Does NutriSystem Work?

Imagine a diet plan where you do not have to count calories, decide what to eat, or even cook. This is what the NutriSystem Diet Plan offers its customers. But does NutriSystem work? Is it worth the expense of buying the food?

Many NutriSystem reviews show that the diet is definitely healthy. It provides portion-controlled meals and snacks that have the right types of fats and nutrients to provide a healthy overall diet. People who eat this diet will not suffer from nutritional deficiencies as some dieters do. The food is also low in sodium, making it an excellent choice for heart disease and blood pressure patients.

Women who use NutriSystem are given 1,200 calories to eat a day. Men receive 1,500. The food is pre-made, but dieters are able to choose the meals and snacks they want online. The food is then mailed to the dieter's home where it can be heated in the microwave. Some supplemental foods are purchased from the local grocery store, like fruits to be used as snacks, but beyond this the program is self-contained. All of the meals you need are included, and the price averages around $300 a month for one person.

So does the diet work? If the dieter sticks to the calorie controlled meal plan, it will work. Exercise is recommended, but not necessary for weight loss success. Those who exercise will see faster results and will be healthier overall, but the program works based on calorie control alone. Also, the plan includes five small meals each day, and this helps to keep hunger at bay. Dieters are also instructed to eat six servings of fruit or vegetables a day to supplement the packaged foods. The diet eliminates sugar in any form, white breads, processed foods, and alcoholic beverages.

Another benefit of the program is the fact that it can be tailored for people with specific health problems, such as diabetes. Vegetarians can also find food to fit their diets on this plan. This can take some of the hassle out of planning a healthy diet when dealing with one of these dietary restrictions.

So if the plan works, are there any downsides? Some dieters do not like the way the food tastes, and this can discourage them from following the program. Also, it does not teach dieters how to make healthy eating choices, since it provides everything pre-made and prepackaged. This means that many dieters pack on the pounds again when they stop using the NutriSystem program. However, for those who need a boost to their weight loss or are looking for a calorie controlled, convenient diet program, NutriSystem is a good choice.