NutriSystem: Weight Loss is All in the Planning

Beef Stroganoff with noodles…basil chicken with tomato
sauce…tuna casserole…turkey with dumplings. These might not
sound like diet foods, but they are, according to the
NutriSystem diet program.

The program offers separate pre-packaged food plans for women
in general, men in general, diabetics, and vegetarians. And,
according to medical research, dieters who use a plan such as
NutriSystem lose 30 percent more weight over a period of four
months than people who follow other weight loss programs.

Visit the NutriSystem website at www.nutrisystem.com, and
you’ll find a number of testimonials from successful dieters.
For instance, there’s Janet Z, who lost 24 pounds and is quoted
as saying, “My favorite thing about the NutriSystem program is
the convenience of it all, the variety of food, and the fact
that this Italian girl can eat pasta every night if she wants
to!”

And then there is Nicole S., who lost 28 pounds. Nicole states,
“I thought it was extremely easy. I carried them in my bag and
there were plenty of choices. I never got bored and I’d say that
it’s foolproof.”

The NutriSystem plan offers you food that ranks at the low end
of the Glycemic Index, which determines the effect of
carbohydrates on blood sugar. Those foods that lead to stable
blood sugar have a low Glycemic Index ranking. The idea is that,
by following the NutriSystem program, you will end up burning
fat. The plan requires you to eat five times a day in order to
speed up your metabolism.

Originally, Dr. Jay Satz began the NutriSystem program as a
diet plan which offered dieters only 400 to 500 calories per day
of nutrition. Today, the calorie allowance at NutriSystem is
much more generous. The program offers 140 different meals, from
pancakes to fettuccini alfredo, and from cheesy potatoes to
chili with beans. Satz himself is partial to the chicken marsala
for his main entrée and chocolate crunches for dessert.

Backers of the NutriSystem program say that it offers
appropriate nutrition, enabling an individual to lose weight
without sacrificing valuable nutrients. The food portions are
determined for you, so you do not have to worry about eating too
much. Also, since the food is sent right to your home, the
program receives high marks in the convenience category.

There is no need to visit a NutriSystem center, although you
can call a weight loss counselor for support. Membership is free
and includes unlimited counseling, newsletters, online classes,
a computerized weight control diary, and online chat rooms.
Also, when you enroll in the program, you will receive a
complimentary diet analysis.

With the NutriSystem program, you end up eating 55 percent of
your calories from low-glycemic carbs, 25 percent from protein,
and 20 percent from fat. The plan is low in sodium and derives
less than five percent of its calories from trans and saturated
fats. The meat tends to be lean and low-fat, while whole grain
foods are also plentiful in the meal plan. Under NutriSystem’s
guidance, you’ll eat more than four cups of fruits and
vegetables a day–the amount advised by federal health officials.

Another advantage to the NutriSystem program is that it enables
you to plan meals far in advance. Generally speaking, you begin
with four weeks’ worth of products, enabling you to have enough
meals and snacks for a full 28 days. If you choose, however, you
can order as much as ten weeks’ worth of food.

Primary advantages to the NutriSystem plan include the fact
that it is highly easy to use, since you will have food
delivered directly to your door. The menus also tend to be rich
in nutrients, making the meals a healthy choice. One of the
major disadvantages, however, is that you will not learn how to
shop for healthy food or learn how to prepare it, since the
choices are made for you.

Also, you may not like the NutriSystem food, which may make it
difficult to stick with the program. In addition, the program
can cost you hundreds of dollars–an investment you might not be
prepared to make. Moreover, some health experts say that you are
far better off working with a registered dietician than trying
to follow a prepackaged meal plan.

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