Nutrisystem is an online diet program offering prepackaged meals. You select from various plans according to your gender, taste preferences and certain health considerations, select desired foods for all meals, and the company ships the food to you. The foods are shelf-stable or freezable and in some cases require augmentation with some grocery products. While many people appreciate the convenience of the program, Nutrisystem also presents several drawbacks.
Expense
Nutrisystem costs between $300 and $400 to get started. This includes four weeks of meals, but does not take into account the additional foods you add to those meals, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, yogurt and rolls or bread.
Temporary Fix
Nutrisystem touts the benefits of its prepackaged meals. You do not have to count calories or prepare food, so it is convenient and easy. As a result, however, you do not learn much about how to eat healthy once you go off the plan. If you fall back into your original eating pattern, chances are you will regain your weight -- and possibly more. A survey performed by Marketdata Enterprises in 2005 reported that the average person stayed on the plan for 9.5 weeks, suggesting that it is not a permanent lifestyle change.
Limited Choices
Although you place the orders for your own foods, there is a limited selection from the prepared meals. If you are on a special vegan or gluten-free diet, the Nutrisystem plan will not work for you. The official site also recommends people with modest or severe peanut allergies not follow their plan. The plan also does not meet the requirements of a kosher diet.
Processed Foods
Nutrisystems foods are processed and contain preservatives and food additives to extend shelf life and enhance palatability. Among these are the sweeteners maltitol and sorbitol, which the Center for the Science in the Public Interest recommends you limit because of their possible laxative effect. Some products also contain Acesulfame-K, which the Center asserts has not been adequately tested to prove its safety for general consumption.
Delivery Time
If you are ready to get started on the diet right away, you are out of luck. After you order your meals, you must wait four to 10 days for delivery.
Taste
While there are dozens of meal options, the choices may grow monotonous over time. In addition, some people find the food unappetizing. If you do not enjoy your meals, you are less likely to stick to the diet for any length of time.
No Guarantee
There is no way to be sure the Nutrisystem plan will bring about the results you desire. Ultimately, it is up to you to control your eating habits and become more physically active. Weight loss is not about quick fixes; rather, it is about lifestyle changes that focus on healthy eating and exercise.
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