Lose Pounds with NutriSystem

Thinking has been taken out of healthy, balanced and nutritious meal preparation and assists dieters in getting used to realistic portion amounts and intelligent carbs," says Delphine Carroll, NutriSystem vp for public relations.

If you take advantage of the teaching and training, she says, you ought to be able to prepare healthy, balanced and nutritious meals on your own at the end of the program.

Easy weight loss that works! Eat FREE for 3 weeks!

Lose pounds with NutriSystem started in 1972. Since then it has undergone many changes and today it features the NutriSystem Advanced plan (launched in 2008), a "glycemic advantage" method providing "good carbs," low fat, nutritious protein, and high-fiber ready-cooked meals. NutriSystem Advanced meals also include soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids to promote heart healthiness and feelings of satisfaction.

The glycemic index is a well-liked weight loss tool, formulated on the idea that foods ranking low on the glycemic scale help stabilize blood sugar and reduce needs. The basis of the NutriSystem plan is eating high-fiber, low-fat foods with optimal amounts of lean protein to curb hunger and satisfy craving on less calories.

Women follow a 1,200-calorie plan and men are allowed 1,500 calories per day. Meals are selected and sent via mail from the Internet-based diet program. Meal and dessert choices are offered in shelf-stable pouches that can be easily prepared in a microwave oven. The food costs about $280-310/month (plus other costs for backup items from your local grocer).

Additionally, dieters are happy to learn to adjust their eating habits. They get a 12-week, self-guided "Mindset Makeover" behavioral guide, written by Temple University obesity guru Gary Foster which covers everything from reducing hunger to the significance of social support. Additionally, diet and fitness instruction, a weight loss society, and support are accessible online. Counselors are also accessible over the phone.

Exercising is encouraged while involved in the NutriSystem diet plan. Dieters can use the instructional CDs incorporated in their packet or pick online fitness plans that can be adjusted to various fitness levels. Choices include aerobics, yoga, and resistance-training programs.

Dieters select from more than 120 entrees and desserts that guarantee to be balanced in protein, fat, and "good" carbs. The diet is made up of 55% carbohydrates, 25% protein, and 20% fat. The majority of the NutriSystem meals are lower in saturated and trans fats, sodium about 1,800 milligrams per day), and rich in whole grains. The meals are supposed to be augmented with 6 helpings of fruits and vegetables each day. Dieters eat five meals a day, which should help control appetite.

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The monthly packages of food include 28 breakfasts, 28 lunches, 28 dinners, 28 desserts, and the option of one week of free food. No meal replacements are used, but dieters are advised to supplement the monthly packages with fruit, vegetables, salad, protein, and milk gotten at your local grocery. Sugar, white bread, candy, cakes, processed foods, and alcohol are not allowed.

NutriSystem dieters pick meals and desserts from a large selection of products for 28 days at a time, or until they reach goal weight. Nearly all dieters remain on the program 10-12 weeks, according to the NutriSystem. The program includes a planner that has step-by-step directions for how much to eat at each meal to a dining out guidebook. Dieters are advised to record everything they eat in the included meal planner.

Motivated dieters can benefit from the lifestyle tools, educational materials, and online support. Some people will just eat the food and hope that by some miracle, they will improve their eating habits after finishing the program.

The NutriSystem plan is great for a short-term approach to lose pounds. Eventually you’ll do the work yourself, so pay attention to the portion sizes and styles so you can do it on your own.

People like the way the plan promotes eating regular meals and snacks, but are concerned they may need more calories. Some meals are 250-350 calories whereas others are only around 150 calories — and that is fine for a snack, but not enough for a meal.

Singles, those on the go, or anyone who doesn’t want to be bothered with cooking may find this low-calorie, nutritionally sound program an easy, short term way to weight loss. The weekly newsletters can be helpful in changing mindset.

Think of the NutriSystem diet as a mentoring program that can assist you in getting on the way to more nutritional meals, but remember that you will eventually have to do it yourself. The ultimate goal is to lose pounds on a calorie-controlled diet by learning to shop and eat with health and nutrition in mind.