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 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
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 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.