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NutriSystem
Lose weight with meals conveniently delivered to your home.
BACKGROUND
NutriSystem is one of the most recognizable names in diets. And for good reason. Started in 1972, NutriSystem has helped millions of people lose weight on its portion and calorie-controlled pre-packaged meals.
NutriSystem is one of the first diets that earned its marks by offering a convenient way to diet with its meal-delivery service. This mega diet program takes the grocery shopping, chopping and measuring out of your hands and instead delivers you meals and snacks that are calorie-controlled. All you have to do is heat them up and enjoy them, supplementing with some fresh grocery store items.
Most health experts agree that the NutriSystem diet is a healthy one. Meals and snacks are low in saturated and trans fats and sodium and portion-controlled.
Today, there are both women's and men's programs. Plans include a Basic, Silver, Diabetic and Vegetarian menu option and all feature the NutriSystem Advanced system of low-glycemic foods, omega-3 fatty acids to promote heart health and fiber to promote satiety.
You'll also receive a Mindset Makeover behavioral guide, which is a 13-week guide that teaches more about your relationship to food and steps for taking control of your eating habits. Members also have online access to health information, community support, weekly newsletters and tracking tools.
Plans and meals are selected and ordered from NutriSystem's website. You'll receive 28 days worth of food that come in shelf-stable containers that you heat up before eating. You also supplement your diet with fresh fruit and vegetables purchased at the grocery store.
NutriSystem offers the following plans:
NutriSystem Advanced: A low-glycemic plan that also includes omega-3 fatty acids and natural fiber to promote heart health and satiety. Launched in 2008, all NutriSystem plans adhere to the Advanced nutrient guidelines of "good carbs," low fat, healthy protein, and high-fiber pre-packaged meals.
NutriSystem Select: A program that features 3 weeks of shelf-stable foods that you either custom-select or choose from a Favorites package and one week of new frozen entrees and desserts like pizza and ice cream bars.
NutriSystem Flex: The Flex plans offers a more economical and practical menu with just five days worth of NutriSystem meals per week rather than seven. The Flex plan offers you the same convenience of the NutriSystem program, but also with the freedom to prepare your own meals or dine out.
NutriSystem Nourish: A weight loss book that features a 28-day program that you can follow using the NutriSystem principles. You can either follow the meal plan outlined in the book, order the NutriSystem meals online or combine both approaches.
NutriSystem D: Created especially for the unique dietary needs of diabetics, NutriSystem launched this line of foods in 2009. In trials, users lost 16 times more weight with NutriSystem D than without, lowered their blood sugar level five times more, and lowered their A1c (glycated hemoglobin) by 0.9.
NutriSystem Vegetarian: Expect the same quality and adherence to nutrition as you would from other NutriSystem programs, but with a stronger reliance on a plant-based diet. All meals and snacks contain no meat, but plenty of good carbs and satiating protein.
NutriSystem for Men: Follow the weight loss footsteps of guy's guys like Dan Marino and Larry the Cable Guy, with healthy, balanced meals created to satisfy a man's appetite.
Nu-Kitchen Fresh for NutriSystem: A joint venture between Nu-Kitchen and NutriSystem that features chef-inspired, fresh and natural meals delivered to your door.
PRO
- Convenience makes it clear and easy what you need to do to lose weight
- Many people have found weight loss success through NutriSystem
- Features a variety of convenient and healthy meals
- Offers a number of programs that meet the dietary needs of anyone who wants to lose weight
- Healthy meals provide balanced nutrition
- Promotes exercise
- Offers tremendous convenience
- Supplements with fresh produce from grocery store
CON
- Pre-packaged foods can be high in sodium
- Does not deliver fresh food
- Lends itself to yo-yo dieting, since people have a hard time adapting to a healthy eating style after no longer ordering the food
- Does not teach how to prepare your own healthy meals
DIET and NUTRITION
Macaroni and cheese, chicken noodle soup, chicken parmesan, tacos and tasty treats like almond biscotti and blueberry lemon bars are just a sampling of the more than 120 delicious meals you'll find on the NutriSystem menu. Each meal is pre-packaged and prepared to the appropriate portion size.
All of the NutriSystem meals are low-gyclemic foods that contain a balanced proportion of quality carbohydrates (55%), good fat (25%) and protein (20%). Meals are also low in sodium and trans fat, thanks to the new NutriSystem Advanced program featuring heart-healthy omega fatty acids and soluble fiber.
The women’s programs contain about 1,200 calories and men’s contain about 1,500 calories per day. Each day, you’ll eat three meals and two snacks. You can either custom select your own meals or choose an automated meal and snack menu. Each meal comes in a shelf-stable package that needs to be reheated in the microwave. You are also encouraged to consume six servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day, which can be purchased at the grocery store.
EXERCISE
As part of the Advanced program, NutriSystem has created three exercise DVDs. With the help of fitness expert Leslie Sansone, Women’s Walk and Silver Walk exercise DVDs were developed. Additionally, there is a third DVD geared for men, created by former NFL pro Vaughn Hebron, called Functional Movement Workout. Each Advanced 28-Day program will come with the DVD that best complements the weight loss program ordered.
CONCLUSION
NutriSystem is a well-recognized and successful weight loss program that has helped millions of people lose weight and improve their health. Its convenient and portion-controlled meals are delivered to your door every month making it easy to eat healthy as you lose weight. As successful as this program is, it does not teach you how to eat and prepare your own healthy meals. Often, individuals end up gaining weight back once they stop using the program.
See how NutriSystem compares to its competitors in our Meal Delivery Diet Comparison.
Common Misspellings
Nutri System, Nutrasystem, Nutra system, Nutresystem, Nutrisystem.com, Nutrisytem, Nutrisytem
Learn More About NutriSystem
Related Diets: Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Medifast , Nu-Kitchen Fresh for NutriSystem, NutriSystem Advanced, NutriSystem Advanced Silver , NutriSystem D, NutriSystem Flex, NutriSystem for Men, NutriSystem Select, Glycemic Index
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ok food but a great way to lose weight!
Being that I am an active person already. The amount of food it sends me was never enough and I ended up passing out.
My dad is a diabetic who tried the diet and loved it. He lost over 20 lbs and says it helped his insulin levels. So I decided to give it a try, and I the food was horrible. Some of it was OK, but on the whole it was pretty gross. I bought two months worth, and still have some in the pantry. Plus you have to buy your own fresh vegetables and fruit. Might as well plan out your own meals.
I don't know what you people are talking about when stating that the sodium is too high...The daily allowance is a max of 2400mg..Which is also the amount that my Cardiologist recommended..I've also taken it one step further and actually added up my total sodium for the day while on Nutrisystem Silver and it comes to 1760mg..
Nutrisystem is not a quick weight loss gimmick, but just a very well balanced meal plan..It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to understand how it works..If anyone is going to join this program and think of it as just a diet to lose weight then it will not work for you..You have to take several things into consideration while on it..You have to pay attention to what you are eating and how much..Portion awareness plays a big part in all of this..As far as the food goes, is it “moms” home cooking??Of course not, but I wasn’t a picky eater to get here in the first place, Im’ not about to start now..When introducing foods to a baby, most times they are not used to, but over time they acquire a taste for it..Well Nutrisystem is like that, and if you give your body time to adjust to the different tastes then you’ll do fine..You have to work the program as well..I myself incorporated my reality into it..That means that I did not deprive myself of any occasions when they approached, however, the very next day I got right back on the plan..I am not a 100+ pound loser who accomplished a miracle weight loss..I am your typical average middle aged woman who lost 40 lbs..I also weaned myself off Nutrisystem slowly by replacing non Nutrisystem meals and after 2 months I have the portions down packed..For anyone who says that the food is horrible then most times they are just not ready to make this change in their lives..
The product seems good to be tried, So many people have tried and success.
My partner and I were on NutriSystem for about 6 months and at first it worked great. We lost a lot of weight. I liked a fair amount of the food and had a couple favorites that I would probably still eat today (that freeze-dried hamburger seems scary, but it really is pretty good (save your low fat cheese for the day, cut up some onions and mushrooms and use your weight watchers bread and turn it into a patty melt (yum))). I will say that I always thought that the food looked pretty disgusting. You know what they say, you eat with your eyes first. Anyway, I was almost to my goal weight, and had probably lost about 50 lbs (pretty good, right). By then, I was so sick of the food that I would rather not eat than eat than try to force down the NutriSystem food. That, of course led to cheating, which led to all the weight coming back (eventually). When we went on the diet we had a plan for coming off of it and applying the good habits that we learned to a normal diet. Because we weren't to our goal weights yet, we kept trying to stick with the diet, but just couldn't because we were so sick of the food (and some of it is really disgusting). So here's my advice: *Be prepared for the amount of supplementing that you must do. This diet doesn't seem too expensive until you factor in all the extra stuff that you have to buy which includes your vegetables, salads, and dairy/protein items. For 2 this was adding up to about $50 more per week. So the whole thing was costing us about $800 per month *Men get more (and better) food. If you like peas and higher glycemic vegetables and bread and you're a woman, say goodbye to those and have fun watching your husband eat them. I love peas and was so happy to eat them again after I went off the diet. *You better like your salads. It's been a year and I still can't look one in the eye. *Most important: Once you're sick of it, get off of the diet, and apply the concepts (eating smaller meals more often, portion size, etc) to a regular food. Don't try to loose that last 10 pounds with NutriSystem, 'cause if you're like us, you'll just start gaining it back. Based on this review and the statement that NutriSystem leads to yo-yo dieting makes me to believe that I'm not alone here. It's like gambling; take your win and leave the table before your luck changes. Good luck!
Nutrisystem is not a miracle diet program, but it is easy to follow. If you're ready to make permanent lifestyle changes needed to be successful at losing weight and maintaining the weight loss, this could prove to be a very useful tool.
I just started NutriSystem a week ago, and so far so good. The prepackaged meals very convenient and yes, edible. It teaches you portion control. Surpisingly the soy and salt content has not been an issue for me (the program does fall below the range of daily recommended salt intake.) I actually like that you add fresh fruit, vegetables, and non/low-fat dairy, which are part of eating healthy anyway. I think it gives the diet some balance after all of the processed (prepackaged) food. The combination of high fiber, protein, low-glycemic index foods and 2 litres of water daily help keep you from getting too hungy before the next meal. The journaling keeps you honest. They also advise moderate exercise. It's definitely an easy program to follow.
Great way to lose weight. I always struggled with what to eat and preparing it. Nutrisystem really takes all that effort that tend to get you in trouble out of the weigh loss equation.
I tried the Nutrisystem program and it worked wonders for me. The food I chose was great but you have to try all the foods to choose what is tasty. I found the foods that were pleasing to my taste and I lost over 50 pounds and I have kept it off for over two years now. The program taught me portion control and how to eat healthy so after nutrisystem I have not returned to my unhealthy eating habits. I always plan and carry my lunch and I am very careful when I eat out. The food is not expensive for me. I am single so 240-300 dollars a month for food is quite cheap. Try the plan it really works. But please remember it is a diet so the food will not taste like regular food. If you want to lose the weight, then nutrisystem is the way to go.
This diet is terrible! The sodium is OUTRAGEOUS. You may lose weight because of portion control, but that much sodium causes it's own handful of potential health problems. Also -- you end up having to buy a TON of food at the grocery store. You think "this is nice, all my food is prepared"...its not at ALL. If your meal calls for a hamburger with lettuce, tomato, onions on a bun with a side salad, the only thing they provide is the hamburger patty!
I started Monday and this is Friday. The food is OK not as delicious as described but hey it's a diet. I've lost 7and 1/2 pounds. I'm going to try to stick with it.
Food is garbage. A friend of mine gave me two months worth of the men's program, and now I see why. You're better off buying fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and salad.
I BOUGHT NUTRISYSTEM AT BIG LOTS AND IT HAS WORKED FOR ME!! YEAH SOME OF THE FOODS MAY NOT BE AS GOOD AS OTHERS, SO I KNOW NEXT TIME NOT TO GET THE NASTY ONES, BUT OTHER THAN THAT IT IS FILLING , MOST AMERICANS ARE GONNA COMPLAIN SIMPLY BECAUSE EVERYONE IS USED TO FATTY PROCESSED FOODS ON A DAILY BASIS THAT IS WHY EVERYONE IS OBESE...IF U WANNA DIET DONT COMPLAIN!!!
Nutrisystem was awful. I didn't start the program right away and found some expired product in my box. Contacted customer service and they did NOTHING to help me. The food was great!....if you like eating cardboard. Do NOT waste your money and time with this system. I have heard from my friends that Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers is so much better. Never again, I tell ya!
Like the food, liked the weight loss. For the first few months anyway...Hated the customer service, if you can call it that. They lie, lie, lie. They have promised daily for three weeks now to send my food the next day and still no food. Cancel you say? Can't, they have my money and I want my food. Worst customer service I have ever dealt with. People are nice enough but nothing happens or changes or gets fixed. Even the supervisors, promise to call you with the remedy, give you their number and you never hear from them again. I am so frustrated and angry. I am paying for this! They are not doing me a favor! Why can't they just do what they say they will? Because they are inept and unethical and we should not let them get away with it. Do not use this company. If I could I would call Dan Marino and Marie Osmond myself and tell them how their name is being used to cheat people. Do not do business with this company.
I tried this for a month and never felt good. I always felt like I was going to faint even after adding all veggies, fruit and dairy. Actually, you have to fill-up on those or you'll have less than the calories needed for a full day. The food was not great. I could tolerate the chili and some of the desserts. Sometimes it smelled so bad after taking it out of the microwave, I just threw it in the garbage! When I called to talk to customer service they were rude. I am a vegetarian and when I asked how I could incorporate the diet to meet my needs, they had no clue. I'm doing much better just eating smaller portions of 'normal' food.
I tried NutriSystem for less than a month. The majority of the food was horrible. There were certian desserts and a few entrees that were bareble. I was also disappointed in how much I had to spend on the food. You are required to have a certain amount of vegetables, dairy, fruits, etc., along your day, which is not included in the food packet you are given. I was also worried about the amount of sodium each food item had. It worked for a lady that I knew, who thought it was amazing. That encouraged me to get it. It may work for some and fail for others....GOOD LUCK!
I tried NutriSystem for less than a month. The majority of the food was horrible. There were certian desserts and a few entrees that were bareble. I was also disappointed in how much I had to spend on the food. You are required to have a certain amount of vegetables, dairy, fruits, etc., along your day, which is not included in the food packet you are given. I was also worried about the amount of sodium each food item had. It worked for a lady that I knew, who thought it was amazing. That encouraged me to get it. It may work for some and fail for others....GOOD LUCK!
I tried NutriSystem for six weeks, but just could not stick with it. To me the almost all of the food had horrible texture, smell and taste. I did lose weight, but I think most was just because I would heat up the food and then could not force myself to eat it, most of my meal would end up in the trash can!
I got some of the nurti system foods at BIG LOTS I think they are great.People who say they are awful have to realize they are on a diet and the food is not highly spiced like reasturant foods .so my week 1 is going great 7 pounds lost .I will be placing my first order in 3 days thank you nutri system Diane
