What’s so good about NutriSystem ?
So why? Why are so many people embarking on this diet?
The NutriSystem Advanced program is all about convenience. They sell pre-packaged (heat and eat) meals from their website and ship them to your door. They have an ongoing deal that will supply one weeks free food with every 4 week order (see the free deal here). This amounts to $280 for 5 weeks food. In an age where foods are chosen according taste, price, and convenience - it should come as no surprise that NutriSystem is so popular.
Jenny Craig vs NutriSystem
Both of these diets are about pre-packaged foods and portion-controlled weight loss. Jenny Craig charges a membership fee (which requires signing a contract). NutriSystem has no such contract and membership is free. Take a look at my video post, Jenny Craig vs. Nutrisystem, where an independent reporter investigates and compares both diets.
What’s not so good?
According to one survey, the average customer stays for 9.5 weeks. This shows that NutriSystem is useful for getting back on track, but it is not a permanent answer. After finishing your stint with NutriSystem you must go back to preparing your own meals - and this is a critical time (and an issue with every on-and-off diet).
Those Ads
NutriSystem is well known for it’s advertising - particular the TV commercials. One in particular featured a customer - seen catching a bouquet at a mock wedding — wearing nothing but a bikini and high heels. Cheesy for sure - but at least the woman (37 year old Sheila Duren) was a genuine customer (via Businessweek).
Diet and Nutritional Aspects
The NutriSystem diet is based around the glycemic index. They have options for men, women, diabetics, and vegetarians. Typical daily calorie amounts will vary from 1200 to 1500, and each days food consists of 3 meals and 2 snacks. The macro-nutrient ratios are approximately 55% carbohydrates, 25% protein and 20% fats. The have 2 additional programs for women and men over 60 - the only difference here is the addition of one months supply of a multivitamin-mineral.
So… will you lose weight?
Strictly follow a 1200-1500 calorie diet - such as NutriSystem , and most people will lose weight. It’s a simple formula of reducing energy intake. How long the weight loss will continue is something that cannot be easily answered. This is the same with virtually every diet - you reach a plateau and something will need to change (changing exercise patterns, lifting weights, changing nutrient ratios, etc.). However an appraisal of most opinion sites on the web show that people definitely lose weight with NutriSystem.
Hi, I'm a dietitian with experience in hundreds of weight loss programs and fad diets. When forming my list of the
I have actually just started this program, the food isn’t anything specatular (but keeping in mind I didn’t start it because of the great tasting food.. of course diet food isn’t going to taste as good… it lacks all of the fat and sodium). So for those who are complaining about how terrible the good is, all I can do is laugh.. I don’t really know what you were expecting. This is to LOSE WEIGHT.. And for those who were complaining about how hungry they felt, I really don’t know how much you eat, but I feel overly full eating their meals so maybe that’s a message that you’re eating too much to begin with and your stomach is stretched bigger than it should be??? There has been so much success with it I think that if you suck it up until you lose the weight you want, work out and keep focused that you WILL be very successful with the plan. Don’t let the picky over-critical people stop you from trying this, it really will work if you stick with it.
I noticed a lot of people talking about nutrisystem on here. If anyone is thinking of doing it, I am here to tell you that you should go for it! I’m into the my 3rd week right now and have lost 18 pounds. I have pretty much stayed strictly on the diet, I have only eaten twice different from the nutrisystem diet (example, one dinner I was at a baseball game so I had half a hot dog and a beer and memorial day for lunch I had a small hamburger (with lettuce and tablespoon of ketchup)with a deviled egg and some pasta salad)
I’m not a picky eater, so other then the chicken noodle soup (too thick) and turkey hot dogs (DO NOT GET) the food has been delicious!
If anyone is thinking of starting and would like a little discount, I can send out referral coupons for $30 off your initial order - email me at wmich12@yahoo.com and I’ll send out a coupon!
Good luck to everyone!
Matt
WOW for NutriSystem! This is my 9th day and I have lost 10 lbs. I follow the plan and have cheated everyday…but only between breakfast and lunch ( longtime to me….however, I cheated with something they recommend on the diet, and even with cheating (sometimes you just need something) I used portion control (ironic. Overall, I am pleased, but this following week I have been told is the week that I will perhaps start to see the results in my waistline. My mother told already after the 10th day that my waist looked smaller.
Also, I excerise everyday for 30 mins. which probably helps, and builds muscle. We all know that muscle weighs more than fat. I love this diet and have so much energy. The food is great for a prepackaged dioet. The people who are saying that it is horrible are sadly mistaken if they think they are going to get gourmet food shipped to them at only $270 a month. Also, The diet really is not that expensive. Think about how much you spend on groceries a month, plus going to fast food places, plus your morning latte, plus some Haggen-Daas(however you spell it)etc. You spend on average about 400 amonth on food alone and dont even notice it. It is the paying up front that throws people off. But, then again, I am single, working, living with my parents rent-free for the summer. Anyway, my plan is to lose 30lbs before I return to college, and at 10 lbs in 9 days, I think I may hit they goal pretty soon. My total goal is to lose 80 lbs.
Good Luck Everyone, and give NutriSystem a shot if you are on the fence trying to make a decision!!!
Hi, I enjoyed your article and agree that NutriSystem (which I have been on for five months) is the best. However, there is an error in your write up:
“They have an ongoing deal that will supply one weeks free food with every 4 week order (see the free deal here). This amounts to $280 for 5 weeks food.”
This is incorrect. While there is a promotion for a free week’s worth of food with a four week purchase, it’s a one time deal to sign up new members. After that, you get 4 weeks at a time.
Also, while it sounds fairly accurate to me that the majority of people stay with NS for 9 weeks, a LOT of people end up sticking to the plan using their own foods to prepare meals equivalent to the packaged NS items. Check the message boards on the site - you’ll find plenty of postings regarding this.
Otherwise a great article.
I began using NutriSystem last September. My goal was to lose 70 pounds. Well, I’m proud to say I’ve done it!! After just 44 weeks, on June 29th, I weighed in 71 pounds lighter. So many people have complimented me along the way, which is quite encouraging and supportive. I tell everyone about NutriSystem � some of my friends will be starting their weight loss program soon. Friends and co-workers who haven’t seen me since the fall have been shocked upon seeing the “new me” (who I haven’t seen for 10 years!). I’ve told them how easy losing weight was with NutriSystem. I never feel hungry. Best of all, the success I see each week motivates me to go on. Thanks, NutriSystem!
I have been using Nutrisystem for just over seven months and have lost 74 pounds. I lost a majority of that in the first 4 months despite my continued cheating. I suddenly hit a plateau which I’m sure is partly due to my minimal cheating so, rather then changing my routine all around to start losing again, I’ve decided to give South Beach a try for a month or so. Then I’ll go back to NS.
My only issues with NS is their new web site is not very user friendly and much of the new format does not work correctly. Plus, it seems that the people at NS are not too on the ball with providing what they promise when it comes to customer service or providing the perks they promise. Other then that, I love it.
I have saved nearly $1000 with NutriSystem and 15 lbs in just 2 weeks! Before NutriSystem I would take my girlfriend out to dinner and a few drinks 2-3 times a week and it would cost ~$150 each meal. Since we are both on the plan we spend just $8 a day for NutriSystem foods!
Sure some of the food is awful but you learn quick what you won’t order again. Stay clear of the Beef Stroganoff for example. I made the mistake of ordering 5 off these entrees. My advice is to order 1 of everything they have the first month and make note of what you like and don’t like.
I just finished reading articles about Jenny Craig - no one had a good thing to say. After reading the articles about NutriSystem I am going to try it after the first of the year and will come back to this site and let you know what happens. Thank you.
I went on Jenny Craig many years ago and had a bad experience, starving, and not losing anything but my hard earned money. Unless they have drastically changed I wouldn’t recommend it.
Two years ago this new years, I ordered Nutrisystem. I was on it for 3 mos. and lost 50lbs.(without starving!). I lost 7 lbs. in the first week and that is what really motivated me to stick w/it. I found that the program was great, because it teaches you the proper things to eat and they even give you a guide of what to order when dining out.
I have been on NutriSystem for 6 months and have lost 60lbs! I like that you’re allowed to order any food dishes you want. I tried them all first and now hand pick the one’s I love most!
Cina
I was not really too much overweight. My biggest problem was the belly fat. I looked pregnant. I followed the NutriSystem for twelve weeks, even eating out quite a bit. I never really got hungry with this plan. I lost 14 pounds and I am totally pleased with the loss of inches around my middle. My clothes fit the way they are should. And, as the commercial says, I went from a size 14 to a size 10. I have learned what a “portion” size is. I also check grocery labels more than ever before. I would recommend NutriSystem to anyone. PS….I thought the food was good, too.
Thanks for the info - My husband and I are going to take all your advices and give it a whirl. Hope we are as successful as you all are !
I decided to try the NutriSystem just 2 weeks ago. The website was very informative and with just a few clicks of submitting my information, I was off to picking out my meals.
My delivery just came this past Wednesday so I am just on my second full day. So far I have not tasted anything that I don’t like!! What a surprise. In fact I just ate my desert “white chocolate chunk cookie”.
I am so very anxious to see how I do on the NutriSystem program to loose my goal weight of 20 to 25 pounds. I will keep you informed. After reading and doing my own research I am glad that I picked NutriSystem to start on my new life goal.
Lee
I just started NutriSystem for the third time, and this time I’m going all the way! It’s literally the ONLY program that works for me.
There’s an error in your review, however. The Women’s Silver program (which I’m on) IS different from the regular women’s program. The total fat, sodium and calories in the program are lower, so there are several food choices in each meal category that aren’t available on the Silver plan. Also, the exercise DVD is different, tailored for older women.
Incidentally, NutriSystem recently revised the program (i.e., improved it) and it’s now called Advantage instead of Nourish.
I have recently decided to purchase the Nutrisystem Advance program and these reviews have been very helpful. It’s nice to see that a company is actually living up to their claims.
I had my second child 7months ago (11yrs from my first) and at 31 yrs old the weight isn’t coming off like it did the first time. With two children, a husband, and full-time job I wind up eating once a day while i’m at work and it’s usually fast-fattening-food.
I am REALLY looking forward to beginning my Nutrisystem diet. The convenience of pre-packaged meals will be a great motivator if i can lose at least five pounds! Thank you to everyone who provided such positive feedback of this program. I hope to be able to do the same very soon.
After years of putting others first, today I decided that I needed to think of me first. So, I signed up for the NutriSystem program and I’m looking forward to loosing at least 30 pounds. At 55 its not as easy as it just to be removing some of the weight. I’m ready!!
I’ll keep you posted on my progress!
Celina
I started NutriSystem 6 weeks ago and I’ve lost 13 lbs so far. The plan really does work.
Huge fan of NutriSystem!! 2 months and I have lost 25 pounds without hunger, no torture. Pizza? Cookies? Chips? Great food and it’s EASY! Well worth the price because I’m worth it and I don’t want to have surgery. It’s great to have gone through my closet and giving my XXL clothes away. Oh yeah, I’m learning about portion control and fitness.
I lost 11 pounds in 2 weeks and it’s absolutely great I must say. It normally takes me a full month to lose 10 pounds, so I was quite impressed to see the weight loss. I’m quite satisfied with the food. I haven’t found myself in cheat mode yet, so I will keep up the process to obtain my goal to lose 60 pounds by June 08.
I am starting tomorrow, wish me luck
As a child I was always overweight. Once I hit my teen years, and joined several dance and drill teams I lost a great amount of weight and was looking fantastic. After high school I even lost more weight and learned to eat the proper foods and excercise regularly. However, for the past year, I have noticed a change in my diet and excercise routines. I have become a binge eater, constantly eating at fast foods restaurants and foods that are high in calories and carbohydrates. I have also stopped excercising daily. I have heard many people talk about this diet and the reviews are always giving it a thumbs up. I plan on starting in Nutrisystem this month. I have also joined a local gym. My goal is to loose 35lbs by the end of August. Wish me luck!!!
I have lost 100 pounds in one year. Couldn’t be happier, and feel great. Nutri-system rocks!
My two daughters and I started the nutrisystem diet April 10th and the first week my 19 year old lost 9 pounds, I lost 7 and my 21 year old lost 7.
The food is really great considering it’s a “diet”. We are pretty amazed at how good most of the food is including the deserts. We had considered Jenny Craig but after reading the reviews which were not that great plus having to sign a contract with Jenny Craig, we opted for Nutrisystem (no contract) and couldn’t be happier.
It’s so easy to just pick the foods you want to order and two days later they arrived, how much easier could it be?! We’ve all stayed true to our daily plan plus we enjoy the special Nutrisystem site that has lots of variety and allows you to keep track of everything plus support groups as well. This Thursday will mark our 2nd week and we have no plans of turning back.
We’re determined and Nutrisystem is the best decision we’ve made together in a long time.
Hi, everyone!
I am very excited to start on the nutrisystem diet.I got my food delivered today and will start tomorrow. I have joined a Gym and started working out 1 hour a day and also got a personal trainer to train me on weights. So, my goal is to lose 30-40 pounds by June (ends) so wish me luck!
There’s no turning back and congratulations to everyone who decided to do something about their weight, and not just hope for a miracle to happen. Remember we have to make it happen and stick to it and really believe in ourselves! : )
I use Nutrisystem and just love it. What I love about the program is that I can do it right online. No meetings, no pushy people to deal with. You order your food online and about a week later it arrives and sometimes even faster.
I also know that if I ever need it in the future, it’s there. I am on it right now, not that I need to lose that much weight, but because with summer right around the corner it’s just a little extra boost. Besides, I love the food. I do still bring it with me for lunch, because it’s so easy. Just grab and go. Lunch time at work I just pop it in the microwave.
For me Nutrisystem has been a great experience. It will always be a small part of my life. It was worth taking the chance.
I am on my 7th day on Nutrisystem & I absolutely love it! The food is great and a lot better than Jenny Craig. I have lost 6lbs so far and am totally excited. I have 55 more to go to reach my goal weight. The website is full of information and tons of motivation which I love!! Anyone can participate.
I will keep you all posted.
******
Hey Ladies,
I have been on Nutrisystem for 2 months now and have lost 26 lbs! The food is good, and guess what, no counselors. Food only costs me $293 a month.
I was on Nutrisystem for 14 months and lost 38 pounds–despite not being able to exercise and, for most of the time, not even being able to walk much due to foot trouble.
I didn’t like some of the food and can’t have chocolate, so was somewhat limited in choices, but I persevered. I am now on a break and cooking again, but am still using the Nutrisystem principles I learned. I’m still not walking much, but haven’t regained any weight.
I succeeded in my initial goal–to get back into my wedding dress for our 25th anniversary. I am now wearing size 14–which I haven’t done in over 25 years! it is a great feeling.
I may go back on Nutrisystem in the fall to try to lose the other 20 pounds to get back to my “fighting” weight.