The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 72 million American adults could be considered obese with a body mass index score of greater than 30. To help fight obesity, the market has become flooded with diet meal plans. One that has grown substantially in popularity is the NutriSystem plan. Although this diet is marketed more toward the individual trying to lose weight, couples can also participate together by doubling the meal plan each month.
History
The NutriSystem plan was introduced into the diet market in 1972 as a liquid protein supplement, with diet support centers across the United States. However, the company quickly faced competition, and its over-expansion forced it into bankruptcy proceedings, states a 2005 report by Bloomberg BusinessWeek. The company was picked up by financier Michael E. Heisley, who later sold it off to Michael J. Hagan, who switched the NutriSystem model to an online format. From there the diet expanded to the diet it is today, with multiple plans and meal choices that are customized by age group, gender and even eating styles, such as for diabetics or vegetarians.
The Program
The NutriSystem program is a meal delivery diet consisting of 28 days of healthy meals, which are delivered to your door step each week over the course of four weeks. Each day allows you a breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert that are all made with healthy ingredients and portion sized for your particular diet. You can then augment the meal plan with healthy snacks throughout the week based on NutriSystem's recommendation, or similarly healthy snacks of your own choosing.
Types
NutriSystem is divided into several types of plans depending on your unique diet needs. There are separate plans for men and women, as well as "silver" meal plans designed for those over the age of 65. There is also both a plan for diabetics that includes more foods that help stabilize blood glucose levels, as well as a food plan for those living a vegetarian lifestyle.
Benefits
There are many benefits when it comes to choosing the NutriSystem meal plan as a couple. One of the main benefits is that your meals are already portioned for you, which helps control calories to help you lose weight. The meals are also delivered to your door, which allows healthful meals for those who are consistently on the go or do not like to cook for themselves. There is also a wide variety of meal options, which can prevent diet boredom and may help you better stick to the foods provided by the NutriSystem plan.
Cost
When looking at using the NutriSystem plan as a couple, it's also important to look at the disadvantages. One of the most pressing disadvantages is cost. For only one person, the Nutrisystem plan -- as of 2010 -- costs $330 per 28-day period. Because you will be using the plan as a couple, this doubles the cost to $660 per 28-day period. If you choose the NutriSystem's gourmet line of food, the cost increases even further to $838 per 28-day period, well outside the monthly food budget for the typical couple.
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