Dieters often attempt a variety of weight loss diets before gaining long-term success in losing weight and maintaining a healthy body weight, according to "Handbook of Obesity Treatment." Therefore, you probably want to know if Nutrisystem will work for you before you pay for the program. Consult your physician before starting Nutrisystem or any other weight loss program.
Nutrisystem Diet Plan
The Nutrisystem diet consists of prepackaged meals and snacks. You are instructed to supplement your meals with yogurt and fresh produce. Each day, you have allotted three Nutrisystem meals and two snacks. The men's meal plan provides approximately 1,800 calories, according to "NutriSystem Nourish: The Revolutionary New Weight-Loss Program," and the women's meal plan provides approximately 1,400 calories. You can expect to lose 1 lb. to 2 lbs. per week as a result of your reduced caloric intake.
Nutrisystem in the Short Term
Short-term success with the Nutrisystem diet depends on how well you stick to the program. The Nutrisystem produces weight loss in most people provided you follow the program. Eating as little as 500 extra calories -- which is the equivalent of two candy bars or two slices of pizza -- can dramatically impact weight loss, causing it to slow down or stop completely.
Nutrisystem in the Long Term
Maintaining weight lost on the Nutrisystem diet is as important as shedding the extra pounds in the first place. Long-term success requires you to learn portion control and healthy eating. The Nutrisystem program provides online and telephone access to nutrition coaches, and encourages you to use these resources to educate yourself about nutrition while on the diet. You need to pay careful attention to the sizes of your meals and snacks while on the diet to prepare you to maintain your weight loss after you come off the Nutrisystem diet.
Considerations
The Nutrisystem diet works for people who can stick with it and learn how to eat by taking mental notes of the portion sizes allowed on the diet. However, the restrictive diet leads many to cheat on the diet, ultimately sabotaging their weight loss efforts, according to "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies." Don't give up on a healthy lifestyle if you believe a diet consisting mainly of prepackaged foods doesn't provide enough variety to keep you intrigued. Instead, seek the guidance of a dietitian.
References
- "NutriSystem Nourish: The Revolutionary New Weight-Loss Program"; Dr. James Rouse, et al.; 2004
- "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer; 2008
- "Handbook of Obesity Treatment"; Thomas A. Wadden PhD, et al.; 2004
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