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 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 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 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!