About The Nutrisystem Weight Loss Program

If you want to lose weight without counting calories, measuring portions or meal planning, having diet meals delivered to your doorstep sounds appealing. One type of diet that offers home delivery of prepackaged diet meals is Nutrisystem. Although the Nutrisystem diet is convenient and takes all of the guesswork out of dieting, there are pros and cons to the program.

Features

Nutrisystem is based on low glycemic index foods, restricting calories and portion control. Four types of prepackaged meals are offered for men, women, vegetarians and those with type 2 diabetes. When signing up with Nutrisystem, you choose either a monthly plan containing pre-chosen meals or you can customize your meal package. In addition to eating prepackaged meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you supplement your Nutrisystem meals with fruits, vegetables and fat-free dairy products. Members also have access to online tools such as a food tracker and journal.

Four Plans

The Basic meal plan is designed for men and women under 65 years of age who do not have special dietary or health concerns. The Silver meal plan is for those over 65 and the meals are lower in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fats than the basic meals. The Nutrisystem D plan is for those with type 2 diabetes and is a low-glycemic, high-fiber program. The Vegetarian meal package is made up of plant-based foods containing good carbs and protein.

Advantages

An advantage of the Nutrisystem diet is the meals are customizable and there is a variety of meals to choose from. The diet is convenient if you do not like to count calories or measure portion sizes. Because the prepackaged meals are supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, little time is spent on meal preparation. The creators of Nutrisystem do encourage physical activity, which plays a key role in weight loss and weight maintenance.

Disadvantages

The cost of 28 days worth of meals is expensive. If you choose auto delivery, the cost of the meals is $300 with free shipping. If you do not choose auto delivery, the cost of 28 days of meals is $333 plus $19 shipping costs. In addition, you purchase fruits, vegetables and fat-free dairy products. The Nutrisystem diet is not family-friendly since you still need to prepare meals for family members.

Considerations

Since calories and portion sizes are controlled on the Nutrisystem diet, weight loss is likely to occur; however, once you stop eating the prepackaged meals, you may struggle with maintaining portion and calorie control. While glycemic index diets are popular, Mayoclinic.com advises there are mixed scientific results on their effectiveness, especially long-term.