Nutrisystem is a diet delivery program for weight loss, with plans for men, women, individuals with diabetes and older adults. Each day on Nutrisystem, you eat prepared meals as well as foods that you purchase yourself from the grocery store. Nutrisystem claims to offer a nutritious plan with a low glycemic index, but you should get your doctor's approval before starting any weight loss diet.
Calories
Nutrisystem states that you can lose about 1 to 2 lbs. per week on the diet, which means an average daily calorie deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories. Your individual calorie needs depend on your age, gender, weight and level of physical activity. After you sign up for the plan, your meal plan will recommend a daily calorie goal. Your average day includes slightly over 700 calories from a prepared Nutrisystem breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert or snack, plus calories from your grocery meal additions.
Macronutrient Breakdown
On Nutrisystem, you get 55 to 60 percent of your total calories from carbohydrates, 20 to 25 percent of your calories from protein and 20 to 25 percent of your calories from fat. These are within or near the acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges, or AMDR, which are most likely to enable you to control your weight and meet your nutrient requirements over the long term, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Nutrisystem Foods
The average breakfast on Nutrisystem has 160 calories, 3 g fat, 8 g protein, 27 g carbohydrates and 9 g sugar. Lunch has 187 calories, 5 g fat, 27 g carbohydrates, 9 g sugar, and 10 g protein. Dinner has 242 calories, 6 g fat, 31 g carbohydrate, 5 g sugar and 17 g protein, and your snack has 141 calories and 7 g protein. Nutrisystem meals and snacks have no more than 2 g saturated fat each; they are free from trans fats and each meal or snack has 4 g dietary fiber, or 16 percent of the daily value. The total amount of sodium from your daily Nutrisystem meals and snack or dessert is about 1,500 mg.
Grocery Additions
Grocery additions on Nutrisystem include plenty of fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, tomato juice, apples, orange juice, plums, cherries and zucchini. Nutrients in these low-calorie foods include dietary fiber and vitamins A and C. You can have beans and whole grains, such as oatmeal and whole-wheat bread, for more fiber and potassium, and avocados, peanut butter and salad dressing provide unsaturated fats. Chicken, eggs and turkey are lean sources of protein, and dairy products provide protein and calcium.
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