It can be hard to find the right diet plan. The key to successful weight loss and to keeping the weight off, is to learn how to eat correct portions of food. Learning what portion sizes really look like and how to find lower calorie and fat options is essential to your success. Part of the process is keeping track of what you eat either through a journal or controlled meals. Diet programs such a NutriSystem may hep you to get started.
Types
NutriSystem offers various plans. There are basic plans for adult women and men. There are Silver plans for those over 65 as well as specialized plans if you have diabetes or are a vegetarian. You can then choose from a general food plan where NutriSystem picks the food that is sent or you can handpick your meals. The prepared meals are sent to you once per month and include breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. The goal is to only eat the amount of food that is allowed per day as outlined in your meal planner.
Features
Since the food is prepared, your diet will lack fresh foods. NutriSystem encourages you to combine their meals with foods bought at your grocery store. Your meal planner will tell you what prepackaged meal to eat along with suggestions of fresh foods that can be added at each meal. These suggestions usually include low fat diary products, fresh fruit or salads. You need to include these foods so you eat a well balanced diet.
Benefits
Since the food is prepackaged, you do not need to worry about counting calories or measuring the food like some other plans require. The NutriSystem diet has a wide variety of foods to help you from developing cravings. You are encouraged to eat throughout the day to help prevent getting over hungry and to keep your metabolism steady. This type of plan can make it easy to lose weight from your own home as your meals are precooked and planned out for you.
Considerations
According to a consumer affairs website, some NutriSystem customers complain that the food is bland, unappetizing and salty. Often prepared foods are high in salt and preservatives to help them maintain their shelf life. Other consumers complain that NutriSystem sent substitutions instead of the food that they preselected. It can be pricey. As of the year 2009, the plan costs about $10 to $11 per day or about $300 per month. Extra fees are charged if you want to customize your food.
Warnings
Plans like NutriSystem can help you to get started. It provides correct portion sizes and helps you stay within a healthy calorie level while eating a well balanced diet. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease or other condition where you need to limit your salt intake, check with your doctor before starting this plan.
With this type of plan, since all of your meals are made for you, you may gain weight back when you come off the plan and start preparing meals yourself. Once you know what a healthy caloric intake is, you may want to try to prepare foods on your own. You can use free sites like Mypyramid.gov the U.S. Department of Food and Agriculture. You can plug in your information and it will help you to plan health meals and lose weight sensibly with foods from your grocery store or at restaurants.
Member Comments