Nutrisystem is a diet delivery program for weight loss that emphasizes a balanced food plan with low glycemic-index carbohydrates that do not lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar. You receive a weekly shipment of meals and snacks, and you supplement the program with your own foods from the grocery store. As you consider your options for weight loss, consult your doctor about the healthiest, most effective possibilities.
Basic Information
Nutrisystem programs for men and women include Basic, which is the standard program, Nutrisystem D, for individuals with diabetes, and Silver, for older adults. You can use Nutrisystem's suggested menu, choose each meal and snack or order vegetarian meals and snacks if you want. The program delivers a breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack or dessert for each day, and these Nutrisystem meals are ready to eat or be heated before serving. Nutrisystem offers a variety of over 150 meals and snacks to choose from.
Grocery Foods
In addition to Nutrisystem meals, the program suggests eating fresh foods that you purchase at the supermarket, and you get specific instructions for what to eat once you purchase a plan. You eat fruits and vegetables such as apples, orange juice, zucchini, watercress, radishes, broccoli and carrots. For some extra calcium, you can have low-fat dairy products or dairy substitutes such as soy milk. You get lean protein such as chicken and fish, and healthy fats and carbohydrates including avocados, peanut butter and whole-grain bread.
Support
Your Nutrisystem plan includes an online account where you can plan your meals and physical activity, set weight loss goals and track your progress. You can interact with other Nutrisystem customers in member discussions and challenges. You can contact a Nutrisystem counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you have questions about your Nutrisystem plan. Nutrisystem also allows you to exchange the meals that you receive if they are not what you wanted, although you must pay the shipping costs.
Considerations
Nutrisystem states that its program is designed to help you lose 1 to 2 lbs. per week, which is the rate that the 2005 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends. A potential concern with the program is that it does not teach you how to cook your own healthy, low-calorie meals. Once you go off of the diet, you may regain the weight if you return to your old eating habits. Ask your doctor for advice when choosing a diet.
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