NutriSystem

Years ago, you could find a NutriSystem center in most communities. Today, the NutriSystem program is strictly available by picking up your telephone or logging on to your computer. Here is all you need to know about this popular weight loss plan.

What is NutriSystem?

While the program uses prepackaged foods as its main tool for weight loss, it is unique with its approach to the carbohydrate frenzy that has hit the country. This is one program that takes into account the glycemic index, often referred to as GI. The GI factor of a food is the length of time it takes for the sugar to be absorbed into the bloodstream after ingestion. The actual number assigned to the food is not the actual time, but rather an indicator number reflecting that time, with a tablespoon of sugar used as a standard GI of 100 (rapid absorption time). In a nutshell, the lower the GI, the slower the glucose from that particular food enters the bloodstream. Hence, the slower the absorption, the slower insulin is produced and better it is regulated. Insulin levels are best to remain low in order to avoid experiencing sugar cravings and to halt fat storage.

Program Choices

There are 6 plans to choose from when purchasing NutriSystem. Each plan allows you to either custom select your meals and desserts, or have the meal plans designed for you.

*Woman’s Program: By choosing from more than 120 prepackaged meals, this program serves the under 60 year old female crowd. You get to eat 5 times per day, including a dessert each day.

*Women Over 60 Program: As the name implies, this plan is geared for women over 60 years of age. While the standard program is the same, daily calories are less due to the lowered caloric requirement as women (and men) age. This plan is marketed as providing low sodium, low cholesterol, and low saturated fat food choices, with an appropriate dose of heart healthy unsaturated fats. It also offers a free one month supply of specialty vitamins that include the major anti-aging compounds. These include lutein (for strong eyes), ginkgo biloba (suggested to help with memory and mental sharpness), vitamins A, C, B6, B12, and the minerals calcium and zinc.

*Men’s Program: Food choices are similar, if not identical, to the Women’s Program. However, Dan Marino himself claims that the meals offered on this NutriSystem program contain real food in big portions.

*Men Over 60 Program: Nearly identical to Women Over 60 Program with the inclusion of the same vitamin supplement and healthy meals.

*Type II Diabetic Program: Because NutriSystem addresses glycemic load and its response on insulin levels, it easily offers a diabetic plan for diabetics needing to lose weight. Claimed to be approved by a dietitian, meals are consciously prepared with complex carbohydrates in mind. There are 70 or more meal items from which to choose.

*Vegetarian Program: Claimed to be the only plan that offers prepackaged vegetarian diet meals, NutriSystem offers more than 60 food items that are vegetarian-friendly.

Basic Guidelines

No matter which program you choose, here are a few guidelines and advantages of the program:

• It takes 6 – 10 business days to receive food order
• Satisfaction is guaranteed- refund of unused products within 30 days of purchase
• Produce and dairy foods from your grocery store are added to most meals
• Program is available online or by phone
• Eat between 4 – 6 times per day
• No measuring, weighing, or counting calories
• Easy to prepare meals
• Meals are portable
• Free “counseling” available (beware of pushing salesperson)
• Online support with chat rooms, bulletin boards, daily motivational email, classes, newsletter, weight loss diary

The Disadvantages

Indeed, NutriSystem is a great way to easily and conveniently lose weight. However, some common complaints have been related to food availability, taste, long wait times for shipments, customer service response time, and credit issues. Many former consumers have reported receiving up to 1/3 of their order as substitutions to the items they specifically requested. And, these alternatives were sent without previous approval by the consumer. It may be in your interest to check with a representative regarding the availability of food selections prior to confirming your order. Also, if you need accountability or face-to-face support, this program may not be for you as there are no group meeting held anywhere and no individual sessions with a counselor in person.

Is It Safe?

NutriSystem appears to be a safe approach to weight loss. Their meal plans are based on a nutritionally sound ratio of macronutrients: 55% of calories derived from low GI complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables and fruit), 25% of calories from lean sources of protein, and 20% of calories from fats. A watchful eye on sodium and trans fat are mentioned in their program as well. What is not mentioned is the significance of exercise, a safe rate of weight loss, and total daily calorie requirement. To clarify these factors, general good health, well-being, and weight management unquestionably requires some physical activity on a daily basis. NutriSystem briefly addresses this issue with two specific programs entitled BodyNourish and MindNourish. However, there is no standard when it comes to exercise when you participate in the basis programs. A safe weight loss amount is no more than 2 pounds per week with nothing less than a 1200 daily calorie intake.

Cost

Like most commercial weight loss plans, NutriSystem offers promotions depending on the time you wish to purchase. At this time, they are offering a free week of food when you order a 28-day supply of food. Here are two pricing plans being offered:

1. $289.46 if you need to lose 10 or more pounds. With this option, delivery every 4 weeks is automatic with a 10% discount and free shipping on your first order. After your third consecutive order, you receive a 15% discount.
2. $321.62 plus $16.00 shipping of you have less than 10 pounds to lose for a 28-day supply of food.