With its TV ads and celebrity spokespeople, Nutrisystem is a high-profile weight-loss program you might consider if you're looking for a system that delivers diet meals to your door. Its Silver program is aimed at older adults, while other plans are marketed for groups such as diabetics and vegetarians. Nutrisystem says meals in the Silver plan are designed for people 65 and older.
Weight and Aging
It's normal to gain some weight as you grow older, the National Institute on Aging advises. And for some seniors, weight is not as much of a health threat as where they carry the weight --- with "apple-shaped" people more at risk because of extra fat around their waists. Still, the NIA advises, losing weight may limit your risk from obesity-related ailments, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
About Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem emphasizes the convenience of its plans, most of which deliver 28 days' worth of meals at a time. "No counting calories, carbs or points --- and no meetings to attend," the program states on its website. You can pick from among about 150 food choices, ordering by phone or online. Portion-controlled meals limit your calories, although you must supplement the Nutrisystem foods with some of your own groceries.
Nutrisystem Silver
The Silver program has men's and women's food plans. The men's plan costs more and allows more calories, but the menu choices are similar. According to Nutrisystem, the meals are geared to older adults because they include healthy carbohydrates, "the right amounts" of protein and fiber, reduced sodium and cholesterol and reduced saturated fats. There are variations, including a more expensive "select" or gourmet version of the plan.
Food and Costs
Nutrisystem foods are similar to processed and packaged foods and snacks that you buy in the grocery store. A typical Silver men's or women's plan includes several choices. Breakfast is a chocolate muffin; you add light yogurt. Lunch is chicken and pasta in cacciatore sauce; you add a green salad. Dinner is macaroni and cheese; you add cooked broccoli. Dessert is a double chocolate almond cookie; for snacks you supply light yogurt and fresh blueberries. The Nutrisystem cost for 28 days ranges from about $330 to about $419, depending on which variation of the Silver plan you select.
Choosing a Diet Plan
Talk to your doctor or other health professional before choosing a weight-loss plan. Factors to consider include whether the plan encourages safe, gradual weight loss, whether the required foods fit with what you like, costs, and whether the program has helped people lose weight and keep it off. And besides watching your diet, you can help maintain your health by staying active and getting regular exercise, the National Institute on Aging advises.
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