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Nutrisystem pertains to a commercial weight loss program that involves home delivery of pre-planned, pre-packaged meals. They also offer food choices that you can shop for yourself. By relying on their meal-management offers, you won’t have to bother yourself with things like meal planning, meal prep, and portion control.
By following their program, Nutrisystem claims to make you lose as much as 13 pounds in your first month. This isn’t surprising at all since portion control and calorie restriction[1] have been proven time and again to be effective in promoting weight loss.
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Nutrisystem – Quick Facts & Specs
Buy on Official Website
*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.
- Type:Meal Plan
- Benefit:It has over 160+ types of meals to offer.
- Brand:Nutrisystem
- Address & Phone:Nutrisystem, Inc. 600 Office Center Drive, Fort Washington, PA 19034. 1-800-435-4074
- Uses:Healthy, convenient, and easy to follow.
- Ingredients:Frozen and non-frozen meal choices.
- Price:$8 per day
Pros And Cons of Nutrisystem
- It has over 160+ types of meals to offer.
- Effective in promoting short-term weight loss.
- Healthy, convenient, and easy to follow.
- Meal plans vary and may be personalized to fit one’s needs and conditions.
- Since the meals are pre-prepped and packed, it is basically a heat-and-eat diet.
- May not be as effective for long-term weight loss.
- The plans can be quite expensive depending on which one you choose.
How Does It Work? | The Science Behind Nutrisystem Diet Plan
Nutrisystem works by encouraging balanced nutrition and calorie restriction, both of which are proven mechanisms of weight loss. It also relies on the glycemic index of the items it incorporates in each meal.
The so-called “good” carbs are preferred along with protein diet and fiber to ensure that you’ll feel full for longer and that your blood sugar will not shoot up.
The meal plans vary depending on gender, eating practices, and the presence of medical problems (i.e. diabetes). They may also customize plans for individuals who require it, such as those who need lower sodium levels in their food.
Nutrisystem Ingredients – The Breakdown
Nutrisystem offers a wide variety of frozen and non-frozen meal choices. There are up to 160+ choices and there’s no restrictions as to what ingredients are used. Nonetheless, it is said that the program is big on proteins, “good” carbohydrates, and fiber.
Nutrisystem Alternatives
| Brand | Price | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Slim For Life | $299 to $599 | Weight Loss Aids, Guarana, Green Tea, Bitter Orange |
| Phen375 | $65.95 | Caffeine Anhydrous, L-Carnitine,Citrus Aurantium,Chromium, Cayenne Pepper |
| Zuccarin Diet | $24.95 | Chromium, Calcium, White Mulberry (leaf extract) (Morus alba L.) 1% 1-Deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) |
Is Nutrisystem Safe? – Warnings & Complaints
It is designed to be convenient and safe. Then again, any medical issue warrants consultation with a specialist first prior to starting the program.
Nutrisystem Customer Reviews & Results
Nutrisystem seems to work pretty well based on the available reviews online. According to those who have tried it, they really lose a couple of pounds after following the program. It also helps that it is a good bargain compared to its competitors which are a bit more expensive.
Nutrisystem: Packages, Deals, Prices & Where to Buy It
The price for Nutrisystem starts at $8 per day, not including shipping fee. The 4-week plans, or the “core” plans, are the cheapest while the custom plans are generally priced higher. The tab depends on the ingredients that you prefer such as the type of protein or in-season fruits and vegetables.
The Bottom Line
The Nutrisystem program sounds like an easy way to lose weight and it definitely is as long as you follow the program. Their meal plans are strict, which is a good thing.
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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Don’t expect dramatic weight loss, though, as the program doesn’t work that way. Sure, you’ll lose pounds but it’s not as massive as you expect it to be. Also, if you’re not a fan of frozen foods (which is mostly what Nutrisystem offers), then you’re better off considering other programs.
Furthermore, take note that the diet plan is not designed to cause long-term weight loss. The whole point of the program is to get you ready after it. Surely, you will lose pounds, but what the program teaches you is what and how much you should be eating to achieve your long-term weight loss goals.
Along with the Nutrisystem Diet plan, we recommend the V Shred Fitness Program, which claims to offer customized training to help people achieve the body shape of their dreams.
Is There Anything Else You Should Know About This Diet Plan?
There are a few things that you need to know before starting the Nutrisystem meal delivery program:
- Individual nutrisystem meals are available on physical stores like Walmart.
- Although you no longer need to cook while on the program, you will still find a couple of easy-to-follow Nutrisystem recipes online.
- Eating out while on the program is not recommended, but possible as long as you count them as one of your so-called “flex” meals.
- Nutrisystem has a “favorites package” on their official website.
- Nutrisystem has resources and tools to track your weight loss online.
- Exercise is encouraged, but not mandatory, while on the Nutrisystem program.
Nutrisystem – Questions and Answers
Q: How should I use Nutrisystem?
A: To start the Nutrisystem program, go to the official website and pick your meal plan. They have a 4-week meal plan, as well as meal plans for men, diabetics, and vegetarians. Once you choose your plan, proceed to payment and they will deliver it to you.
Q: Does Nutrisystem have any side effects?
A: The official website did not mention any side effects. However, calorie restriction diets are known to cause adverse reactions such as constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea.
These are mild in nature and tend to go away after a few weeks. Serious side effects include the formation of gallstones, but it is usually seen in very low-calorie diets.
Q: Can I take Nutrisystem if I have a health condition?
A: Individuals with medical problems must always consult their health specialist first prior to starting any form of weight loss program.
Q: Does Nutrisystem really work?
A: Nutrisystem boasts of 45 years of weight loss success stories. According to reviews, the program seems to be working well especially for short-term weight loss. Unfortunately, it is not very effective as far as long-term weight loss is concerned.
Q: What Is Nutrisystem money-back guarantee, return, and/or refund policy?
A: Nutrisystem has a money-back guarantee for those who won’t be satisfied with their weight loss results.
ALSO READ – NutriMost Review – Does NutriMost Weight Loss Program Deliver Real Results?
Where To Find It
You can BUY it directly from the Official Website
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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
3 sources
Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
[1] Calorie Restriction and Fasting Diets https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/calorie-restriction-and-fasting-diets-what-do-we-know
[2] Institute of Medicine (US) Subcommittee on Military Weight Management. Weight Management: State of the Science and Opportunities for Military Programs. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2004. 4, Weight-Loss and Maintenance Strategies.
[3] Ludwig DS, Hu FB, Tappy L, Brand-Miller J. Dietary carbohydrates: role of quality and quantity in chronic disease. BMJ. 2018 Jun 13;361:k2340. doi: 10.1136/bmj.k2340. PMID: 29898880; PMCID: PMC5996878.
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The Health Insiders Team takes pride in bringing you the latest in nutritional research, skincare, healthy living, and wellness hacks. Together our researchers... [Read Full Bio]
Sam Kramer MS, RD, CSSGB, LDN, CISSN
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A Life-Changing Experience with Nutrisystem
Being a busy working mom, finding time to prioritize my health seemed like an insurmountable challenge. But Nutrisystem changed the game entirely. With their pre-planned meals delivered straight to my doorstep, I no longer stress about meal prep or portion control. The convenience alone is worth its weight in gold.
Moreover, the results speak for themselves. Not only have I shed those stubborn pounds, but I feel more energized and confident than ever before.
Please do not waste your money.
The mix had hardened at the bottom of the packages, those clumps refused to dissolve and it hardly had any flavor at all. I was extremely disappointed by this purchase. Do not waste your money.