NutriSystem
Review
 NutriSystem Review
- NutriSystem began as a series of bland
bricks-and-mortar weight loss centers in the 1970s, which
went bankrupt in the 1990s, and are now a completely
successful on-line offering (although they have just
purchased a number of "Slim-and-Tone" fitness
centers).
Your diet comes in the form of a
non-refrigerated foil pouch. The NutriSystem Advanced
Program (a makeover of NutriSystem's previous plan) requires
participants to eat the company's line of foods in combination
with grocery store-bought accompaniments like fruits and
vegetables. As part of its new program, many foods are
now made with heart-healthy ingredients, including omega-3
fatty acids (three grams in each Advanced lunch entree) and
soluble fibers (three grams in each Advanced dessert entree),
which NutriSystem claims can control your appetite, reduce
hunger and quell cravings between meals.
The new program also includes fitness DVDs for men and women, a
behavior guide, a customized meal planner and a Quick Start
Guide.
Based on the Glycemic Index (GI),
which ranks carbohydrates according to their effect on blood
sugar levels, the Nutrisystem plan promises to stabilize blood
sugar levels by emphasizing "good," low GI
carbs
(those that break down
slowly and release glucose into the bloodstream gradually) over
"bad," high GI foods (those that break down rapidly). The
theory: loading up onlow GI carbs in combination with optimal
amounts of protein and fiber helps stave off hunger and keeps
dieters satisfied. Dieters select between six, 28-day
programs: Women's, Men's, Women's Silver, Men's Silver, Women's
Diabetic, Men's Diabetic or Vegetarian. The plan includes
menus and checklists so dieters always know what to eat and
when.
What We
Like about this Plan Convenience makes it clear and easy
what you need to do to lose weight. It takes all the prep work,
caloric counting and shopping and cooking out of your
hands. Each meal is pre-packaged and
prepared to the appropriate portion size. The
website is easy to follow. Two week food and free
deliver if you auto renew your order.
What we dislike about this
Plan It
can be expensive. No
whole food meals, all prepackaged.
Prepackaged
foods can be high in sodium. Can contribute to
yo-yoing, since people have a hard time adapting to a
healthy eating style after no longer ordering the
food. Reviewers becametired of the food after a couple
months. No exercise is promoted on this plan.
Is this a healthy
plan? Yes, but the food is
not. It is a reduced calorie diet that centers on
balanced nutrition (60 % carbs/ 20% fat/ 20% protein) which
follows the
Food Guide Pyramid. This basic strategy is recommended by
dietitians and nutritionists. Their twist on it
focuses on the "glycemic index" which measures the quality of
carbohydrates.
"Good" carbs are complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and
vegetables, while "bad" carbs are refined carbohydrates such as
white sugar and flour. However, the food is pre-packaged,
mailed and can be stored in the open air. This is not
real food, it is engineered food. To preserve shelf life,
taste and texture of many foods, manufacturers use salt or
other sodium containing compounds.
Here’s
the Bottom LineFor those who crave convenience Nutrisystem
can help you lose weight. It's a low-calorie,
nutritionally sound plan, but subsisting entirely on
prepackaged foods may be unrealistic for many people.
Maintaining weight loss may be difficult when dieters return
to eating in the real
world.
They are not retraining you on how to eat and how to pick out
the best ingredient - so you're only successful while you're
ordering their product. Pick a plan that teaches
appropriate changes to ensure the success of maintenance;
things like tools for eating out, cooking, meal preparation,
label reading and exercise.
Best Program For Weight
Loss, Click Here
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