. 

Evidence shows that obesity and overweight in women are related to fertility problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. In addition, obesity is associated with an increased risk of ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancer.

The main benefit of BistroMD is that it lowers stress levels by taking care of cooking duties—impacting your mental health while also establishing a positive macronutrient relationship within your body. It’s all part of a hands-off wellness plan to boost your confidence and reclaim some free time.

Doctors designed the entire program—plus, BistroMD offers personalized support for all of their customers. The standard Women’s Program comes with 1,100 to 1,400 calories per day across 3 meals and 2 snacks. You can choose your favorite foods from a wide selection through the myBistroMD interface.

BistroMD Men’s Program Review

Tired of roasting broccoli night after night? BistroMD can inspire some new ideas from cuisines around the world. Their Men’s Program concentrates Dr. Cederquist’s full two decades of experience into a clean meal plan designed to fix upset macronutrients.

There are some differences in the risk factors associated with obesity in men. A retrospective study^[4] published in 2019 evaluated gender-specific consequences of obesity. The incidence of cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 1 diabetes, lung cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and chronic liver disease was similar in men and women.

While type 2 diabetes was more frequent in women, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and renal failure were more frequent in men. Another study^[5] published in Nature Reviews Urology highlights the association of obesity with a higher incidence of male infertility.

Ordering takeout every night can be fun for a while, but feeling sluggish later isn’t always worth it. The Men’s Program has over 200 meal options to choose from, and all of them promote healthy weight loss.

Can’t tell a spatula from a whisk? No worries—their chefs prepare the meals; you just decide when you want them. As always, subscribers can also choose between the standard, gluten-free, heart-healthy, diabetic and…well, probably not the menopause option. 

BistroMD Heart Healthy Program Review

This BistroMD meal program is dedicated to giving you a strong heart. It’s your hardest working muscle, and it’s important to keep it well maintained as you age. 

The Heart Healthy Program meals match American Heart Association guidelines^[6] for fats, calories, and sodium. Basically, you can chill because all the diet balancing act is taken care of by BistroMD. They promise that each serving has fewer than 600mg of sodium and 3.5 grams of saturated fat.

A meta-analysis^[7] including 2561 participants with hypertension found that a diet low in sodium and saturated fats (DASH diet) significantly reduced blood pressure. Moreover, another meta-analysis^[8] showed that the DASH diet reduced heart diseases (by 20%), stroke (by 19%), and heart failure (by 29%).

 Finally, a systematic review^[9]also found that a low-calorie DASH diet was more effective for weight reduction than other low-energy diets.

This is important for the longevity of your ticker. The food isn’t bad, either. Mediterranean Chicken Crepe, Jamaican Style Black Pepper Shrimp, Pork Tenderloin…Yeah, you’re going to eat well.

BistroMD Gluten Free Program Review

It’s easy to have specific dietary needs and still get toned for the summer with BistroMD. Their Gluten-Free Program has a delicious but lasting impact. Each meal has a minimum of 20 grams of protein, no additives, and they are never freeze dried. 

Plus, every meal has been vetted to meet the gluten-free standard set by the FDA. But don’t think you’re getting sludge for three meals a day. Grilled Chicken with Buffalo Sauce, Southwest Taco Bowl, and Meatloaf with Honey Glaze are only a couple of 80 meal options. 

BistroMD Diabetic Friendly Program Review

The Diabetic Friendly program is all about controlling your blood glucose—and not in a Dr. Doom way, but for the betterment of your health. Promise.

When in doubt, reach out to the BistroMD team to ensure you’re on the right track with weight management goals. In a systematic review^[10] on the impact of a low-carbohydrate diet in managing diabetes 2, the authors found a beneficial effect of this diet on glucose control. In addition, a low-carbohydrate diet showed to decrease triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol levels.

How does Hatch Green Chile and Pork Stew for lunch sound? Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon? Maybe Lasagna with Garden Marinara is more your style. There are hundreds of fresh meal options for picky eaters to choose from. 

BistroMD Menopause Program Review

Menopause doesn’t have to make you feel out of control. With wholesome and diverse meals, BistroMD helps neutralize that effect. Through their carefully curated recipes, you will get the macronutrients and portions that you need to stabilize your hormones. 

And the protein is lean, without added MSG or trans-fats. Critically, the Menopause Program focuses on complex carbohydrates that regulate your insulin levels, helping you burn fat more efficiently.

A literary review^[11] published in 2017 found that aging (not menopause) is the cause of weight gain in midlife women. In addition, they concluded that obese women experience more menopausal symptoms.

Thankfully, BistroMD’s Menopause Program is here to help. Sliced Roast Beef with Red Wine Demi, Grilled Salmon with Creamy Pesto, and a Caramelized Mushroom and Onion Frittata sound like heaven to this BistroMD reviewer. You can get this selection of meals—or your choices from hundreds of options.

Our Favorites from the Menu

Chicken Marsala

This is always a favorite around the dinner table. The Chicken Marsala comes with juicy chicken, a mushroom marsala, and a side of seasoned baby carrots. Dairy intolerant readers should know that it does contain a milk base.   

Chicken Marsala is iconic among spice lovers for a reason. To switch things up on cheat days, pair it with some jasmine rice, or steaming hot naan. All in all, the dish itself comes to around 350 calories. 

Sweet Onion Frittata

You’d think it’s just the frittata, but no—this comes with protein-rich turkey sausage. A delicious combo. The flavors are definitely picked with care for this breakfast meal option, which comes to 260 calories per serving.  

The Sweet Onion Frittata is a simple dish packed with caramelized onions. It also features a medley of cheddar, swiss, and parmesan cheese. If you have any allergies to eggs, milk, or soy, this BistroMD review recommends opting for a breakfast sandwich instead. 

Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake

If a Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake sounds too decadent for a diet meal plan, you’re not alone. Still, it’s a small serving with only 190 calories and less than ten ingredients. This BistroMD review recommends settling in with this treat when you’re feeling under the weather. 

When that craving hits, it has everything you need: energy, high-quality cocoa, cream cheese and ricotta…you get the idea. This is one of many premium snacks available through BistroMD and it doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners.

Hickory Smoked BBQ Pork with Broccoli

The hand-pulled pork loin, smoked, comes with special BBQ sauce—they say the pork is “smothered” in it, actually. Then there’s cabbage and apple slaw with broccoli florets. If you’re not a fan of those veggies, hey, another healthy meal will come tomorrow. 

Astonishingly, an entire serving of the Hickory Smoked BBQ Pork with Broccoli only consists of a lean 320 calories. Now all you need is a glass of your favorite, full-bodied red wine. Perhaps a chianti? 

How Much is BistroMD?

This is where things get serious. To keep your head from spinning too much, this BistroMD review put together a handy-dandy list for your viewing pleasure—and then we deleted it, because you know what? It’s actually dead simple: every plan costs the exact same.

• $190 for 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners and My Night over 7 days
• $160 for 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners over 5 days
• $160 for 7 lunches and 7 dinners over 7 days
• $130 for 5 lunches and 5 dinners over 5 days

BistroMD Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Does BistroMD really work? According to their verified customers, absolutely. The BistroMD website currently has 508 reviews and a 4.2/5 star average rating. 

BistroMD reviewers on the notoriously critical Trustpilot gave them an average of 3.7/5 stars through nearly 500 reviews. On Reddit, customers reported a mix of positive and negative results. Here’s the breakdown from each website.

BistroMD verified reviews compliment the brand by admitting that the variety of meal options is exceptional. Another common comment is that these pre-made meals ensure a diet that promotes long-term health, as well as point to noticeable BistroMD weight loss results. 

As one customer puts it, “This is outstanding and I still can’t understand how they do it! I like the variety and it’s helping me to eat a healthy balanced diet.”

Redditers had mostly good feedback, saying that most of the meals were a pleasure to eat and that everything came frozen and clean. One user wrote, “I lost 50 pounds this year doing lunch and dinner with BistroMD, and the food was really tasty. I highly recommend it.”

Now we get to Trustpilot, where most people usually leave reviews to air out their grievances. WIth that in mind, the BistroMD 3.7/5 star average rating is actually good. 

Subscribers said their food was delivered promptly, and weight loss resulted from healthy ingredients as well as small portions. The only complaints were that the meals weren’t as tasty as expected. 

This customer lays out the good and the bad: “The food is tasty and in the universe of pre-prepared foods, it’s healthy. Portions are a bit small, but overall, it’s a good tool for weight loss or just eating healthier… Their customer service is quick and responsive and if you want to cancel or put your membership on hold, it’s easily done with no hassle. They also have health coaches and share helpful content with members, like healthy recipes.” 

Overall, BistroMD subscribers saw results with this service. They also enjoyed a ton of delicious food and improved their overall lifestyle!

Is BistroMD Subscription Worth It?

BistroMD is definitely worth it for a hands-off approach to better eating. You can trust the doctors, chefs, and licensed dieticians on BistroMD’s team to make delicious meals that give tangible benefits to your body.

BistroMD success stories from customers across multiple sites revealed that their meals are delicious and come in mess-free, solid packaging. Portions tend to be on the smaller side and have a perfect balance of macronutrients, depending on your meal plan.

BistroMD Promotions & Discounts

Right now, BistroMD has a limited-time offer of free shipping and 25% off the cost of your first week using their meal delivery service. Unfortunately, there is no BistroMD free trial at this moment.

If you have at least 2 family members using BistroMD, both will get 15% off on all orders (contact the company to set that up). Veterans also get a flat discount of 15%. And if you’re really eager, you can use BistroMD’s friend referral program for more savings. 

Sign up for BistroMD Subscription

Confused about how to sign up? No problem. This BistroMD review put together a quick and easy list that you can follow right now to get the most out of their website.

1. Go to the BistroMD.com website

2. Click the Get Started button

3. Select your meal program from the 5 available options

4. Select between the 4 meal plan options

5. Click the Order Now button

6. Fill out your name, gender, email address, and password to complete your BistroMD profile

7. Finish placing your order

FAQ

Is BistroMD organic?

This BistroMD review found that many but not all of their meals are organic. That being said, the brand is careful and diligent about using healthy and fresh produce. They partner with local farms when the option is available.

How much does BistroMD cost?

BistroMD costs vary depending on how often the meals are delivered. The lowest amount you can pay is $130 for 5 lunches and 5 dinners over 5 days. The most you would have to shell out is $190 for 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners and My Night over 7 days.

Where does BistroMD ship from?

BistroMD ships from the continental US. The food comes frozen in sealed packaging and must be thawed before you can eat it.

How do I cancel my BistroMD subscription?

If you decide that BistroMD isn’t for you, simply follow the instructions below to cancel your order:

1. Sign in to your BistroMD account at BistroMD.com

2. Go to Your Account, select your plan, and select Cancel My Plan

3. Confirm your cancellation

Note that you must cancel by 5 PM ET on Wednesday evening for cancellations to apply to the following week. 

What is BistroMD’s Shipping Policy?

The first thing to know is that BistroMD only delivers within the continental US. FedEX makes the delivery, which can take as long as 6 business days to arrive.

Shipping costs $20 and may arrive any day of the week. That means you can’t schedule meals to be delivered on specific days, and you might have extras in your freezer for a couple of days. Tracking and delivery specifics are all handled by FedEX. 

What is BistroMD’s Return Policy?

Naturally, BistroMD cannot issue refunds on your food. It doesn’t make sense for them because the meals cannot be reused. Additionally, FDA regulations prevent the company from accepting returns. 

So what’s the solution? You can put your subscription on hold at any time or easily cancel your subscription. If there are any problems with delivery, get in touch with BistroMD’s customer service team. 

How to Contact BistroMD Customer Service

If you have any questions beyond this BistroMD review, get in touch with the brand via: 

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 866-401-3438

They respond to voicemails and callbacks between Monday to Friday from 8 AM–9 PM, and on weekends 9 AM–6 PM ET. 

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