Nutrisystem is a low-calorie meal delivery service that has been available to people trying to lose weight since 1972. Caloric intake on the program is between 1,200 and 1,500 calories; women's plans average about 1,200 calories and men's plans allow slightly more calories -- about 1,500 calories. For some people, this may not be enough calories to prevent low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Symptoms of low blood sugar include hunger, headache and dizziness.
Hypoglycemia
Although hypoglycemia is often associated with diabetes, low blood sugar can happen to anyone who skips a meal, doesn't consume enough calories when eating or exercises too intensely, using all of the body's available glucose. For diabetics, taking too much insulin or other diabetes medication can cause low blood sugar. Glucose is your body's primary source of energy and is most easily made from carbohydrates, although any food can be used for energy. When glucose levels are low, your body signals for more fuel -- hunger is often the first sign of dropping glucose levels, followed by headache, mood swings, shakiness and dizziness. The only treatment for hypoglycemia is to eat; try 15 g of simple carbohydrates; 4 oz. of juice or regular soda should raise your blood sugar in about 15 minutes.
Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem tries to help prevent low blood sugar by suggesting you eat frequently. The daily plan allows for three meals and two snacks. Eating every four hours helps to supply fresh glucose and should help to prevent hypoglycemia. But because its caloric intake is designed for rapid weight-loss, there may not be enough calories to provide ample energy, especially if you are very active. According to the National Institutes of Health, 1,200 calories is the very minimum you need to keep your normal metabolic function. Metabolic needs are based on age, gender and activity level -- if you feel dizzy on the Nutrisystem program, you may need additional food.
Glycemic Index
Carbohydrates have the greatest impact on glucose levels. Simple carbs, such as sugar and starchy vegetables, have a more dramatic impact than high-fiber foods such as vegetables and whole grains. Nutrisystem is a low-GI diet; this means it uses the glycemic index to make carb choices -- choosing foods that have a minimal impact on glucose. Although high-fiber nutrient-dense foods are good for weight-loss, if you start to experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia you may need to choose a higher-GI food that will raise blood sugar levels more quickly.
Pros & Cons
Nutrisystem can help you lose weight; which will help to prevent low blood sugar because excess body fat interferes with the way your body uses insulin -- maintaining a healthy body weight will stabilize glucose levels. The low-GI approach to choosing carbs can help limit added sugars and reduce cravings. Unfortunately, for some people, Nutrisystem may not include enough calories. Additional calories will help prevent low blood sugar, but may slow weight loss.
