1. Decide Which Approach Is Right
NutriSystem promotes a "better for you" weight-loss program because their menus contain omega-3 fatty acids and natural fibers to boost heart health and reduce cravings. NutriSystem membership comes with a 28-day starter kit that includes a color-coded meal planner, online account access, exercise DVDs and a behavioral modification guide.
Weight Watchers promotes an integrated, lifestyle approach to weight loss and a supportive environment to their members. Instead of focusing on just food or strict dieting, Weight Watchers emphasizes healthful food habits combined with exercise as a way to get fit. While NutriSystem promotes fitness through DVDs, Weight Watchers offers articles or exercise demos on their website to guide you with a workout plan.
2. Choose a Program Based on Your Needs
NutriSystem offers several weight-loss plans, including the women's program, men's program, the silver program, the diabetic program and the vegetarian program. The meals come prepackaged, so you don't have to worry about measuring portion sizes.
Weight Watchers allows you to choose a flexible plan that focuses on points. Based on a food's fat, calories and fiber, the points system helps you keep track of the appropriate daily intake that's right for your height and weight loss target. Alternatively, Weight Watchers offers a core plan that doesn't emphasize points. Instead, you choose from a list of low-calorie foods that you can eat to stay fuller longer.
3. Live Support or Online--Which Is Better?
NutriSystem is an at-home, Internet-only program, so you can order your meals by phone or online and have them delivered to you. You can also participate in online chat sessions, online weight-loss classes and read online newsletters for tips. The NutriSystem program is convenient if you don't have time to attend a meeting.
On the other hand, if you prefer social interaction, then Weight Watchers is the better choice. With Weight Watchers, you have the flexibility, depending on your schedule, to visit a nearby center or to track your progress online.
4. Eat Whatever You Want Within Reason
NutriSystem offers a variety of foods, so you're not stuck with the same mundane menu. These include apple cinnamon oatmeal for breakfast, chicken salad for lunch, beef stew for dinner and a chocolate peanut butter bar for dessert. When you sign up with Weight Watchers, you gain access to thousands of articles and recipes online that help you with meal ideas. Points suggestions are also given for breakfast, lunch and dinner, such as a whole wheat English muffin and a cup of mixed berries, one slice of vegetable pizza or grilled steak with vegetables. You can also link to recipes such as turkey enchilada pie, southern style oven-fried chicken and roasted beet salad. NutriSystem offers a free membership, but you buy your food. Membership fees for Weight Watchers vary according to the plan you select.
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