Nutrisystem is a weight-loss program in which you order meals and snacks that are delivered to your home. According to Nutrisystem's website, the program simplifies dieting by providing portion-controlled foods that eliminate the need to count calories, carbs or "points." You also should expect to purchase fresh foods to supplement the Nutrisystem foods, including fruits and vegetables.
Nutrisystem Basics
Ordering online or by phone, Nutrisystem customers select food for 28-day periods at a time. You can create your own foods or accept pre-selected menus. Cost per 28 days ranges from $300 to almost $400 as of October 2010 --- with various plans aimed at groups such as men, women, diabetics and older adults. Supplying your own fresh ingredients will add to the cost of the program.
Sample Menu
A sample one-day menu for the Nutrisystem men's basic plan is almost identical to a sample menu for the women's "silver" plan. For breakfast you would eat a chocolate muffin, with the possible addition of light yogurt. For lunch you might have a chicken and pasta entrée with the possible addition of a green salad with dressing. Dinner might include macaroni and cheese, with the possible addition of cooked broccoli. For dessert you could have a cookie, and for a snack, light yogurt and fresh berries.
Fruits and Vegetables
Nutrisystem says on its website that when you supplement its processed foods with your own grocery items, "you will be eating nutritious foods for optimal health." You can talk to a Nutrisystem counselor if necessary for suggestions of foods you will enjoy. Recommended fruits and vegetables include apples, orange juice, plums, cherries, broccoli, carrots, vegetable juice, tomatoes, zucchini, watercress and hot peppers.
Rationale
I makes sense to boost the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A healthy eating plan not only controls portions and limits calories to only what you need, but it also emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat or low-fat dairy products, the CDC advises.
Other Additions
If you are considering Nutrisystem, you should know that you'll be advised to supplement with other foods in addition to fruits and vegetables --- including certain proteins, dairy products and healthy fats. Some of the recommended additions are light yogurt, nonfat cottage cheese, skim milk and milk substitutes, kidney beans, almonds, chicken, eggs, tuna, tofu, avocados, sweet potatoes and multi-grain breads.
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