Nutrisystem delivers meals right to your home to help simplify the dieting process, but you won't find any wine or other alcoholic products on your doorstep. Nutrisystem does not encourage people to consume alcohol while they're on the diet. Because the program recognizes that some people may want an occasional social drink, it does offer advice on how to incorporate a few drinks into the weight-loss plan.
How it Works
With Nutrisystem, clients order food on a 28-day plan. They can select a Nutrisystem's Favorites Package or customize their own menu with their personal Nutrisystem favorites. The program offers plans tailored for women, men and diabetics. The program calls for three meals a day, plus dessert and snacks. Mary Gregg, a registered dietitian and director of nutrition and dietary services at Nutrisystem, says the plan does not allow alcohol to be substituted for any other foods. Wine would be considered additional calories in the Nutrisystem program. Questions about the plan can be answered through Nutrisystem's online and phone support system at no additional charge.
Foods
The Nutrisystem plan tries to satisfy your taste buds with breakfast foods such as pancakes and French toast, luncheon items such as meatball Parmesan and chicken quesadillas, and dinner offerings such as Buffalo chicken wraps and cheese ravioli. It has a line of desserts, too. Clients are encouraged to add grocery store items such as fruit, salads, hard-boiled eggs and low-fat cheese sticks. The plan does not call for a stroll down the wine aisle.
Concerns
Gregg suggests that if Nutrisystem clients really want a glass of wine, they drink "just occasionally and in moderate amounts." She notes that alcohol provides no nourishment and can leave people feeling dehydrated. In addition, the added calories may affect weight loss. A 5 oz. glass of wine can add 100 calories or more to your diet. The amount of calories varies by the type of wine and alcohol content.
Recommendations
If you just can't pass up a drink, Gregg offers some recommendations. She suggests choosing wines that are of a dry variety and avoiding wine coolers, which may contain close to 200 calories. If you want a beer, choose one that is light and/or low-carb. Stay away from higher calorie drinks such as sweet wines, daiquiris, margaritas and mixed drinks. If you insist on a mixed drink, use diet and sugar-free mixers such as diet soda, club soda or diet tonic water. Whenever you drink alcohol, drink plenty of water, too. It helps to keep you hydrated.
References
- Nutrisystem: How it Works
- Mary Gregg, R.D., Director of Nutrition and Dietary Services; NutriSystem
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