Nutrisystem offers a subscription-based diet program that sends subscribers individually portioned meals to help them lose weight without having to cook or count calories, according to the Colorado State University Extension. However, while on the diet program, you can make mistakes that compromise your weight-loss potential.
Not Exercising
In Nutrisystem's plan description, it markets itself as a "no-brainer" way to lose weight simply by eating the food the company ships to your doorstep. This may appeal to people who simply want to restrict their diet without exercising. However, according to the University of Cincinnati, despite the company's marketing, exercise is still essential for optimum health and weight loss even if you're on a diet program such as Nutrisystem.
Not Eating All the Food
Upon subscribing to the Nutrisystem program, a diet counselor creates a personalized eating plan, and the company provides specific meals and snacks to eat each day. If you're not hungry that day or if you're trying to accelerate your weight loss, you may decide not to eat all the food the company tells you to eat. However, Nutrisystem warns that not eating all the food prescribed each day can increase your risk of developing a serious health problem.
Drinking Caffeine or Alcohol
Nutrisystem advises against drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee, energy drinks or tea. The company says this can affect the way your body sleeps and can also cause dehydration, both of which can affect how effectively you lose weight. Similarly, the company warns against drinking alcohol as it provides you with weight-boosting calories without providing any important nutrients.
Snacking
While on the Nutrisystem diet, you can feel hungry and may want to eat foods outside of the diet plan. Such snacks can add calories, fat and weight-gaining carbohydrates to your diet and reduce the efficiency of your program. If you are hungry after your Nutrisystem meals, the company advises against snacking and suggests drinking its fiber-rich, hunger-controlling beverages that it sells to supplement its standard eating plans. Alternatively, you can snack on your own no-calorie, high-fiber foods if you so desire.
Choosing the Wrong Bread
Some Nutrisystem meals, such as its burgers, require customers to provide their own bread roll or slice. The company advises customers to choose a whole-grain bread product. Those who choose a white-bread product can find weight-loss results reduced as white bread contains refined flour that has had some healthy substances, including fiber, removed.
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