Nutrisystem: A Sensible Diet for Busy People
Written: Sep 21 '03
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Pros: Keeps you from feeling hungry, teaches you good eating habits.
Cons: May be hard to follow if other family members are not on it.
The Bottom Line: This is a sensible, realistic plan with lots of great support.
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| inkkognito's Full Review: NutriSystem Weight Loss Program |
I have been on Nutrisystem (NS) for about three months now and have lost 20 pounds so far. I would probably have lost more, but my husband is on the plan, too, and we take weekends off. He has lost 40, and both of us love the simplicity of this plan. We will remain on it until we reach our goal weights (I have 30 more pounds to go), and we'll probably keep NS food items in the house even when we're done, just because they're so convenient.
WHAT IS NUTRISYSTEM?
Nutrisystem is a diet plan that combines prepackaged food with a comprehensive website chock full of information and support. The food is mostly shelf-stable items, and there are many add-water-to-the-cup items as well. At first, I was skeptical as to how good they would taste, but most were surprisingly delicious. I like my favorite NS items better than frozen dinners such as Weight Watchers and Lean Cuisine. There are some items that I am not fond of, but you can customize your order once you figure out your favorites.
The website has valuable resources such as chat, bulletin boards, exercise and diet diaries, and even 24-hour live chat with a counselor if you find yourself in a late-night craving crisis. Phone counseling on a toll-free line is also available. I like this so much better than having to go to a center. I have a very busy lifestyle, which is one of the main reasons that I turned to NS. Fast food is very tempting when you're always on the go and don't have time to cook, but NS items are so simple to prepare. And if I don't have time for lengthy food preparation, I DEFINITELY don't have time to go to a center! With NS, I can just log on whenever I have a few spare minutes,
One of the message boards allows you to link up with other NS members via email. That has been the most valuable tool for me because it helps me to be in touch with other people who are going through the same thing as me.
As an added incentive, for every ten pounds you lose, you receive a cute little beanie bear. I keep mine in my bedroom, where I exerecise, so I can glance over for inspiration while working out.
Your NS plan will be either 1200 or 1500 calories, depending on your starting weight. That doesn't sound like much, but you break your food down into small meals throughout the day. I really thought I would be hungry, but I wasn't! Every once in a while I will have a "ravenous" day, but overall the frequent small food portions keep me feeling comfortable and satisfied.
NS also has some great items that will take care of cravings for chocolate, cheese puffs, and the like. They offer these items as dessert options, packaged in sensible portions. A lot of this program has to do with getting used to reasonable portions. Even when eating "regular" food at a restaurant, I find that I tend not to overeat anymore because I start feeling full much more quickly.
You buy your meals from NS, and you supplement them with skim milk, fresh fruit, and veggies that you buy at the store. It can be a pain to keep running out to get the fresh veggies because they never seem to keep for very long, but they're an important part of the eating plan.
NS can be pricey, but for me, it's worth it for the convenince. I know that McDonald's has a 99 cent menu, but it's not worth it in terms of the cost to my weight and my health.
I highly recommend incorporating exercise into your program. I use the "Walk Away the Pounds" videos, plus I walk and swim, and I just bought the "Firm" exercise program. I firmly believe that this will accelerate the process by building muscle. Part of the reason that I'm losing weight slowly is because I am building more muscle now, and it weighs more than fat. I pay more attention to how my clothes fit rather than the numbers on the scale.
As I mentioned before, both my husband and I are on this plan. It would probably be much harder for people who have a family. But this is a sensible plan that really teaches you to change your eating habits, and I highly recommend it.
If you're interested in it, sign up at their website (you don't have to buy their food to do it) and poke around on the message boards. Check out the resources and see what you think. Then, buy one of the sampler packages to see how you like the food. You will be impressed by the fact that you won't be hungry and that some of their items are so good, you're sure that you're cheating!
Overall, this is a sensible and realistic way to lose weight, and I strongly recommend it. I look forward to reaching my goal weight soon.
Recommended:
Yes
Approximate Monthly Cost (US$) 200
Food Variety Restrictions A wide variety of allowed foods
Restrictiveness of Portions Satisfying
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inkkognito
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Member: Barb
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About Me:
I live to travel (and to ride my horses). Visit my website: www.disneycruiser.com
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