NutriSystem is a structured weight loss program focusing on portion and calorie control in its food offerings. Although founded in 1972 as the first program of its kind at the time, the NutriSystem of today did not begin until 1977. In addition to solid food meal packages, NutriSystem currently provides advice, counseling and exercise plans to assist you in meeting your weight loss goals.
Identification
NutriSystem uses a combination of packaged meals and fresh food grocery store items to create a diet based on the glycemic index. Often used by diabetics as a way to regulate blood sugar levels, the glycemic index measures the effect carbohydrates have on blood sugar. The higher a food ranks on an index that ranges from zero to 100, the greater its effect on your blood sugar. According to the company website, NutriSystem's prepared foods incorporate those low on the glycemic index, as well as low-sodium and low-fat foods.
Features
You have the option to create your own prepared meal plan from the 150 available food choices or you can select a featured meal plan. Featured meal plans include separate basic plans for men and women, silver plans for men and women over the age of 65, a vegetarian and a diabetic plan. All include breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and a snack.
Types
Regardless of the plan you choose, Health.com describes a typical day as containing about 1,200 calories. Included are three servings of low-fat protein foods, three servings of vegetables, two to three servings of fruit, two to three servings of dairy products, two to four whole grain foods and one or two servings of an unsaturated fat. You must purchase the fruit, vegetable and dairy product foods separately.
Illustration
As an example, DietTV.com provides a breakdown of a daily NutriSystem menu that starts with a prepared breakfast item, such as apple cinnamon oatmeal, a blueberry muffin or a granola bar. In addition, you can have either a dairy item, such as fat-free milk, light yogurt, low or no fat cottage cheese, or a protein food, such as an egg.
Lunch consists of a prepared lunch item, such as chicken noodle soup, fettuccine alfredo or a turkey hot dog, along with a dairy or protein food and a salad with no-fat dressing.
For dinner, you may have a prepared meal such as beef stew, macaroni and cheese or a buffalo chicken wrap, two servings of vegetables, a salad or piece of fruit and a fat serving, such as peanut butter or salad dressing. Dinner also includes a dessert item, such as a fudge bar, pudding or a cookie.
In addition to your meal items, you get an afternoon snack that consists of a NutriSystem bar, a piece of fruit and a dairy or protein serving.
Considerations
The NutriSystem website also has tools that help you plan meals, track your progress and keep records of height and weight measurements. There is no charge for this service and you do not have to purchase food items to establish an account.
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