Bistro MD

Summary

Bistro M.D. began shipping chef-prepared food to the general public nationwide in August 2005. Previously, they had been shipping food locally from their Cederquist Medical Wellness Center in Florida.

Caroline Cederquist, M.D. is a weight loss physician (board certified in Bariatrics) and Director of the Cederquist Medical Wellness Center. She has appeared as a weight management expert on national TV, as well as serving as the contributing medical editor for NBC Ft. Myers for the past five years. She also has a radio health segment called "Get the Skinny" which airs around the country.

The Bistro M.D. plan is claimed to work because it provides the body with what it needs to lose weight when it needs it. "The meals actually improve metabolism. The plan gives the body adequate amounts of quality protein throughout the day - to protect lean muscle mass - along with enough carbohydrates with low glycemic loads so your blood sugar doesn't spike."

The program also comes with weekly support material created by Dr. Cederquist and her staff of behavioral therapists, and access to a staff of dietitians.

Meal Programs

All meals are chef-prepared and physician approved. They arrive fully cooked, all that is required is heating. There are over 100 unique meal selections, with the option for substitution if you don't like a planned meal. Daily calorie levels range from 1100 to 1400 and the plan usually results in 1-3 pounds of weight lost per week.

Weekly Meal Program

Full Plan: 3 meals and 2 snacks a day

Includes 21 meals and 14 snacks, program materials and free phone and email access to company dietitians.

Sub-Versions of the Full Plan:

Value Plan

7 days: 3 meals a day, Full plan without snacks

Includes 20 meals, program materials and free phone and email access to company dieticians.

Executive Plan

5 days: 3 meals and 2 snacks a day

Includes 15 meals, 10 snacks, program materials, free phone and email access to company dieticians

Healthy Eating Plan

5 days: 3 meals a day

Includes 15 meals, free phone and email access to company dieticians

Weekly Information Package

Each week an information package is received that guides you and helps you understand what causes weight gain and how to lose it - and keep it off.

Free Access to a Team of Dieticians

You will have access to the firm's team of dieticians, to ask them any questions or get advice that will help you reach your goals. You CAN actually speak to a live, degreed dietitian. Bistro M.D. has a staff of 4 or 5 people with a BSN (Bachelor of Science & Nutrition), that are available by phone 8 am to 5 pm EST, Monday to Friday (no weekends). Most customers call this staff a lot with questions before signing up. Once on the plan, most don't call back (common with other companies as well since most dieters prefer to do it themselves or are concerned they'll get advice that's too general or superficial), although some clients do call extensively.

Price

Bistro M.D. Full Plan: $21.50 per day, $149.95 a week. Other Plans (Value, Executive, Healthy) range from $89.95 to $119.95 per week. Therefore, the price of this program ranges from about $360/month to $600 or so.

Delivery

Meals are shipped every Monday. You can expect to receive your week's plan within 2-3 days, depending on your location. You may choose to receive your shipment at your home or office, whichever is more convenient.

The special packaging ensures that the food arrives in perfect condition. All Bistro M.D. orders are shipped in insulated coolers with enough dry ice to guarantee freshness upon delivery.

Questions about delivery can be addressed by phone at 866-401-3438 or by email at CustomerService@bistromd.com. Orders can be placed by phone at 866-401-3438 or directly at the website.

Contacts:

Caroline Cederquist, M.D.: ccederquist@comcast.net

Edward Cederquist

Company Address: 853 Vanderbuilt Beach Road, Naples, FL 34108

Telephone: 239-591-4004

Website: http://www.bistromd.com

Commentary: As with most diet/chef-prepared food home delivery services, this is for the affluent dieter. However, the fact that the founder is a Board certified bariatrician is a plus. Also, the fact that you have access to dietitians for support is another plus. As for price, at $360 to $600 per month, it's significantly less costly than Atkins At Home(TM), with the added benefit of free phone support by registered dietitians, if you need it. Atkins has no such support. All in all, Bistro M.D. is a good value, in our opinion.

The information on this web site is intended for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Before starting any weight loss program, it is recommended that you consult your physician or other health care professional.