Archive for Shareen Newman
Review- Bistro MD
Posted by: | CommentsWhen a large box arrived on my doorstep, I felt like a kid at Christmas. What goodies were waiting for me? I tore open the cardboard carton to find another box filled with snacks atop a Styrofoam cooler. Everything inside the cooler was packed in dry ice and it all arrived frozen. Wow- no cooking for a week- yippee!!!

Bistro MD Shipping Package

Hubby unloading the box for me
I had ordered from Bistro MD, a program that boasts “Doctor designed gourmet meals” shipped right to your door. Weekly packages run between $130 – $180, depending on which package you select. Options include five or seven day menus, with or without snacks. I opted for the 5 day plan with snacks, which came out to $145 or roughly $9 bucks a meal.
A printed daily menu is provided along with the packaged meals. Each comes with cooking instructions- usually boiling the freezer packs in water or using the microwave. Preparation time for me, has been 10 minutes or less.

Dexter checks out Bistro MD package.
As for the taste, overall it’s good and some meals are better than others but they are all highly satisfying for a frozen dinner. The vegetables are especially fresh tasting and the serving size is just right. I have walked away from every meal feeling full and in some cases I couldn’t finish all that was provided.

Bistro MD meals in freezer packs
A selection of entrées included: Egg Omelet with Canadian bacon and Fuji Apples for breakfast; Broccoli & Cheese stuffed chicken breast with green beans and a blend of grilled corn red peppers and asparagus cuts for lunch; and Asian Plum Pork with sugar snap peas and mixed vegetables for dinner.

Snacks
I tried the snacks – some of which were good. However, the Lemon Garlic Protein Chips were very salty and I feared suffering a broken tooth from the Fudge Graham bar. The BBQ Crunch O’s and the Crisp & Crunch Peanut Bar were ok, as were the protein shakes. For me, the snacks weren’t worth it because the meals are sufficiently filling.
Since I was not completely satisfied with the snacks, I decided to cancel them. I called the company to see if I could request some changes to my order. The gal I spoke with was very pleasant, and made all the changes I wanted with no problem. She also followed up by email to offer some alternative snack suggestions. Now that’s what I call service!
The only downside is that you must have enough space in your freezer to hold 15-25 frozen meals when they arrive each week. It’s an ongoing service and you will be billed for weekly shipments until you cancel. That means you will also end up with a new cooler every week. I advocate creative recycling such as use them as storage bins, a container for soil when potting plants or as giant building blocks for the kids.
Also, if you are expecting a five star epicurean banquet, then you will be disappointed. This is basic meat and vegetables fare with mild, subtle flavor and it tastes fresh and healthy.
Overall, I would recommend this product because it has helped me to get back on track with my portions right after Thanksgiving and I have lost a few pounds as a result. I also enjoy the convenience of knowing that I always have a healthy meal option on hand with no planning required. I think this is a great way to kick-start a New Year’s Resolution.
Save 10% Off Gourmet Diet Home-Delivery Plans from BistroMD.com – Coupon code: Summer10
* Disclosure- Opinions expressed in this blog are independent and entirely those of the author who purchased the products for review. Bistro MD is an affiliate advertiser of this website but they were not made aware of this review in advance of publication.
FormerFatChick.TV – Jan. 5th Show
Posted by: | CommentsIn case you missed our show on New Year’s Resolutions- check it out below.
Our next broadcast “Fashion for the Plus Size Woman” will be on Feb. 2nd at 9PM EST, 6PM PST on FormerFatChick.tv . Join me along with The Curvy Fashionista and other designers to talk looks for all body types and great places to buy clothes online.
New Year’s Confession 2010
Posted by: | CommentsFor as long as I can remember, my New Year’s Resolutions have always included “to lose weight”. Of course, there have been a few years in the recent future that I was happier with my frame than in the past. But overall, I have always felt FAT- regardless of my size.
This year, I know I’m fat as 2009 has been really bad for my waistline. Granted, this recent photo isn’t at a flattering angle, but also doesn’t hide the truth. A busy year and self-indulgence have resulted in this FormerFatChick having a setback and gaining back some of her weight!!!
Beginning with my birthday cake in March, pina colada’s at the beach in July, and a Holiday feast that began just before Halloween. Not to mention that my workout activity level has fallen like a skydiver. Every bite, every ounce, every calorie was enjoyed, but the final result is I lost control and it’s 100% my responsibility.
It’s important to note that I am not happy about this but I’m not going to beat myself up or feel guilty about it because it’s the past. Today is a new day, a fresh start and I can make better choices moving ahead. Having a positive mindset is critical and you MUST be your own biggest cheerleader.
So that brings me to my New Year’s Resolutions for 2010…
- I will devote time daily to moving and exercising my body. (I just got EA Sports Active for wii)
- I will decrease the calories I consume on a daily basis to be within a healthy range. (Ordered Bistro MD meals to help get me back on track with food portions & calories. Dr. Caroline J. Cederquist, M.D., weight loss program – - It’s a proven strategy that works! Losing Weight Has Never Tasted So Good!
)
- I will provide my body with adequate rest and hydration so it can function properly. (Don’t call me after 9pm.)
- I will be kind to my spirit and uplift her esteem as often as possible. (You GO Girl!!!)
- I WILL LOSE WEIGHT and feel better as a result of my efforts.
How do I know this is true? I have done it in the past and know that it can be done again.

**********
TOGETHER
WE
CAN
DO IT!!!
***********
This year, I hope that you join me in taking a moment to not only think about what you want, but HOW you plan to get there. The results will come IF we break it down into action items and do the work consistently over time.
I believe in my ability just as I believe in YOU – Do You Believe in yourself?
Post YOUR New Year’s Resolutions and let’s take the journey together in 2010.
FREE Thanksgiving Turkey+ Grocery Delivery
Posted by: | CommentsI’m a huge fan of grocery delivery- especially during the holiday season. Why?
- Saves time, money and backache.
- No impulse buying based on cravings or the smell at the bakery.
- You don’t have to fight the h1n1 infested crowds or stand in long lines at the store.
- The cute delivery guy who carries the grocery bags from the curb into the kitchen.
- FREE Thanksgiving TURKEY and Free Delivery!!!! Woo Hoo
Do you need any more reasons?
This offer is only good until Nov. 17th – so place your order NOW!!!
CLICK HERE- Offer good at these participating stores:
SAFEWAY
VONS
GENUARDI’s

Fat Tax
Posted by: | CommentsI recently watched a news story on NBC that caught my attention and I want to share it to get your opinion. The state of North Carolina concerned about the financial impact of the 62.35% of adults and one in three children who are overweight or obese in their state have levied a Fat Tax on overweight employees of the state.
WHY? The annual economic cost of unhealthy lifestyles in North Carolina is estimated to be
$24.1 billion, with excess weight costing $9.7 billion, type 2 diabetes $3 billion, and
inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption $2.4 billion.
The solution???? watch this video.
Alabama was out front on weight testing. Starting in January, state workers will have their blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and body mass index checked by a nurse. If they’re in a risk category, such as a body mass index of 35 or greater or a blood pressure of 160/100 or greater, they are charged an extra $25 per month on their insurance premium, according to Gary Matthews, chief operating officer for the Alabama State Employees Insurance Board.
No doubt other states will follow this trend- especially if it proves to be profitable. But will it work? And is it fair?
What do you think? Should obese people pay more for healthcare? Why/Why not?


