Nutrisystem -The best diet plan?

With more and more celebrity endorsements of the NutriSystem diet, those who need to lose weight may find NutriSystem appealing. Although this popular diet is a healthy and convenient way to lose weight, those considering signing up should be aware of the pros and cons of Nutrisystem.

How NutriSystem Works:
NutriSystem's diet plan is low calorie and based on low glycemic index foods and portion control. NutriSystem members purchase prepackaged diet meals directly from the NutriSystem website or by phone. Dieters eat five meals per day and supplement with five to six servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and macronutrients are broken down into 55 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent protein, and 20 percent fat.

Advantages of the NutriSystem Diet
Variety: NutriSystem offers prepackaged meal plans designed specifically for women, men, vegetarians, and adults with type 2 diabetes. Customers can order either a package already made up of member favorites or customize their monthly meals.

Convenience: Dieters who do not have time to measure macronutrients or count calories may find the convenience of prepackaged meals an easier way to lose weight. Since dieters supplement with fresh fruits and vegetables, meal preparation is minimal.

Support: NutriSystem offers online support via online food and exercise journals and clients have access to 24/7 counseling services.

Portion sizes: Users of the NutriSystem diet will learn what correct portion sizes are, which goes a long way to weight loss maintenance.

Exercise: Physical activity is encouraged and if the program is followed correctly, users will develop the habit of using exercise as part of weight loss maintenance.

Disadvantages of NutriSystem
Price: NutriSystem can be expensive, especially for those who are on a budget. If ordering month-by-month, members pay approximately $350 for 28 days of meals. Automatic monthly shipments are slightly less expensive at $300. In addition, NutriSystem dieters will also need to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables and fat-free dairy products.

Not family-friendly: Those who have a family may want to consider the fact that meals will still have to be prepared for other family members. This adds additional cost to the grocery budget and time is still spent preparing meals.

Maintenance: Once weight is lost, it may be difficult to maintain the loss if steps are not taken to keep portions under control. The NutriSystem diet does not help users address other factors for lifetime weight loss maintenance such as buying nutritious foods and preparing healthy meals. After stopping the program, if dieters go back to old eating habits, weight may be regained.

While the NutriSystem diet may offer the benefit of convenience, the price is prohibitive, especially for those who have a family to consider or are on a tight budget. Although users of the NutriSystem diet will likely lose weight, NutriSystem should be used temporarily as a stepping stone to a healthier lifestyle.

Anyone considering NutriSystem as a weight loss program should consult with a physician or nutritionist before making the investment.

By: Jennifer Murray