Introduction
NutriSystem is a popular diet choice for many of those who don't want to worry about counting calories or controlling portion sizes. Since its entrance to the market in 1972 as a diet drink, NutriSystem has grown into a full line of meals and snacks that can be individualized based on your gender, age and food preferences. Like any diet, NutriSystem has advantages and disadvantages that should be weighed carefully before determining whether the program can work for you.
Calorie Control
The main way that the NutriSystem diet works (at least in regards to weight loss) is its strict control of calories. A common cause of diet failures is the difficulty of keeping strict track of the calories you consume. Trying to keep track of everything you eat can be overwhelming, and in some cases discouraging. Since NutriSystem is all prepackaged meals, following the plan removes all the stress and work involved with shopping for foods, and preparing portions that keep calories low enough to lose weight. NutriSystem allows an estimated daily calorie intake of 1,500 calories for men, and 1,200 calories for women.
Glycemic Index
The NutriSystem diet also works by choosing foods according to the glycemic index. The glycemic index is a tool used to determine how a food will affect your blood glucose levels. By choosing ingredients low on the glycemic index, NutriSystem meals help to control your blood sugar levels, as well as allow you to feel fuller for longer between meals.
Hunger Control
NutriSystem also works by helping to keep the feeling of hunger under control, lessening the temptation to cheat on the diet. NutriSystem controls hunger by choosing ingredients high in good carbohydrates and fiber. These ingredients cause NutriSystem meals to take longer to digest, resulting in feeling fuller longer. NutriSystem's use of multiple meals and snacks (verses the traditional three daily meals) also fights hunger by keeping the stomach constantly busy in digestion.
Disadvantages
NutriSystem is not without its disadvantages. First is its cost. At an estimated $300 each month, NutriSystem requires a substantial financial investment. This is especially challenging if you are also spending money on family groceries. NutriSystem is not a long-term diet. Eventually, the dieter will need to transition back to a regular meal plan. Although NutriSystem continues to introduce new plans to help transition back to preparing your own meals, the change in diet can be difficult for some dieters.
Member Comments