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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 9 of 10, 193 total comments)DAVINA
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!!!
posted Sep 15th, 2008 9:00 amShawny
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!
posted Sep 8th, 2008 7:25 amJudith
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.
posted Aug 26th, 2008 9:26 pmAnonymous
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.
posted Aug 16th, 2008 9:35 amGrace
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!
posted Jul 25th, 2008 10:49 amGrace
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!
posted Jul 25th, 2008 10:49 amMelinda
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!
posted Jun 10th, 2008 8:37 pmDiane Hardy
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
posted Jun 3rd, 2008 9:05 amLaura
The food is nasty and expensive; you have to buy a LOT of supplemental foods. Jenny Craig was much better, or if you have more time, Weight Watchers. Bonus: NutriSystem customer service is awful. I will be donating much of my first order to a food kitchen, with apologies.
posted Jun 2nd, 2008 9:14 amMATT
I LIKE THE BEEF DINNER WITH POTATOES AFTER SOME JONNYS
posted May 11th, 2008 7:15 amDee
I have been on Nutri System for 2 weeks now, and it works for me. The most important thing is to be prepared before you start. Read your meal planner first, and make a shopping list. Buy your veggies and dairy products, and don't forget to read the labels at the grocery store! Once you get into the habit of planning and portioning your meals the night before (like prepping your salad for lunch the next day and fruit selection) it becomes part of your regular routine. I must admit, the first 2 or 3 days were hard for me (I was a little hungry and felt like I was eating constantly), but I did not cheat and stuck with the plan. So far, I lost 5 pounds, and actually have the energy to start a walking routine after work. I have set small goals for myself. This is definitely not an overnight thing... but it does work! Plan ahead and be consistent!
posted May 6th, 2008 10:37 amAnonymous (female)
Initially I lost weight on Nutri System. I loved the conveniece of prepackaged foods. But I was always hungry after eating. I called their toll free number and spoke to a Customer Service rep, who was ill-informed and uncaring. I realized then that it's a call center with workers reading from prepared scripts, and they have no more knowledge of the program than anyone else. She said "You're not supposed to be hungry." Well, I was. I did the program in the summer, and the chocolate desserts were melted within their sealed packets on delivery. Ugh. Plus it takes about 10 days to get your food package. I not only had to pay for the packaged food but had to buy extras. Too expensive to maintain especially since I was so hungry I ate extra and didn't lose weight. One of the dinner meals, Tuna Casserole, was so sickening that I nearly threw up. It looked like canned dog food, I kid you not. I called C/S and they agreed to credit me that amount. Soon after I canceled everything.
posted May 5th, 2008 8:38 amsilvia
I have been on Nutrisystem for one week, and lost 5 pounds.. i actually think the food is pretty tasty! I got all of my food that i ordered, and didnt pay extra? i am loving it, but then again its only my 1st week
posted Apr 8th, 2008 9:34 amcarolina
I dig this diet! Food is tasty and i'm losing the weight i want!
Leigh K.
This sounds promising. Cut out the chore of cooking, meals sound deelish and get snacks during the day. All I see are positives- any negs I should know about?
Annette
All thumbs up here! I've been doing this for 8 months and lost almost 25 pounds. My goal was 35 so I'm almost there! Food is great- don't feel hungry and its tasty.
Mackie
Don't forget to exercise! I gave this a shot and I was doing well. But once I gave up on the workout it all came rushing back.
Deb Vance
The food is terrible. Chocolates are good and some entrees. Most is pretty bad. You lose weight by not being able to eat the food, I guess.
JeremyS
Deb - I actually (kinda) liked the food. Maybe I am weird but I thought it tasted pretty good.
Anonymous
Is Nutrisystem better than Medifast?