Epicurious, a website "for people who love to eat," reviewed five popular prepared-food diet programs that are available nationwide and evaluated them in 2007 on flavor, nutrition, convenience, portion size and variety. It also considered how similar the prepared foods were to "real food," the food program's customer service and extras such as tools to track progress and exercise components. Programs were rated on a four-fork scale.
EDiets
The eDiets food program topped the Epicurious list. Epicurious praised the plan for its many tasty choices and gave it three forks in its rating system. However, it criticized the plan for its lack of information before you register. You can go to the eDiets website and enter the amount of weight you want to lose and then get a custom meal-delivery plan.
Zone Diet
The Zone Diet plan was the most expensive of the programs Epicurious reviewed. It got just under three forks in the ratings and was praised for its sophisticated flavors. On the downside, Epicurious notes that "you're paying for the name." The Zone Diet website offers information on health, fitness and supplements, as well as weight loss. It notes you can expect to lose at least 1 to 2 lbs. a week on the plan.
PureFoods Low Carb
Epicurious put PureFoods Low Carb in the middle of the pack with just under two forks. PureFoods was the second-highest priced plan, but Epicurious liked its "big, satisfying portions." It faulted PureFoods Low Carb for being "high in fat and artificial flavor" and "low in fiber." Pure Foods has undergone some changes since the Epicurious review. It's now the PureFoods Fresh Start plan, and its website touts its fresh foods that are "delivered right to your door." Its stated average daily price is lower, too.
Jenny Craig
Epicurious liked the "helpful customer service" at Jenny Craig, but it reported the program foods had too much sugar and not enough fiber. It awarded Jenny Craig just one fork. The Jenny Craig website allows you to get a weight loss profile and use online weight-loss tools for free. You can call to speak with one of the company's consultants.
Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem got just one fork in the Epicurious ratings, too. It was the least expensive of the programs Epicurious reviewed, but it was criticized for its small portions and "subpar flavors and and textures." Epicurious did like the Nutrisystem soups. The Nutrisystem website says that its program was named a Best Value by SmartMoney magazine in 2010.
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