BistroMD vs Nutrisystem Compared

I’m a personal trainer and often recommend meal plan services to my clients. Meal plans offer healthy, easy-to-prepare options that allow my clients to focus on their busy lives and save time by cutting out planning, cooking, and cleaning.

There are several meal delivery plan options out there to choose from if you’re looking for a simple meal plan that will help you lose weight; here’s a side-by-side look at two of the most popular: BistroMD and Nutrisystem.

TL;DR: BistroMD and Nutrisystem are meal delivery plans designed to help people lose weight. Both programs are similar, but I would personally choose BistroMD based on the quality of meals and ingredients and the fact that the menus are doctor and chef-designed.

Main Features of BistroMD and Nutrisystem

What is BistroMD?

BistroMD is a prepared meal delivery service that was created by Dr. Caroline J. Cederquist, a doctor specializing in metabolism. The program delivers frozen chef-prepared meals to subscribers weekly. BistroMD meals are delivered weekly.

What are in BistroMD Meals?

The meals are designed by a doctor and prepared by chefs using real ingredients. The meals come in a weekly delivery with a lot of meal options. A few examples of what you might get in your box include Meatloaf with Honey Bourbon Glaze, Chicken, Rice and Cheddar Casserole, Hickory Smoked BBQ Pork with Broccoli, and Turkey Breast with Herbed Brown Gravy.

They are committed to meals that are free from aspartame, freeze-dried ingredients, shelf-stable ingredients, and trans fats. BistroMD offers a 7-day program, which includes seven breakfasts, seven lunches, and six dinners, and a 5-day program, which contains five breakfasts. They also have programs that contain only lunch and dinner meals.

Does BistroMD Offer Specialty Programs?

Yes, BistroMD offers programs that consider specific dietary needs and conditions. BistroMD’s specialty plans include the Signature Program, Gluten-Free Program, Heart Healthy Program, Keto Flex Program, Diabetic Program, and Menopause Program.

What Kind of Support do You Receive with Your BistroMD Program?

BistroMD outlines each meal for the week as part of your program and outlines guidelines and recommendations for any meals and snacks consumed outside the program. BistroMD also sends regular emails with helpful information for staying on track with your weight loss goals. In addition, BistroMD offers email access to dietitians who can address personalized weight loss concerns.

What is Nutrisystem?

Nutrisystem is a meal delivery service designed to help people lose weight. Nutrisystem offers a range of programs that deliver meals and/or shakes over four weeks. Nutrisystem plans are delivered every two or four weeks, depending on the plan that you choose.

What are in Nutrisystem Meals?

Nutrisystem sends boxes of two or four weeks’ worth of meals (depending on your plan), including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and sometimes shakes. For example, your Nutrisystem box might include menu items such as Ravioli Formaggio, Grain-Crusted Pollock with Vegetables, Italian Sausage and Turkey Pepperoni Pizza, and Meatloaf Sandwich.

Sometimes you need to add a handful of ingredients to your Nutrisystem menu. In addition, Nutrisystem has an app that helps you track your progress, alongside access to a personal weight loss coach. Nutrisystem delivers three meals a day, plus snacks for either five or seven days a week, depending on the plan you select.

Does Nutrisystem Offer Specialty Programs?

Yes, Nutrisystem offers several specialized plans that consider specific communities and dietary needs. Nutrisystem specialty programs include Men’s Plans, Women’s Plans, Diabetes Plans, the 55-Plan (Women over 55), Quick 9, and Partner Plans.

What’s on the Menu for BistroMD vs. Nutrisystem?

Both BistroMD and Nutrisystem offer over 100 meals in each of their programs; here’s what could be on your menu for each delivery service:

Examples of Meals Delivered on BistroMD:

• Southwest Bison Meatloaf with Smoky Tomato Glaze
• Turkey Breast with Cranberry Apple Chutney
• Lasagna with Garden Marinara
• Smoked Chipotle Pork with Salsa Verde
• Pork Tenderloin with Plum Ginger Sauce
• Chicken Piccata
• Green Chile Pork with Southwest Salsa
• Barramundi Sea Bass with Mango Coconut Salsa
• Salmon Provencal
• Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Apple Chutney
• Cheese Omelet with Turkey Sausage (Breakfast)
• Smoked Chipotle Pork and Eggs (breakfast)
• Blueberry Waffles with Mixed Berry Compote (breakfast)

Examples of Meals Delivered on Nutrisystem:

• Ravioli Formaggio
• Grain-Crusted Pollock with Vegetables
• Italian Sausage and Turkey Pepperoni Pizza
• Meatloaf Sandwich
• Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
• White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
• Mint Ice Cream Sandwich (snacks)
• Strawberry Cheesecake (snacks)
• Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich (snacks)
• Turkey Sausage and Egg Muffin (Breakfast)
• Buttermilk Waffles (breakfast)
• Cinnamon Roll (breakfast)
• Apple Walnut Oatmeal (breakfast)
• What are the Main Differences between BistroMD vs. Nutrisystem?

Here Are a Few of the Main Differences Between BistroMD and Nutrisystem:

• BistroMD’s meals are chef-driven, whereas Nutrisystem is more generic menu items.
• BistroMD sends meals weekly, whereas Nutrisystem sends meals every two or four weeks.
• BistroMD lets you select your own protein-filled snacks, and Nutrisystem has its own line of snacks.
• Nutrisystem plans sometimes include shakes, and BistroMD only provides real food meals.
• Nutrisystem has a tracking app, and BistroMD does not.
• BistroMD was created by a doctor, Nutrisystem does not seem to have a distinct professional affiliation.

Which is a Better Deal?

Nutrisystem is lower in cost per meal, but the quality of the meals of BistroMD is better, in my opinion. BistroMD lays out specific ingredient guidelines and has chef-driven meals that are doctor-approved.

If you follow the programs outlined in each system, they would both likely be effective at helping you lose weight. For me, the difference lies in the quality of the menu, which could warrant a slightly higher price point.

How do Subscriptions Work BistroMD vs. Nutrisystem ?

BistroMD is shipped and billed weekly. Nutrisystem is billed and shipped either biweekly or monthly. Both meal plans include frozen meals shipped directly to your door and guidelines that make following the plan easy, alongside additional support tools such as access to dietitians (BistroMD) and weight loss coaches (Nutrisystem).

Pros and Cons of BistroMD

Here are some pros and cons of BistroMD, in my opinion:

Pros

• Meals are easy to prepare
• I feel confident that the meals are healthy for me
• A doctor designed the program
• There are a lot of different meal options, which keeps things interesting.
• The meals smell and taste fresh
• BistroMD offers additional support through meal guidelines, email recommendations, and dietitian support

Cons

• There are few vegetarian options
• If you travel a lot, it might be tricky to receive your meals
• The meals might be complicated to make at your office, depending on your access to a refrigerator and microwave
• Families would have to buy/make two meals

Pros and Cons of Nutrisystem

Pros

• All of the meals, including snacks, are planned
• Meals are easy to prepare
• Offers a Partner Plan for people who want to do the program together
• It has an application that allows you to track meals and progress
• Offers access to a weight loss coach
• Has a blog with useful tips and knowledge

Cons

• Some menu items don’t seem that healthy
• Menu items are generic options, e.g., pizza and ravioli
• Many of the snack options are desserts (probably doesn’t set up good long-term habits)
• Sometimes have to add ingredients to the meals
• No fresh fruits or veggies
• One month delivered at a time, which can take up a lot of room in the fridge

Alternatives to BistroMD vs. Nutrisystem

A meal delivery service isn’t for everyone. Alternative options to BistroMD and Nutrisystem include:

• Planning out your own meals with fresh ingredients (though this is, of course, more time and energy-consuming).
• Other meal delivery plans, such as Factor or Purple Carrot.
• Cook-at-home boxes, such as Hello Fresh or Martha Stewart x Marley Spoon, where they send you the ingredients, and you prepare the meals.

FAQs about BistroMD vs. Nutrisystem

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