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.

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