Nutrisystem Review, An In-Depth Look at This Popular Weight Loss Program
Nutrisystem has established itself as a frontrunner in the weight loss sector, renowned for its convenient prepackaged diet meals. Presently, the company continues to bolster weight loss efforts with a variety of frozen and nonperishable meals, snacks, shakes, and desserts. As someone who has tested Nutrisystem's offerings, here’s a comprehensive review of the program's products, applications, and resources.
Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem is a widely recognized weight loss program designed for adults with hectic lifestyles. The program offers flash-frozen and nonperishable meals that are easy to prepare, eventually allowing clients to incorporate their own home-cooked meals and nutritious side dishes.
Diet Guidelines:
Permitted: Lean proteins, healthy fats, low-fat dairy, nonstarchy vegetables, specific fruits, and whole-wheat carbohydrates.
Prohibited: Sugary desserts, high-calorie meals, deep-fried foods, butter, starchy vegetables (such as potatoes), and sugary beverages.
Nutrisystem claims significant weight loss within the first month, with women potentially losing up to 13 pounds and men up to 15 pounds. Continued weight loss is expected to average 1-2 pounds per week.
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How Nutrisystem Functions
Nutrisystem provides prepackaged meals crafted to balance fats, carbs, fiber, and protein, aiming for clients to transition off Nutrisystem upon reaching their target weight.
Week 1:
- Consume 8 cups of water daily (including black coffee, unsweetened tea, and seltzers).
- Eat at least four servings of nonstarchy vegetables.
- Enjoy three prepackaged meals and two snacks (one being a shake) each day.
Week 2 and Beyond:
- Maintain Week 1 goals.
- Unlimited access to foods under 10 calories.
- Up to three "extra" foods daily (11-35 calories each).
- Eat three meals and three snacks daily.
- Choose between a Nutrisystem entree with a vegetable or lean protein or a "Flex" meal from home.
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Nutrisystem Meal Plans
Nutrisystem provides six categories to choose from: Women’s, Men’s, Partner, Complete55 (for women 55+), Diabetes, and Vegetarian. Each category offers three meal plans:
Basic:
- Prepared food for five days a week.
- Access to the NuMi app and coaching.
- Over 100 menu options.
- Nonperishable meals and snacks.
- Free shipping every four weeks.
Uniquely Yours:
- Prepared food for five days a week.
- Over 150 menu options, including frozen meals.
- Nonperishable meals and snacks.
- Free shipping every four weeks.
Uniquely Yours Max Plus:
- Prepared food for five or seven days a week.
- Over 160 menu options, including premium frozen meals.
- Personalized nutrition tool in the NuMi app.
- Nonperishable meals and snacks.
- Free shipping every four weeks.
Coaching and Support
Clients can reach Nutrisystem coaches through:
- Chat: Available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.
- Email: Responses within 24 hours.
- Phone: Available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.
Unlike some weight loss programs, Nutrisystem does not offer a personal coach.
NuMi App
The NuMi app, with a 4.6 rating on the App Store and 3.5 on Google Play, is a valuable tool for tracking your weight loss progress. Features include grocery guides, weight loss challenges, food and activity logging, recipes, and water intake monitoring.
Food Quality and Variety
Breakfast:
Nonperishable items like bars, cereal, granola, oatmeal, muffins, and pancake mix. The peanut butter oat bar was particularly popular. Frozen items included waffles, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, bagels, and a turkey bacon, egg, and cheese muffin, with mixed reviews.
Lunch:
Nonperishable items often had a processed taste. Options like white cheddar mac and cheese were unfavorably compared to popular brands. Frozen items like the hamburger and spinach and cheese pretzel melt were more acceptable but had texture issues.
Dinner:
Nonperishable items were easy to prepare, with some standouts like the harvest grain bowl. Frozen items like the mac and cheese and Italian sausage pizza received mixed reviews.
Snacks and Desserts:
Nonperishable snacks often had artificial flavors. Frozen snacks and desserts, like the chocolate cupcake and vanilla ice cream sandwich, were generally well-received.
Shakes:
Shakes had a strong sweetener taste and smooth consistency, though the processed sugar flavor was noticeable.
Example Daily Meal Plan
A typical day during week two or beyond might include:
- Breakfast: Canadian style turkey, bacon, and egg cheese muffin with low-fat yogurt.
- Morning Snack: Low-fat cottage cheese with cucumber or bell pepper.
- Lunch: Grilled chicken with strawberry spinach salad.
- Afternoon Snack: Avocado toast on whole-wheat bread.
- Dinner: Meatloaf sandwich with steamed green beans and broccoli.
- Evening Snack: Ice cream sandwich.
Pricing
- Basic: $10 per day ($280/month).
- Uniquely Yours: $11.79 per day ($330/month).
- Uniquely Yours Max Plus: $13.21 per day ($370/month).
There is a money-back guarantee if canceled within 14 days. Canceling after 14 days but before 28 days incurs a $125 fee.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Melina B. Jampolis and Dr. Zhaoping Li emphasize that while programs like Nutrisystem can jumpstart weight loss, individualized plans are crucial for long-term success due to metabolic differences.
Pros and Cons
Benefits:
- Specific meal plans for diabetics, vegetarians, and couples.
- Convenient premade meals.
- Flex meals promote portion control and healthy cooking.
Drawbacks:
- Limited personal coaching.
- Common complaints regarding billing, delivery, and support.
Conclusion
Nutrisystem offers a structured and convenient solution for those looking to start their weight loss journey with minimal effort. The program simplifies dieting with prepackaged meals, snacks, and desserts, saving time on meal planning and cooking. Nutrisystem ensures balanced nutrition with meals designed to provide the right mix of fats, carbs, fiber, and protein. It offers diverse plans tailored for various needs, including options for women, men, vegetarians, diabetics, and those over 55. The emphasis on portion control helps users develop better eating habits, supporting long-term weight management. Nutrisystem is an ideal choice for busy individuals seeking a straightforward and effective approach to weight loss.