CBS MoneyWatch.com Says BistroMD is "Worth the Money"

NAPLES, Fla., Jan. 12 -- CBS Moneywatch.com recently reviewed eight of the biggest diet plans to find out which programs are worth consumers’ money. After speaking to leading nutritionists and weight loss professionals, reading clinical studies, and analyzing membership fees and food costs, CBS Moneywatch.com compared their findings.

For a price of $1,440 for 8 weeks of food, MoneyWatch determined that BistroMD is worth the cost.

Their review of BistroMD mentioned the high quality of the food, and the relatively large portion sizes as advantages of the program. Other programs reviewed included Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, and Jenny Craig.

“Our program is very reasonably priced when considering quality, but it is also important to remember what added benefits you’re receive for your money,” says Caroline J. Cederquist, M.D., a bariatric physician and founder of BistroMD. “Many people don’t take into account the cost of their time and health. These things have significant value as well.”

Researchers at the University of Washington found that a healthy diet of nutritious, low-calorie foods now costs the average American $27.24 daily. “These numbers solely reflect food ingredients. Now consider the cost of your time, the value of your health, and the relief from the stress of grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning,” Dr. Cederquist says. “Our program costs on average $25.99 a day. In comparison, it really is a good deal.”

The study also showed that people who don’t value health, and good living, spend considerably less on food daily. However, these same people eventually pay the price of fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, and medical costs related to obesity and other diseases.

“The least costly way to stay healthy is to prevent countless diseases with proper nutrition. Eating the recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables, for example, can significantly lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and even some cancers,” Dr. Cederquist explains. “A good diet is a form of preventative medicine, and it’s much cheaper than treating the alternative.”

In 2009, BistroMD was praised as the “best diet support” by Health magazine. Besides providing balanced meals to support dieters’ weight loss efforts, BistroMD also makes their team of dietitians available to all customers.

“Dr. Cederquist’s trained dietitians are available at no extra cost,” says Dick Bruno, BistroMD’s chief operating officer. “This additional support can go a long way in helping dieters reach weight loss goals.”

In the past, BistroMD has also been recognized by The New York Times, The Doctors, and Dr. Phil's Dr. Phil McGraw, who calls the program “the best home meal delivery available”.

“Because diet delivery programs are relatively new and quickly gaining popularity, there is some negativity regarding their worth,” says Bruno. “But then think about how much money you already spend on groceries and then consider the value of your time and health. For many people, diet delivery is well worth the price.”

The daily calorie intake varies between 1,100 and 1,400. 5-day and 7-day programs are available with and without snacks, and dieters on BistroMD can expect to lose an average of 2-3 pounds a week.

Is it worth the money? CBS MoneyWatch says, “Yes. It’s a reasonable price for well-made food with slightly faster average weight loss than with Jenny Craig.”