Welcome to bistroMD! We are thrilled to have you with us and support you throughout your entire journey.
But like starting anything new, you might also feel overwhelmed and anxious. Don’t worry, you are not alone! That’s why we have everything you need to know outlined in this step-by-step guide - let’s start creating your very own recipe for success!
Before Your First Delivery Arrives
As you wait for your first order to arrive, there are many ways you can start setting yourself up for success.
1. Start Here!
This article outlines all you need to know to get started! It also presents an opportunity to connect with our team if you have any questions before starting.
2. Save Our Wellness Checklist
Our Dietitian Team believes the Wellness Checklist is an important piece for staying on track and supporting your goals — so important that you'll notice we mention it again further down in this article. Print the Wellness Checklist.
3. Strive for Progress Over Perfection
At bistroMD, we truly believe in striving for progress over perfection and celebrating non-scale victories. Perfection is elusive; aiming for progress leads to positive and lasting changes.
4. Set Up Your bistroMD Account
Set up your personal bistroMD account and get acquainted with your portal. This is where you can customize your program, find additional support and track your progress.
5. Ready Your Freezer
It's time to organize your freezer to ensure you have sufficient room to store your meals once they arrive.
6. Join bistroMD's Members-Only Facebook Group
In our members-only Facebook group, you can connect with our team of Dietitians, interact with other bistroMD members, and learn invaluable tips.
Log in to Facebook, search “bistroMD Members,” and request to join the group.
Don't forget to follow @bistroMD on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter too!
7. Additional Support
With endless diet information out there, knowing what’s true and what’s not can be confusing. We get it! Our team is here to help you reach your health goals. For more support, guides, recipes, and tips for success, click here.
When Your First Delivery Arrives
Now is when things get really exciting! Lean on these tips when your first order of bistroMD meals is delivered:
1. Review the Welcome Kit
Along with your meals and snacks, you’ll find our Welcome Kit reiterating this vital information to help you get started. Reviewing it can help jog your memory of what to expect and tips for success on your journey.
2. Organize Your Meals
Organize and group your meals by day in your freezer. To free up freezer space, you may move your first few days of meals to the fridge to thaw. Meals thaw completely in 1-2 days and are safe to enjoy for another day after completely thawing.
3. Handle and Recycle the Packaging
Recycle and discard the packaging once the dry ice has evaporated:
• The box and meal sleeves can be recycled with other paper products
• Bags and plastic trays can be recycled with other clean plastics.
• Large insulation can be recycled anywhere but can also be repurposed as padding for a pet's bed or insulation for a grocery cold bag!
Heating & Eating Your Meals
Now it's time to dig in! Elevate your dining experience using these heating and eating tips:
1. Heat your meals directly from the freezer or after being thawed in the fridge within 48 hours. Whether you heat in a microwave or convection oven, follow the heating instructions printed on the outer sleeve. Please handle the heated meal cautiously for both heating methods, as the contents will be hot.
2. Plate each entrée to enhance your dining experience. Visualizing your meal on a plate is also beneficial for learning proper portion sizes, especially when enjoying meals outside of your bistroMD program.
3. Avoid distractions and multitasking while eating. Turn the TV off, respond to texts later, and take a break from work to enjoy your meal. And definitely don't drive while eating!
4. Add your own fresh herbs or seasonings to suit your unique palate as desired.
Wellness Checklist
To keep your body fueled, nourished, and in a position to lose weight, check off these items daily:
• Consistently eat 3 meals daily—breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Eat 20-30 grams (about 3-5 oz) of protein with each meal
• Consistently eat 2-3 protein snacks per day
• Ensure each snack contains 10-15 grams (about 1-2 oz) of protein
• Consistently eat adequate lean protein every 2-4 hours
• Enjoy 1 complex carb serving (tennis ball-sized) per meal
• Drink at least 64 oz of water per day
To sum it up, eat all of your prescribed 3 meals and 2-3 snacks daily.
Customize Your Program
A shortcut to getting a weekly menu that you're always happy with is to review your Preferences. We encourage you to try new meals but, for example, if you dislike a certain protein you can search by ingredient and remove meals.
*Keep in mind, the more you remove the less variety you'll have on your menu. Don’t forget to ❤ your favorite meals too!
Step 1: Login to your bistroMD account
Step 2: Set your "Preferences" (under Manage Plan → Meal Preferences). Your weekly menu will only be built with your Approved meals.
Step 3: View your "Weekly Menu" to update your upcoming delivery.
Don’t forget, you get to customize your menu each week! Keep an eye on your cut-off date to edit your upcoming menu. Your cut-off day and delivery day will be the same each week. Set a reminder on your phone to customize your menu each week, so you always get meals you're excited to try!
Need to Skip a Week?
Traveling for work or going on vacation? No problem! You can easily skip weeks and track your deliveries under "Delivery Schedule" in your account.
*Remember, it takes consistency to build healthy habits. Only skip when you need to.
Need to Change Your Program?
Under "Manage Plan" → "Update Plan" you can make changes to your plan.
For additional support, please contact Customer Service at customerservice@bistromd.com or 866-401-3438.
Program Discounts to Know About
Because we want to help you save however we can, we offer various discounts and offers that we encourage you to take advantage of.
HOTLOGIC Personal Oven Discount: $15 Savings
If you’re heating on the go, the HotLogic Mini is your personal portable oven that perfectly fits your bistroMD entree. It slow-cooks your bistroMD meals anywhere with ease and convenience for delicious results.
Enjoy a special discount as a bistroMD member with these steps:
1. Visit bit.ly/BMD-hotlogic
2. Pick your color and proceed to checkout
3. Use code “bistroMD” and complete the checkout
Retail price = $44.90
BistroMD price = $29.90 (save $15!)
Friend Referral: $57 for Every Referral
Invite your friends to get a fresh start with bistroMD and get $57 for every friend you refer! Log in to your account to refer friends and automatically earn rewards for your bistroMD program.
Family Discount: 15% Off Orders
We offer a 15% discount for couples or members of the same household, which will be applied to ongoing orders after the first-week discount.