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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 3 of 9, 179 total comments)Barbara Lemons
When do I get to eat a slice of whole wheat bread? Also, I do not see sugar-free jello on the list in my booklet? This first two days gave me a galloping case of diarrhea and I get that easily because the metformin that I take for diabetes is also likely to cause diarrhea. Help. Otherwise, I like what I have eaten so far. Thanks.
posted Mar 23rd, 2011 7:42 pmmarilyn
Hard to deal with. Missing item was not sent after 11 days. Must go through a long chat by the company till I handed my husband the phone. First I tried to email and they never returned my inquiry. Food to high in sodium,carbs and fiber. Such gas and bloat.Who are they trying to kid. Marie should be ashamed,
posted Mar 22nd, 2011 6:00 pmJJ
In addition to the article, for me,
posted Mar 19th, 2011 12:48 pmPro's: convenience and portion control.
Cons:
- Not a Healthy, Sustainable way of eating long term - just another quick fix diet.
- Highly processed food
- Loaded with undesirable additives and lots of Aspartame.
- Almost every Item is sweet, even many lunches & dinners.,this does not promote "responsible" eating habits.
So-so:
- One of the "Pro's" listed above is: "Supplement with fresh produce from grocery store"; This can also be a con as it ads cost - and you still need to shop. (you also need to add dairy)
- The food is not great tasting, but edible. Lots of "Meal replacement bars" (not a fan of these). But you can choose your own menu items.
- Not the Best Diet solution - but if you have tried everything else, and must lose weight for health reasons, this may be worth a try.
Jenni11
I love NS. I love how the food tastes and have had no problems with orders or anything. I had tons of friends recomment the program because of how successful it was for them. I lost 15lbs the first month. I am just starting my 2nd month and excited to see my results at the end of the month. I love the new frozen foods also. I find it funny that people blame the company for things they could have and should have researched themselves before buying into the program. I also have diabetes and the plan really has helped regulate my blood sugar. In fact at my last dr appt I was told my diabetes was getting BETTER...Can't beat that. As for buying food outside of what you pay for of course you have to buy dairy fruits and veggies and if you did that prior to this program and eating them rather than going out or eating processed foods then we all wouldn't be here trying to lose weight. My kids are eating healthier because of me being on the program and love eating their fruits and veggies. Thank you NS. The food is good...there are a few items I wasn't fond of but I went to my acct and changed the choices that way I get what I like delivered to me.
posted Mar 13th, 2011 4:07 pmjune mcclerkin
I ordered nutri system 3 days ago and I paid 19.95 which i was told was a rush delivery chage and was soppose to receive my food by 12: the next day now I can't gt anyone to call me back. I am now told it will be on the 18th of this month which will be abt 2 1/2 weeks after i placed my order.. I believe it is a scam and i don't want any thing to do with it. i am going to my bank tomorrow to get my chages reversed
posted Mar 8th, 2011 9:14 pmJoan
I ordered NS thru QVC and started it a week ago.
posted Feb 22nd, 2011 11:16 amI'm not happy with it, especially the dinners, what do they put in it that makes it have a funny taste??? The breakfasts and snacks aren't to bad but the dinners....awful. If I paid the regular price for it I would have sent it back.
I know Jennie Craig is expensive but it's probably worth it to have food that tastes like food.
JL
Nutrisystem is awesome for people who are ready to make some changes and get healthy. You can't "diet", lose the weight and expect to go back to your old habits. It's really about getting rid of the factors that made you unhealthy in the first place. If eating fruits and veggies aren't something you care to do then don't bother with Nutrisystem. Continue to go through the drive-thru and use all time you saved yourself to complain about why you're fat.
posted Feb 19th, 2011 8:43 amErnest Cera
order was and is wrong. ordered diabetric program . u sent pasta crapi am a diabetic and ordered your diet for diabetics and u send me tons of pasta that i can not eat. i would like to return this junk and get a rebate. i am 70 years old and retired. if u can not get the orders right get out of the business. i can,t gave away this stuff. i would like to cancel my order.
posted Feb 18th, 2011 3:02 pmJill
I tried this diet for two months and really liked it. The food tasted reasonable for the price of the diet. There were a few things I couldn't stand to eat and I just called them and asked for something different. They were real nice about it and sent me new items of my choosing and never asked me to send back the items I couldn't eat. i quit after losing 10 pounds and decided I'd try to duplicate the diet on my own, only it's quite difficult and I failed at that. Two months later, I've gained back the ten pounds by eating exactly as I have pleased, but now it's time for me to go back and try Nutrisystem again. I'm looking forward to it with their new great prices and I plan on losing a lot more this time and sticking to it a little longer. Yes, I would definitely recommend this diet to anyone who wants to lose weight easily and fast.
posted Feb 17th, 2011 10:34 pmPixie
To the people that complain about the cancellation fees it's stated clearly that if you cancel before 2 months you will be charged a fee. It's also very clear on the website that you buy your own fruit and vegetables.
posted Feb 17th, 2011 3:06 pmIn regards to the diet I like it. The food isn't the best but it works. I would compare it to a Lean Cuisine. A few things I have gagged on but I can select my food options for the most part and not pick that one again. I think if they improved the taste of their food they would have one of the best affordable diet plans.
It's affordable and easy to follow. I'm really happy that they now include frozen food. Eating just the prepackaged food gets old.
I had no plans to use the online tools because they seemed too basic. However there are some fun things people do on the discussion boards. Biggest Loser challenge was a great motivator.
lina
i just ordered nutrisystem, i have diabetes and i would like to know if i can have regular diet.
posted Feb 14th, 2011 4:10 pmCanalian
I used Nutrisystem when they had an office in Ontario, Canada.
posted Feb 14th, 2011 1:58 pmWent to use the program again and was digusted by the service I received. My food never arrived, I was told that a new shipment would be sent to replace this but it never left the warehouse.
I was told 3 times on 3 different days that the food would "be sent today".
Four weeks later I still hadn't seen anything.
Ended up cancelling my order and will not consider this company again.
Jill Miles
Why did Nutrisystem close all satelite offices? I used Nutrisystem in Redmond Wash. and like it very much and would use it again if there was a office where I live now. I tied the mail system and it doesn't work. There are food I didn't like and talked twice with a person to send something different and they sent me the same thing both times so I quite it's a waist of money. I don't eat what I don't like. I throw it away. I'm looking to diet again but not with Nutrisystem. I don't like Jennie Craig and she has a office here where I live. To bad it isn't Nutrisystem. Mailing the food out and no one to talk to just doesn't work. Bad,Bad, Bad. :0(
posted Feb 8th, 2011 10:05 pmAlison
I've lost 12 pounds in 3 weeks....so I have no complaints. The food is pretty tasty, there are only a couple of items that I could not eat but since I get to customize my orders, I'm just not going to order those again. Very satisfied!!!!
posted Jan 31st, 2011 9:47 pmTB
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.
posted Jan 21st, 2011 3:56 amCarol
I just started and already have canceled. The food is horrible!! Not fit for a DOG!! Plus when I called to cancel they want to charge me a fee for not getting at least two shipments plus I never received my frozen food. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE!! MARIE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HERSELF FOR ENDORSING THIS HORRIBLE COMPANY!!!!
posted Jan 18th, 2011 4:00 pmJeane
I tried this system. You need to buy their food, plus lots of other food as well. I couldn't eat the food because it has too much sugar, as I have type two diabetes. I can't eat the diabetic plan because it contains aspertane, which gives me migraines. This was not explained to me before I started, they just wanted to get me to buy into th eir program. I had to receive the two shipments, then they would not give me a full refund for the second shipment. This whole progam is nothing but a scam. They want your money!! BEWARE!
posted Nov 24th, 2010 4:35 pmsusana
Nutrisystem works you do lose weigh but, the menu realy needs improvment.
posted Nov 23rd, 2010 5:57 amchristine desper
what dose it cost?
posted Nov 16th, 2010 1:50 pmChristine Correll
The problem with any diet is the food is not as good as the food that put all those pounds on you in the first place. The food is okay. They do have different plans. The price is okay. I like getting the bears for each of my ten pounds I have lost. I am going into my 5 month and have lost 39 pounds. Any diet takes alot of effort. I like the website it helps you keep track of what you have eaten for the day and so much more. The price is reasonable and you can do this all in the privacy of your home. So yes I give a thumbs up to this system.
posted Nov 11th, 2010 11:05 pm