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 started Nutrisystem Advanced 4 weeks ago at 185.8 and am now at 175.2. I have cheated once a week. (Fridays, beer and whatever food I feel like) Sometimes they have been 3600 calorie cheat days. But I just allow myself that and get right back on it. I have about 40 more lbs I want to lose, so I just figure it’s going to be a long process. Hoping to have it off by 3/15/08.
I love the convenience. I don’t enjoy cooking, so the pre-packaged thing is perfect for me. I leave most of my lunches at work, and some of my breakfasts. My supplemental foods are really basic. I buy a bag of oranges and some nectarines, some bagged spring mix, mushrooms, radishes. Maple Grove makes a great fat-free balsamic vinaigrette. For my dairy/proteins I use light string cheese, fat-free yoplait yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and lean turkey breast. For my extra veggies at night I either do the frozen steamers or a 6oz can of spicy v-8. It makes shopping a breeze.
As for the food…I like the sweet stuff for the dessert instead of the chips and pretzels. Most of the food I liked, some things I didn’t. I just modified my 2nd month of auto-delivery to get the things that I look forward to, and sent back for replacement all the stuff I didn’t care for. I like the suggestion of getting 1 of everything you might like on their menu for the 1st month and just making notes about what you would eat again for your next order.
As for feeling hungry, I haven’t really felt hungry at all. It seems like I’m eating all the time. I am also pretty good about getting at least 64 oz. of water each day. My office has a water cooler and I bought a little 32 oz Rubbermaid dressing mixer that I use as a water bottle at work. So I just make sure to have at least 2 of those a day.
I recommend Nutrisystem for anyone who places convenience at the top of their list, and is willing to learn the lesson of portion control and tracking their caloric intake each day.
I was on the nutrisystem diet and lost 20 lbs in 5 months. I feel great. I chose the diabetic plan. I had blood work done a couple of weeks ago and my doctor was impressed with my sugar levels. They are right on target!!! The food and the service are excellent.
I have had to watch my weight my entire life and Nutrisystem just reinforces what so many people know…smaller portions, lower calories, and exercise make a huge difference.
I do not normally go for commercial diets, but have had incredible results after 4 months on Nutrisystem. I have gone from a very tight fitting size 8-10 to a loose 6. I have lost approximately 30 lbs. with no hunger pains and no loss of energy.