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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 5 of 9, 179 total comments)bernadine starken
I have stopped the program and send back my last order which came to $299.00 I do not have a credit yet on my account. Please look into this.
posted Jun 28th, 2010 11:34 amMarsha
I tried nutrisystem for about one month...well I could not get through the entire month, in fact I still have meals left over. I don't like that everything is processed and most of the food is really yucky. The other thing is that the foods are very high in sodium. The diet is expensive and you still have to buy additional supermarket items to supplement the diet.
posted Jun 27th, 2010 3:53 pmIf you can eat like this you may lose the weight, but for me a diet is a change in the way I eat forever, and I cannot eat like this every day of my life.
Lowell Hale
Sir;
posted Jun 20th, 2010 11:46 amThe following is an email that I have sent to contacts at NutraSystem
Sir;
NutraSystem has made an unauthorized charge on my credit card in the amount of $416.91.
I had previously canceled any further orders .. couple months ago..
The operator I talked to advised that I should call Nutra System before
June 25 if I wanted to order at th then existing priceing..I chose not to reorder BUT Nutra System has chosen to charge me again...Cleverly doing it at late Friday so that the order would be 'in the works' for enough time so as to make it difficult for me to reverse
NOW..
Nutra System did the same thing on the last order I recieved..at that time I relented and kept the order.
This is the second time .
Unless you remove those charges imediately I will seek legal remedy.
Nutra System has proven to be a "shady" or "tricky" outfit that should never have access to anyones credit card info.
On Monday evening...after 6:00pm..if your charghes are not removed I will be relating this story and this letter on web places ..youtube...myspace..and any other site that reaches numbers of potential NutraSystem customers to make them aware of the dangers of letting out their credit card info to NutraSystem.
I want those charges to my credit card cancelled andI will do no further business with Nutra System.
If you try to send a shipment to me,..just know that II have moved and no longer live in Texas
.
.
SO, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS,..
WHEN DEALING WITH NUTRASYSTEM..
.
"WATCH YOUR POCKETS"..as they say
Arleigh
I thought this was an easy all inclusive meal plan. WRONG!
posted Jun 15th, 2010 9:38 amYou have to buy lots of fresh veggies and fruit. I also suffer and so does my husband from Gas and loss of sleep due to going to the bathroom 3-4 times a night because of the liquid required. I hope it works because so far I am NOT impressed.
Robert Callaway
there is a lot of the foods I just dont likeand this is not for me.It is costing me more than I can afford each month and I need to cancel my program now. Please do not ship any more food. I QUITE.
posted May 31st, 2010 5:20 pmlouie
I will take it meals delivered to to your door and I can lose weight
posted May 31st, 2010 11:10 amJen
Food is disgusting!!!
posted May 27th, 2010 2:40 pmKim
My husband and I started this diet on October 1, 2010. So far he has lost 100 lbs and has gone from a size 46 to a 36 and a XXXL shirt to a L shirt. I have lost 60 lbs and have gone from a size 18 to 8. There are a few foods that we don't care for but for the most part we like all of them. We can't believe how easy it has been and are being told by our friends that we have been an inspiration to them and they have now started NS.
posted May 20th, 2010 9:02 pmval
The portions are just right and the food is edible. I am losing weight not a ton but lost like 6 pounds over two weeks.
posted May 12th, 2010 12:22 pmJoeyCrack
Apparently the key to losing weight with any program is eating healthy and exercising. Within the first month of the program, I lost 20+ lbs. Nutrisystem helped me to maintain proper portion control, which helped me to lose weight that probably would not have come off with just exercise alone. More importantly than the scale reading is the fact that I feel great, and am no longer sweating of breathing hard after walking a short distance.
posted May 8th, 2010 1:36 pmWith Nutrisystem, I like the flexibility of being able to add your own fruits and vegetables. While on Nutrisystem, I also eat at restaurants, or cook my own foods on the grill, but I am more concious of portion sizes, or having the waiter remove unhealthy items such as mayo from a sandwhich.
I think that one of the problems that led to my own weight gain was feeling of no control over what I ate. Nutrisystem teaches you that you do have control over what you eat, and once you learn this, then you can sustain a healthy lifestyle.
rb
Lost 24 pounds. Kept it off for 2 years. Came back up to within 7 pounds of previous weight. Went back on, lost 15.
posted Apr 30th, 2010 11:52 amst
i tried this diet twice. i did lose a little bit of weight, but couldn't really stand the food. the ham & bean soup, the chili's and the pizza i liked. other than that not really. i am not a gourmet by any means, eat a lot of frozen diet dinners, but this just wasn't my taste.
posted Apr 18th, 2010 9:31 pmNick M.
Yuck! lost the weight - but it was a terrible experience and emotionally draining. i could not stand to open up one of those boxes again and eat more tasteless food. On top of that, one has to buy so much supplemental food it's not worth it. I switched to diets-to-go post-pregnancy. worth every dime. fresh food delivered to your house with everything you need (including fruit, juice, condiments) - so easy to manage what I eat while being a mom to a newborn! my husband was so impressed he's considering joining. N/S is preservative filled food that is horrible!
posted Apr 5th, 2010 12:50 amWhitney
I haven't even been on the program for a month and I have lost 17 pounds on it so far!! The food isn't bad but you just got it remember it is diet food.
posted Apr 3rd, 2010 12:21 pmMarie
I've been on this diet for about 9 months and I have lost 55 pounds. However, I am now at a plateau about 15 pounds above my healthy BMI range, and I just can't get past it.
posted Mar 13th, 2010 7:30 pmOverall, I really liked this diet. It is so convenient so I don't have to be obsessed with food all day long. I don't know if I buy into that glycemic index stuff, but the food really does keep me satisfied for a long time. At first I assumed that they tell you that you won't be hungry because they let you eat as much as you want of certain vegetables. However, I hate vegetables so I usually skip them, but I was still full and satisfied with this food. Before I even started the program, I planned to allow myself occasional treats for special occasions. One time I was planning to have ice cream, but I was so full that I didn't even want it. Somehow it really works.
The food quality is really mixed. Some of it is simply disgusting, some of it is so good I would eat it even if I weren't on a diet, and most of it is good enough. For anyone who is thinking of starting it, I strongly suggest that you get the customizable plan, rather than the set menu that they have available. For anyone who has tried it in the past, the food quality has improved dramatically over the past year. The muffins are actually good now, and I absolutely love the new desserts that they came out with last January. Stay away from anything with chicken in it. The chocolate bars a little weird and certainly not like eating Hershey's, but they're pretty good for diet food.
Pam
Breakfast foods were good, snack sweets were good, lunches edible, chips & dinners not edible chicken??? not sure it didn't taste like chicken dry & tastless. I have over a months of dinner & lunches left going to waste . It should be called the alpo diet but then again even my dog wouldn't eat it
posted Feb 23rd, 2010 9:27 amKay
I lost on it. I like it for the most part.
posted Feb 22nd, 2010 9:13 pmI just wish you would not gain the pounds back when you start eating real food again.
Kimberly
The food does not taste like my own and I certainly didn't expect it to. I use assorted Mrs. Dash flavors to improve some of the dishes. Yes, some of the cakes and desserts seem a little less moist than say a 600-calorie honeybun. I eat my cakes and desserts with an 8oz glass of skim milk. I supplement meals with my own tasty veggies, salads and a large variety of fruits (esp in summer). I walk 30-45 mins per day. I have a prior neck injury so I can't do any other type of exercise. I've lost 90 lbs in 18 months---slow compared to some, but just what I need to get to and maintain a normal weight.
posted Jan 11th, 2010 7:35 pmChristina
Nutrisystem is the monst convienant, delicious diet I have tried. The food is outstanding. I'm pretty sick of people saying the food is wretched. You are obviously on a diet because you are overweight and eat too much as it is (like myself) and in which case you obviously ate delicious fattening foods for awhile so yeah in comparison it isn't as good.
posted Jan 7th, 2010 9:55 pmDawn Delgatto
I don't really care for there bars and the cakes r very very dry
posted Jan 7th, 2010 12:24 am