Nutrisystem is a diet program that uses portion control to lower calorie intake. You pay monthly for your four-week supply of meals and snacks. Your Nutrisystem food delivery will supply the bulk of your diet, but you are encouraged to supplement it with fresh groceries, particularly fruit and vegetables. Nutrisystem offers a range of plans for men and women of different ages as well as a diabetic meal plan. Nutrisystem is endorsed by celebrities such as Marie Osmond and Dan Marino.
Meal Plans
Nutrisystem offers various meal plans for different groups. The "basic plan" is available for men and women younger than 65. The "silver plan" is for men and women older than 65. There is also a vegetarian option for both the "basic" and "silver" plans. Nutrisystem also offers a Type 2 diabetes meal plan aimed at helping the customer lose weight and also control blood sugar levels more effectively.
How it Works
All of Nutrisystem's meal plans allow you to eat six times a day. Your 28-day supply of food comprises four weeks worth of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts and twice-daily snacks. The meals are easy and quick to prepare, making the diet popular with those who lead busy lifestyles. The meal plan is a healthy, low-calorie diet created by nutritionists and so removes the need to "count calories."
Weight Loss Science
Nutrisystem says that its diet is successful because it allows you to regularly eat a variety of enjoyable foods. It claims that eating light meals and snacks six times a day can prevent hunger. The diet also concentrates on including carbohydrates low on the glycemic index. Nutrisystem says that these carbs are digested slowly, leaving you feeling fuller for longer. MayoClinic.com argues that some "high quality" studies show that low glycemic index diets are more likely to lead to weight loss than traditional diets. However, it also says that other studies show very little difference in terms of hunger prevention.
Nutrition
Nutrisystem's focus on portion control means that each meal plan provides a balanced diet. The plan that you receive upon signing up for Nutrisystem tells you how to supplement your meals with fresh fruit, dairy products, salad and vegetables. Combined with your fresh groceries, Nutrisystem provides all your necessary protein, fiber and remains low in trans fats and sodium.
A Typical Day's Food
The vegetarian plans offer 90 foods to choose from while the regular plans offer a selection of more than 150 products. A typical day could begin with blueberry muffins or pancakes for breakfast followed by a chicken and pasta lunch. In the evening you may eat a flat-bread pizza or meatloaf and potatoes followed by a chocolate chip cookie. Daily snacks include yogurt, boiled eggs and fruit.
Results
While Nutrisystem publishes its success stories about customers who lost 50 or 100 pounds, it points out that these aren't typical results. Nutrisystem does claim, however, that you can expect to lose at least 1 to 2 pounds per week with its meal plans.
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