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NutriSystem
Lose weight with meals conveniently delivered to your home.
QUICK FACTS
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- Established: 1972
- Founder: Harold Katz
- Headquarters: Fort Washington, Pennsylvania
- Stock Symbol: NTRI
- Accessibility: Online
- Diet Type: Low-fat, Low-calorie, Meal Delivery
- Gender: Male and Female
- Celebrity Endorsements: Janet Jackson
- Get started by saving with these Nutrisystem Coupons
BACKGROUND
NutriSystem is one of the most recognizable names in weight loss and has rightly earned its place among the top diets. Founded in 1972, NutriSystem has helped millions of people lose weight on its convenient portion-controlled meals. This program takes the guess work out of dieting and many people find it to be an easy approach to healthy weight loss.
NutriSystem is one of the first diets that earned its marks by offering a hassle-free way to diet with its meal-delivery service. The diet plan takes care of the majority of grocery shopping, cooking and portioning by delivering meals and snacks that are calorie-controlled and pre-prepared. All you have to do is heat them up and enjoy them, supplementing with a few fresh grocery store items. NutriSystem originally offered shelf-stable, but starting in early 2011 added a fresh-frozen line of meals.
Most health experts agree that the NutriSystem diet is healthy and nutritionally sound. The foods are low in saturated and trans fats, and sodium. All the foods have a low glycemic index, and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to promote heart health and fiber to promote satiety. Together, these features make up the NutriSystem Advanced system.
There are a range of plans that are tailored to suit different nutritional needs. NutriSystem offers plans specifically for men, women, diabetics and vegetarians. There are also a number of plans available at different price-points.
When you sign up with NutriS ystem, you'll also receive a Mindset Makeover behavioral guide, which is an 13-week online plan to help you better understand your relationship to food. It provides steps for taking control of your eating habits. NutriSystem customers 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. The only other food that you will need to purchase are fresh fruits and vegetables.
NutriSystem offers the following plans:
NutriSystem Advanced: This program is 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: This is a book that lays out a 28-day weight-loss program that you can follow using the NutriSystem principles. You can create the meal plan outlined in the book with foods from your local grocery store, order the NutriSystem meals online or combine the two approaches.
NutriSystem D: Created specifically for the dietary needs of diabetics, NutriSystem launched this line of foods in 2009. In trials, subjects lost 16 times as much weight on NutriSystem D as those who didn't use the plan, in addition to lowering their blood sugar level five times more and reducing their A1c (glycated hemoglobin) by 0.9.
NutriSystem Vegetarian: The vegetarian program has the same quality and science-based nutrition as you would expect 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. This program is slightly high in calories than the women's program, to help men lose weight at a healthy weight without suffering through unnecessary hunger.
Nu-Kitchen Fresh for NutriSystem: This partnership between Nu-Kitchen and NutriSystem that features chef-inspired, fresh and natural meals delivered to your door. It is the most premium line of NutriSystem's meal delivery options.
Nutrisystem Video Review
Having trouble viewing? Click here to watch the Nutrisystem Video.
Other videos
Pros & Cons of the NutriSystem Diet
NutriSystem Featured in Diet Food Challenge on Good Morning America
PRO
- Makes it clear what you need to do to lose weight
- Many people have found weight loss success through NutriSystem
- Features a wide variety portion-controlled healthy meals and snacks
- Offers a number of programs that meet the different dietary needs of anyone who wants to lose weight
- Provides balanced nutrition
- Promotes exercise
- Meal Delivery offers tremendous convenience
- Encourages the consumption of fresh produce
- Promotes weight loss at a healthy rate
- Named #5 in the Best Commercial Diets by US News, 2012
CON
- Pre-packaged foods can be high in sodium
- Some people struggle to maintain their weight loss after they stop eating NutriSystem meals
- Does not teach how to prepare your own healthy meals
USER REVIEWS
A sampling of feedback and experiences shared by our community.
I tried nutrisystem in 2008 and lost 28 pounds. It was the only diet I ever went on that actually worked,yes it is a little expensive, with the veggies and dairy but if you stick to it it works. - Lori 6/28/11
I've been on NS, the diabetic program, for 3 months. I've lost 35 pounds and my blood sugar has come WAY down (from mid 200's to low 100's). And I don't find the food unpalatable at all. You can customize your order, so anything I don't like I just don't order again, and anything I like I order more off on the next shipment. Customer service has been excellent, and there is a huge member support that is extremely helpful. Plus, I AM learning how to eat properly to keep the weight off when I reach goal. Yay, Nutrisystem! - Betty 6/16/11
it absolutely works if you follow it correctly. It is easy to follow as well, but the food is horrible!!! There are only a few things that are tolerable, and even if you customize your order you will get extremely tired of eating those same things over and over. They have a plan where you get these other foods added that are frozen. They are WAY better, but you only get a couple of weeks worth of it then your back to eating the other horrible food. Totally not worth it. I've tried it three times because I did lose the weight, but I couldn't handle the food. - Whitney 5/17/11
The portion sizes are sooo small. It's not possible to just grab and go. To feel satisfied you have to add fruits and lots of vegetables. It's not as mindless as I thought it was going to be. Fruits and vegetables are expensive. Overall it works because your fat/calories are so restricted and because no one wants to wstet all the money they spent on the program. I didn't mind the food. I have don't have gourmet taste or anything. No worse than the frozen/dried meals in stores now. I will probably not buy another month worth of food. Could have probably lost weigt eating lean cuisines, protein bars etc. I think nutrisystem is a good jump start to a diet and healthier eating. - TB 1/21/11
See our in-depth Nutrisystem review completed in 2010.
Leave Your Own Review and Rating
DIET and NUTRITION
Whenever people sign up for a meal delivery diet, the big question is "What can I eat?" With NutriSystem, there are over 140 meal and snack options to choose from. Pancakes, macaroni and cheese, chicken noodle soup, chicken parmesan, tacos are just a few of the entrees, while snacks include bars and pretzels. Dessert isn't out of the picture with options like oatmeal raisin cookies, orange creme bars and chocolate chip pudding. Each meal is pre-packaged and prepared to the appropriate portion size. Many items are ready-to-eat but some require heating.
All of the NutriSystem meals are low on the gyclemic index and contain a balanced proportion of quality carbohydrates (55%), good fats (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. Shelf-stable foods do not need to be refrigerated. You are also encouraged to consume six servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day, which can be purchased at your grocery store or farmer's market.
A typical day on the program includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, one snack and a dessert. Below is a sample menu from the Nutrisystem Select program, which features some fresh-frozen items:
- Breakfast – Golden French Toast; 8 oz. skim milk; strawberries
- Snack – Low-fat cheese stick; grapes
- Lunch – Chicken Quesadilla; bell peppers with fat free dressing
- Dinner – Buffalo Chicken Wrap; side salad with dressing
- Dessert – Fudge Swirl Sundae
EXERCISE
As part of the Advanced program, NutriSystem has created three workout DVDs. Two of the DVDs were created with the help of fitness expert Leslie Sansone, titled Women’s Walk and Silver Walk. The third DVD is geared towards men, and was created by former NFL pro Vaughn Hebron and is called Functional Movement Workout. Each Advanced 28-Day program will come with the DVD that best complements the weight loss program ordered.
When you eat NutriSystem's carefully portion-controlled meals, you will lose weight without exercise. However, your weight loss will be more effective if you incorporate exercise. You will see faster results, have less trouble keeping the weight off and enjoy better overall health. In addition to the DVD you will receive with your order, there are numerous ways that you can add exercise to your life. The NutriSystem program focuses more on the diet than the exercise, so you are to choose whatever type of physical activity you wish to engage in. Find something you enjoy and that interests you. This will keep you motivated and looking forward to your workouts. There are online forums available to dieters for tips and suggestions from other members. Below are just a few examples of some popular choices:
- Zumba
- Aerobics classes
- Walking with a buddy
- Kickboxing
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Biking
- Swimming
- Jogging
NUTRISYSTEM FAQ
Common questions asked about the NutriSystem program by our community. Click each to see the full answer.
What meals are on the menu for NutiSystem D? - Mike 5/25/11
What is the cost of NutriSystem? - David 6/4/11
Can you buy a sample of NutriSystem? - Sandy 7/6/11
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. Often, individuals end up gaining weight back once they stop using the program. As successful as this program is in helping people shed pounds, it does not teach you how to eat and prepare your own healthy meals. If you wish to maintain your weight loss, you cannot simply go back to eating the way you did before NutriSystem, but must continue to eat portion controlled meals.
See how NutriSystem compares to its competitors in our Meal Delivery Diet Comparison.
NUTRISYSTEM SLIDESHOWS
Other Slideshows About NutriSystem
7 Weight Loss Plans Fit for Fall
NUTRISYSTEM RESOURCES
NutriSystem Review at Everyday Health
Common Misspellings
Nutri System, Nutrasystem, Nutra system, Nutresystem, Nutrisystem.com, Nutrisytem, Nutrisytem
DietsInReview.com is a paid affiliate of Nutrisystem, Inc.
Featured Diets
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
User Feedback
(Page 4 of 9, 179 total comments)tonymucho
the food is ok. I lost 15 lbs in 5 weeks so that was great
posted Nov 5th, 2010 10:49 pmMargie Tollefson
I like the food, I will recomend this diet to my family and friends. I also like the fact that you don't have to prepare anything or measure, I can just grab and go if I wan't to. It's great !!!!
posted Oct 30th, 2010 6:25 pmMO
I am so excited I decided to go on this diet. I was worried to begin with since the portion sizes were small but I am able to have a large salad which fills me up. After my first day I was so full I was almost worried, I now have a large salad with lunch and a small salad with dinner. Im sure I will get sick of the same salads soon enough, but for now, it's working. I have only been on the diet for 10 days but I have lost 13lbs and am feeling great. I still have about 70 to go so I'll cross my fingers I can finally do this and keep eating the foods given to me (which is really good by the way. I'd buy some of these foods if they were sold in stores).
posted Oct 28th, 2010 7:15 pmJan
Not very insightful review. Not very helpful
posted Oct 17th, 2010 8:19 pmMary
Okay so nutrisystemworks...however I do have to say this...the packaging, the food and the desserts make you crave food as they are not very good...I've done jenny craig and the food is so good that you don't really have too many urges to cheat. jenny craig also works but because of the processed foods, you get really bloated and do not go to the bathroom as often as you should so you feel like you haven't lost weight as your stomach is protruding. I have been taking allie with nutrisystem so I can't say if makes you bloated or not. Either way, you lose weight...I've lost 15 lbs. Stuck with the diet, took allie and walked about 4-6 miles three times a week.
posted Oct 16th, 2010 4:00 pmJoAnn
I lost 11 1/2 lbs in 28 days and I only wanted 10, so it exceeded my expectations. Good food, never hungrey, and will try it anytime when needed.
posted Oct 15th, 2010 11:14 amLaura
The food was very gross. I have tried Jenny Craig with success and Weight Watchers with success but 4 days on this food, I could not go on, it was just too disgusting.
posted Oct 4th, 2010 10:12 amEllen
6 days. 11 pounds!!! I only have 22 in total. The food isn't the best......Stay away from anything "alredo" or "cheesy pasta"....everthing else has been ok. But, you can't beat the results. I am shocked every morning when I weigh myself. Shocked. it works!
posted Oct 1st, 2010 6:46 pmdianne warner
I tried the diet for one month and did lose 12 pounds. The food does not taste very good but I stuck with it determined to lose the weight. When my second month arrived I decided not to continue with the diet. I contacted customer service to cancel and told them I would be returning the box at my post office. They gave me the address of NutriSystem Returns, 1490 Nitter House Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201 and then gave me a "return code number" (which was RMAC39169378) and told me to write the number clearly on the outside of the box. Well it was returned the first week in July and to date I have never been credited for the $299.00. I have called customer service several times since then and was lectured that I should have used UPS! That was their response. So, in my opinion I would not recommend this diet system. Or I would say "use at your own risk"
posted Sep 27th, 2010 6:38 pmLeizelle
the food is nasty buy i lost weight
posted Sep 14th, 2010 8:19 pmshelley
i did the ns program for 2 months and lost five pounds per week. after one year i have only gained back five pounds due to my chocolate obsession. so you can keep the weight off if you utilize a few tricks. I only use smart-beat, smart-squeeze margarine, very little salt, zero calorie drinks, no mayo, no fried foods. Keep it off!
posted Sep 8th, 2010 3:10 pmbob
well you cant compare healthy eating to a quaterpounder with cheese. if you want juicy deliciousness then go to mcdonalds if you want to lose weight then stop complaining
posted Sep 7th, 2010 10:18 amMyra
I was excited to try Nutrisystem, but am very disappointed! The food is horrible and somethings smell like dog food. I tried to cancel my program, but they kept sending me orders monthly and charging my card. I tried to return these for a refund, but they make it very difficult to return. I am very upset and cannot believe all the celebrities who put their name under Nutrisystem.
posted Sep 2nd, 2010 12:15 pmwendyw74
Fact of the matter is you will lose weight with nutrisystem but some of the food is not great. I think it is a good diet to get you in check then slowly move off of it. Need to exercise people as well!
posted Aug 25th, 2010 10:51 amLaura
I rather like Nutrisystems. It took a lot of reading and reviews before I decided to try it. Like all diet plans some will work for certain people and not for others. I can truly say with some seasonings and veggies etc. the food is good. I have found some things not eatable however I choose not to order them in the future. I have had good success lost 8 pounds in 11 days and I am sure I will lose more. I am determined to stay with this program until I loose all the weight I need to loose.
posted Aug 23rd, 2010 12:54 pmJaneth
NS Referral
posted Aug 12th, 2010 10:53 amTina Gressel
Ok. When I rec'd my shipment it was in little cheap packaging and NOTHING was prepared. You have to add the water to the soups/ you have to prepare the puddings and pancake mixes, etc. They say it's only $300 a month to eat which is cheap but YOU have to add the fruit and vegetables and nuts and dairy. Believe me, it's NOT cheap--only the taste of the food is cheap. Alot of it is gross or tastes like cardboard. So.... I call nutrisystem and tell them I will keep this month supply (and try to choke it down) but to cancel any future orders. They are going to charge me $52 to cancel--even though I was keeping the food. Originally it gave me a supposed $33 discount for 1 week of extra food- but they wanted to charge me $52 just for canceling. So I tell them I will just send it all back and they can reimburse me then which will cost me $18. Why would I keep cheap gross food that already cost $300 and pay $52 more? Go to a grocery store and get weight watchers foods or one of the others...and save yourself tons of money! and delivery charges!
posted Aug 7th, 2010 3:21 pmDiane
I love it. It's convenient and easy. Before NS I couldn't lose a lb. I've been on it for 3 mths and have lost 16 1/2 lbs. Thank you NS!!!!!!!
posted Jul 10th, 2010 10:08 amyasmine
The food is ok. the more important thing is i lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks! granted i did up my game in the gym
posted Jul 9th, 2010 1:52 pmBetty Leach
I am amazed that I can lose weight on this program with no hunger, no cooking, no measuring, and no weighing. I am thrilled with the results. Been on NS one month
posted Jul 1st, 2010 8:52 am