Feeding and Diet

NutriSystem is a portion-controlled weight loss program. They started out with "bricks and mortar" weight loss centers, but some years ago changed strategy and became on-line only. While being similar to Jenny Craig - NutriSystem has one major advantage - it is far more affordable.

NOTE: Nutrisystem Select: 2 weeks FREE food + other free samples when you sign up with Auto Pay.

How Does Nutri System Work?

The Nutri System program provides an on-line analysis to calculate your calorie requirements. From this, your meal plans can be calculated and they will begin to ship all your meals to your door. This kind of weight loss program has distinct advantages:

* Sustainable weight loss of around 2 pounds per week.
* Based on the Glycemic Index
* All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert) are provided and delivered to you (free shipping on 4 week food orders). Note that you may want to add some fresh fruit and vegetables to your meals.
* On-line support available with membership in the program (including chat and one-to-one counseling sessions).
* Yes - a weight loss counselor will actually phone you once you've subscribed.
* Portion controlled - low fat, controlled carbohydrate, and protein. For most women calorie amounts will be 1200 per day (although this may vary up to 1500 per day for very active women, and men).
* Free membership to all aspects of the program (you only pay for the food).
* Programs for Men, Women, Vegetarians, and Diabetics.
* Free exercise program and meal planner.

Who Is It Good For?

The idea behind the NutriSystem diet is to provide a healthy portion controlled diet, for a short time frame, to get you back on track.

Whether the food is better or worse than Jenny Craig is a matter of personal taste and opinion - but certainly the cost makes it a favorable choice.

If you want a comprehensive weight loss program where you don't have to worry about cooking, shopping, counting points or calories, or figuring out meal plans - then NutriSystem is recommended.

NutriSystem Select

One of the main complaints concerning NutriSystem in the past was the taste/quality of the food. Because of this, NutriSystem has revamped their menu with over 150 new items and promote their new program as;

"Our most indulgent program ever! Choose from over 150 restaurant-style menu items delivered right to your door."
NutriSystem select is available in four different options for both men and women; Basic, Silver, Diabetic, and Vegetarian. Meals average around four dollars per meal and they are offering free shipping.

What Food Is In The Program?

There are hundreds of meals to choose from. To see what exactly there is, go to NutriSystem and click on the Men's Program or Women's Program. You can choose any foods you like, or pick a pre-made "favorite-foods" selection.

Shelf-life for the baked goods is 6 months. For the other foods it is up to 18 months (due to the airtight containers).

What is Nutrisystem Silver?

Nutrisystem Silver is a program aimed at men and women over 60 years of age - which comes with a supply of multi-vitamins.

What Are The Downsides?

They can sometimes temporarily substitute food items based on availability. This generally only happens during times of great demand, and NutriSystem will inform you by email of any substitutions - this only occurs to prevent delaying of shipment.

Do They Honor The 30-day Money Back Guarantee?

Yes they do. We have spoken with customers who have been unhappy - and have received a refund on unused food. However, during times of high demand (such as the new year), their customer service department can sometimes be overloaded, and it may take time before your refund is actioned.

Comparisons
Nutri-system is often compared with Jenny Craig:
Jenny Craig     NutriSystem
Require a contract to be signed.     No contract or signing.
Charge a membership fee plus food costs.     No membership fee - food costs only.
Center-based.     Web-based - but there is a free support forum available.
Counseling only at center.     Counseling available via phone or on-line chat.

Response To Other Diet Plans

Nutrisystem sent us this information in response to comparisons with other weight loss programs:

"Weight Watchers - It is a sensible program, but ours is designed more for the busy person who doesn't have the time to go to meetings, count points, weigh and measure foods. Also, a lot of people on Weight Watchers save all their points for one meal and we do not agree with that. Our program is based on the theory of fueling your body multiple times a day.

South Beach - Our program is not a book, it is the food solution to South Beach and much less restrictive. Clients love the convenience of the meals. It's like having your own personal chef in your home!! "