According to nutrisystem.com, their plan allows you to "lose weight in the comfort of your own home."
The well-designed Web site gives each person an individualized calorie level to help you lose between 1.5 and 2 pounds each week. The core of the plan relies on NutriSystem foods used as entrees for breakfast, lunch and dinner plus DESSERTS.
You don't have to buy their foods to participate in the program, but the meal plan revolves around the NutriSystem products, supplemented with fruit, vegetables and milk.
Upside of the NutriSystem Diet
- Good if you don't want to plan meals or portions.
- Offers a variety of options, including a vegetarian plan.
- Good low-fat choices, balanced diet based on the USDA Food Guide Pyramid.
- Good support with personal counselor, newsletters, chats and e-mails.
Downside of the NutriSystem Diet
- Cost of food may be high.
- Can be difficult and more expensive to buy for more than one person.
- In addition to their packaged foods, you also have to buy fruits, vegetables and milk.
- Opinions vary about the quality and taste of the prepackaged food.
Is NutriSystem for You?
This chart can help you see how NutriSystem fits your goals and lifestyle concerns.
| Duration | As long as you like |
| Restaurants | Only if they agree to microwave the NutriSystem food or you skip the NutriSystem plan for that meal |
| Alcohol | No |
| Caffeine | Yes |
| Special Foods | Yes, the basis of their program is prepackaged meals. You can opt out of their meals, but then meal planning is left entirely up to you with very little guidance for the types of foods or quantities you should eat. |
| Family Friendly | No, unless you never eat together or all eat the NutriSystem foods |
| Vegetarian Friendly | Yes, there is an All-Vegetarian Program available |
Sample NutriSystem Menu
Here is a sample meal plan for NutriSystem:
Breakfast:
- Low-fat granola cereal with milk, fruit
Lunch:
- Pasta parmesan with broccoli
Snack:
- Mint chocolate crunch bar
Dinner:
- Beef tacos
- Salad with fat-free dressing
Dessert:
- Caramel crunch popcorn
