Men aren’t from Mars, and women aren’t from Venus, but we still have our differences. Just looking at the average body composition of a male and female, you’ll see plenty of differences, and these differences translate to different nutrition needs.
Any serious weight loss program should consider these differences, especially a science-based one like bistroMD. Click here for our detailed review of bistroMD or skip ahead to read about how the company offers different programs for men and women and why.
What’s BistroMD?
Losing weight can be complicated, which is why we see many online tips and tricks on how to do it. However, many are based on diet fads instead of solid nutritional research. That’s why Dr. Caroline J. Cederquist decided to launch BistroMD, a meal delivery service that helps people lose weight with a science-based approach.
Each meal plan has been carefully crafted in collaboration with many dietitians for best weight loss results. However, you’ll notice that they have separate programs for men and women because of the different nutritional needs of each sex. So, what’s so different about us?
BistroMD Nutrition: Men vs. Women
BistroMD states that “Basically, the only difference from one diet to the next is the percentage of protein, carbohydrates, and fat allowed.” They also add: “Each of the entrees contains a scientific balance of complex carbohydrates, like vegetables, whole grains and fiber along with lean protein and healthy fat ratios.”
Here’s what they say about the different nutritional needs of males and females.
Overall Calories
A healthy diet is more about using whole food ingredients instead of counting calories. However, if you are trying to lose weight, you still need to be careful. The caloric needs are different based on age, activity level, muscle mass, and gender.
For adult females leading a sedentary lifestyle, guidelines estimate daily consumption of 1,600 to 2,400 calories, while that range is 2,000 to 3,000 for adult males (1).
Protein
We all know that protein is essential for our muscle growth and function. However, the difference in recommended protein intake is mostly because of the different muscle mass. “The dietary reference intake (DRI) for both males and females is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (g/kg) of body weight,” explains bistroMD.
That translates to around 46 g of protein for females and 56 for males.
Dietary Fiber
Any weight loss plan must ensure optimal gut health. That’s why eating enough fruits and veggies is essential, as they provide dietary fiber, which is crucial for proper digestive health. It also plays a vital role in managing blood sugar levels, body weight and improving heart health.
BistroMD states that women should eat at least 25 g of fiber per day, compared to 38 g for men.
Omega-3 Fats
Healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids are another essential part of a healthy diet. They promote mental health, support brain function, heart health, reduce inflammation, ensure normal fetal development and healthy aging.
That’s why women should eat at least 1.1 g of omega-3 fats per day, compared to the recommended 1.6 g for men.
Minerals and Vitamins
Besides macronutrients like carbs, fats, and proteins, micronutrient intake recommendations also vary between men and women. That’s why BistroMD considers calcium, iron, vitamin B, and other micronutrients when creating recipes for their eating regimens for men and women.
Water
Proper hydration is crucial for normal functioning and losing weight. BistroMD suggests that adult women should drink 8 cups of water per day (2,100 mL), and men should drink 10 (2,600 mL).
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a meal delivery service specializing in meals for losing weight, BistroMD is an excellent choice. All their programs are evidence-based, and the recipes are created by a physician in collaboration with dietitians and chefs.
The company offers separate programs for men and women because we simply have different dietary requirements. Men often have a larger body and muscle mass, which requires more calories, protein, fats, water, and other nutrients for proper maintenance and growth.
On the other hand, women may need a higher intake of specific vitamins or minerals, such as iron. This mineral is essential for supporting menstruation and pregnancy.
If you are curious about bistroMD service, make sure to check our in-depth review and learn how their unique plans can help you reach your weight goal.