Dieting and losing weight is a challenge many people struggle with. An essential part of that is having a plan structured to your needs. I know as I’ve always struggled with my weight, despite being active most of my life. Several years ago I turned to Nutrisystem to get fit.
It wasn’t always easy, and it does cost money. However, I was able to lose 100 pounds on the weight loss plan and improve my health.
This honest Nutrisystem review discusses how to follow the plan, what it costs, benefits, and what you can and can’t eat on the program.
What is Nutrisystem?
Nutrisystem is a 28-day weight loss program and meal delivery service. The company specializes in providing pre-packaged, low-calorie meals that are delivered to your home.
You can add certain fresh fruits and vegetables, and the plan is simple to follow.
The Nutrisystem diet focuses on meals that have you eat fewer calories, without leaving you hungry. They do this by having meals that are 50 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent fat, and 25 percent protein.
Nutrisystem
- Wide variety of convenient, nutritious foods
- Transition plans available
- Lots of support, both online and over the phone
- Plans start at $9.99 per day
The company also promotes smart carbs which help avoid significant increases to your blood sugar. By following the specialized meal plan you have energy to carry you through the day without feeling hungry.
The diet company was founded in 1972 by Howard Katz, and shifted to a direct-to-consumer meal delivery program in the late ’90s.
How Does Nutrisystem Work?
Choosing a diet meal plan can be challenging if the service doesn’t offer a lot of variety. That is not the case with Nutrisystem as they offer numerous packages.
This lets you make selections based on your age, gender, and many other factors.
For example, as I was in my 30s, I chose Nutrisystem for men as it was tailored to my needs. There are also plans for the following needs:
- Diabetics
- Gluten-free
Food options also tend to be low-sodium and lower-glycemic foods to help promote healthy eating.
This level of customization is not available with many other weight loss meal plans. Other programs lack customization, which can help lead to frustration when trying to lose weight.
This leads to people be feeling hungry all the time while trying to get fit. That is not something I usually dealt with while on the diet program.
You receive three meals per day, based on your specific needs. You also receive snacks in all meal plans. Women receive one snack per day, while men receive two snacks per day.
Nutrisystem has a wide variety of menu options you can choose from. And, they specialize in helping you start on the right foot in the first month on your chosen plan.
After the first month, the meal plan shifts focus a bit, helping users to focus on more gradual weight loss since losing substantial weight quickly isn’t sustainable.
Most Nutrisytem meal plans let you manage everything online. This includes food selection and other helpful resources to manage your weight loss.
What Foods Can You Eat?
Whenever you compare weight loss programs like Nutrisystem, it’s important to know what food you can eat. The diet plan recommends users to eat three pre-packaged meals per day.
You can also include their snack offerings in what you eat each days.
Some of my favorite foods were margherita pizza, double chocolate muffins, and ginger cashew chicken. These were all low calorie foods filled with nutrients, lean protein, and fiber.
Depending on the plan you choose you can also add in certain snacks, such as non-starchy vegetables, slices of turkey, or three cups of air popped popcorn.
This is where the customization really helps provide convenience. You can create a meal plan that works for your needs all while losing weight. The food is all heart-healthy too.
What Foods Can’t You Eat?
Similar to any diet food delivery service, Nutrisystem has somewhat strict guidelines on what foods you can eat. You’re greatly discouraged from eating at restaurants while on the plan.
If you’re unable to avoid restaurants, foods like leafy green salads, with no dressing is a suitable option.
The diet plan also has numerous packaged meals you can take on the go if dining out. Think KIND bars, or something similar.
While you can have alcohol while on the diet plan, the company strongly encourages you to avoid it. If you must consume alcohol, you’re encouraged to have no more than one serving per week.
This is typical with most diet meal plans.
It’s also best to avoid condiments like mayonnaise. They add extra fat and calories to your meals. If you must use a condiment, do so sparingly.
Is the Nutrisystem Food Good?
Overall, most of the meals I tried from Nutrisystem are good. The meals are low in sodium, and have minimal saturated and trans fats.
Most meals focus on having smart carbohydrates, lean protein, and high-fiber whole grains. This makes meals a good fit for many health conditions.
As with any meal plan, you will identify meals that you enjoy more than others. With lots of menu choices you have ample options to find foods you’ll enjoy.
Nutrisystem Menu Samples
Here are real menu options from a normal day of Nutrisystem, according to their site. Listed first is a typical day for a man, followed by a typical day for a woman.
| Meal | For Women | For Men |
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How Much Does Nutrisystem Cost Per Month?
There is not one set price for the meal plan. Thanks to customization, price will vary when you sign up for the diet meal plan.
The basic plan has three tiers to choose from. Here are the prices for the available Nutrisystem meals:
- Basic – starting at $9.99 per day
- Uniquely Yours – starting at $12.14 per day
- Uniquely Yours Max+ – starting at $13.57 per day
- Complete 55 – starting at $13.93 per day
These prices vary depending on your plan.
The more expensive options include frozen meals and allow you to choose whatever food options you want that are available in your specific plan.
If you sign up for a plan and find that it doesn’t work for you, Nutrisystem does offer a seven-day money back guarantee.
Ways to Save on Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem commonly runs different deals to help users save money. The current offer is 50 percent off all plans + 50 percent off a month of shakes.
Another terrific way to save money is to buy discounted gift cards at Costco or eBay. For instance, Costco sells $100 gift cards to Nutrisystem for $80.
Several times throughout the year they go on sale for $60.
If you’re a Costco member, or know someone who is, you can stock up on the gift cards to help reduce your monthly cost.
Furthermore, the company offers a seven-day money back guarantee. If you find that the program doesn’t work for you in that first week you can cancel and get a refund.
*Do you want to include exercise to lose weight? Read our guide on how to find cheap gym membership deals to help save money.*
Pros and Cons
It’s important to take an honest look at any weight loss program. Here are some things to know when considering Nutrisystem.
Pros:
- Fully customizable – not all diet meal companies let you customize your menu offerings. If you need to diet, it’s easier when you have a plan you can adapt to.
- Foolproof – dieting isn’t always easy, but the company simplifies everything. You order your food online, and it’s delivered, pre-packaged, right to your door.
- “Healthy” junk food – If you’re like most, you crave chocolate and junk food. Nutrisystem food includes healthy junk options in their snack offerings to help satisfy those cravings.
- Wide variety of foods – The diet plan has lots of menu options, so there is plenty to choose from.
- Nutritionally balanced – Most of the foods on the plan are low in calories and sodium, while focusing on smart carbohydrates.
- Lots of support – Through its online site, Nutrisystem offers tons of support, both from other users and from registered dietitians.
Cons:
- Cost – cost is always an issue with diet systems and this company is no different.
- Processed foods – similar to other diet plans many of the foods are processed.
Cost aside, Nutrisytem is worth considering if you need to lose weight.
Companies Similar to Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem isn’t the only player in the weight loss program space. There are other legitimate companies that help you get fit.
Here are a few of the top alternatives.
| Company | Rating | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Diet to Go | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check current price |
| Bistro MD | ⭐⭐⭐ | Check current price |
| Noom | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check current price |
| Weight Watchers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check current price |
WW is often considered the top alternative. Read our guide on Nutrisystem vs. WW to see how they compare.
FAQs
It’s understandable to have questions before joining Nutrisysem. Here are a few of the common questions people ask before joining the weight loss program, including a few I had before trying the company.
How much weight can you lose?
There is no promise of how much weight you can lose on the diet program. However, it does work for many individuals.
Each person is different, so it’s impossible to give a guarantee. However, by following the diet plan and exercising you will lose weight.
Is Nutrisystem bad for your health?
Most of the Nutrisystem meals and snacks are low in sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, and include whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
The menu has ample variety and should work for most, including those with high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
This is all in addition to the heath benefits of getting fit.
How good is the diet plan?
Commitment is necessary to have some level of success. I was able to lose 100 pounds on the plan, and many others have also seen success.
Each person is different, but the program offers numerous resources to help you achieve your goal.
Does Walmart sell Nutrisystem?
Yes, you can find some items at Walmart, such as shakes, meals, and other food.
This is not a replacement to joining the plan though and does not offer any of the resources offered through their various meal plans.
However, if you are grocery shopping at the store you can purchase some items to supplement what you receive via mail.
Can you go out to eat on Nutrisystem?
Yes, it is possible to go out to eat while on Nutrisystem but it does take work. Your best bet is a salad without dressing or high fat items if going out for lunch or dinner.
Grilled chicken or salmon will also work.
For breakfast look for high fiber items and fruits. When you join, the company offers access to an in-depth guide that provides ideas of what to order and what to avoid at popular restaurants.
How much does Nutrisytem for men cost?
The diet plan has numerous plans, with the service for men being one of the most popular. This plan is slightly more than the basic plan.
The current cost of the basic plan is $9.99, $12.14, $13.57, or $13.93 per day depending on what you choose.
Nutrisystem for men currently costs $11.61, $13.19, and $15.18 per day depending on what you choose.
Remember that if you sign up for a recurring plan that will lower your overall cost.
Is Nutrisystem worth the cost?
Depending on what your overall goal is, the diet meal delivery plan is worth the expense.
The company is in the middle of the road for cost, and makes following a plan simple to accomplish.
What groceries do I need to buy on Nutrisystem?
The company provides much of what you need to eat each month. However, you are allowed to supplement foods with items from the grocery store.
Those include:
- Non-starchy vegetables
- Roasted turkey
- Popcorn to air pop
- Certain types of fruit, such as bananas
Your grocery bill should decrease while on the plan, which helps you mitigate the cost of meal delivery.
Nutrisystem Review: Is it right for you?
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Food options
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Cost
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Support
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Ease of use
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Customization
Nutrisystem Review
If you’re looking for a convenient way to achieve your weight loss goals, Nutrisystem could be a good choice for you. Pricing is comparable to other diet meal plans, food variety is great, and all of the work is done for you.
Overall
4.1Pros
✔️ Wide variety of foods
✔️ Convenient
✔️ Nutritious
✔️ Transition plans available
✔️ Lots of support, both online and over the phone
Cons
❌ Cost
❌ Processed foods
Does Nutrisystem Work?
Diet plans aren’t for everyone. There is a cost to it, and you may not enjoy some of the foods.
However, if you’re looking for an easy-to-follow diet plan, that’s full of customization, and helpful resources, Nutrisystem is a legitimate way to lose weight.
Losing weight is more mental than anything. It takes commitment, but it also requires you to choose to stick to a plan.
Nutrisystem knows this and helps people on their journey by pointing them in the right direction to find success.
Have you ever tried a diet plan like Nutrisystem and what was your experience?
That’s incredible weight loss, and the health consequences will surely make up for the cost.
I tried Form-U-3 in the 90s. Lost 30 pounds (to get to my ideal weight) and kept it off for 2-3 years. But it was very restrictive (no cheese!) and I just drifted back. I’ve tried Weight Watchers, lost 20, had more to go but lost motivation. I admit, the processed food in Nutrisystem doesn’t appeal to me. I’m not sure I would be able to transition out well.
My current plan is to increase movement (with my trusty Fitbit egging me on) and decrease food intake. My husband’s lost about 60 pounds over the last 5 years by cutting out a lot of sugar and drastically reducing his portion size of regular foods. So now I do things like split a beer with him at night, or split a hot dog. It’s slow, but I’m seeing progress.
Thanks Emily – that’s my thought exactly!
I completely understand the lack of desire for the processed food. It was a challenge for me at times, but the cost and the end goal is what I had to lean on to drive me.
That being said, congrats to your husband for his weight loss. I think you, generally speaking, need to find what you’re most comfortable with and works for you. So much of it comes down to cutting down that portion size and learning what works for you. Progress is the real goal, in my opinion, to be able to find some sort of balance. Best of luck on your journey – I know it’ll be a challenge I need to regularly stay on top of.
I’ve never tried anything like nutriaystem but i have tried weigh watchers with some success. I do well with accountability for sure, this I know. I also discovered that my failures with most “diets” is because all i tend to focus on is overall decrease in calories rather than quality of food choices. So sure i can lose weight with WW eating a bowl of low calorie cereal for breakfast and snacking on jello but to me i need to get to a place by eating good, quality food not crap thats low in calories which is where im finally at. I feel much better when i eat well and watch sugar and carb intake (natural and not)…both make me feel very bloated. It’s been a lot of trial and error but i finally feel like i knwo where my diet needs to be at
Now i need to increase my activity!
I’ve heard good things about WW as well. I’d agree on making those decisions on quality food. The amount of calories is one thing, but making them “good” calories is better. That being said, glad to hear you’ve found that zone for the diet – the activity…I hear ya. 🙂
This sounds like the perfect plan for a busy person who has other people in the house to feed. You don’t have to think about what you can and can’t have. It sounds like it’s all spelled out.
I am so happy for you. This is such an amazing achievement and inspiration for others. What do you do now that you’ve hit your goal?
You nailed it on the head Kim. We’re so busy that I needed something to manage it for me. As I added completely changed eating habits outside of the plan it became much simpler to follow.
Thanks! We’ve significantly changed how we eat. A lot of whole, organic foods with a lot of veggies. We eat very little red meat (1-2x month) with a lot of fish. The biggest change has been the portion sizing and eating til satisfied – not til I’m full. I’m working out 5-6 times per week as well as I want to lose another 20-30 pounds.
I, too used Nutrisystem to lose weight and had enormous success with it. In January of 2013, I started a 3 days a week, bootcamp style class at my gym. Hard workouts. I paid $400 for the class, and at the end of 2 months I had lost a whopping 2 pounds. My pants didn’t fit better, either.
Discouraged, I saw the Nutrisystem sale at Costco and bought enough to get me through a few months. Coupled with their sale, I was able to save significantly, too.
This is an excellent program for those who need to learn proper portion size, which is the key to reducing your weight. People asked me all the time what the food tastes like. It doesn’t taste bad, it just doesn’t taste great. I think this actually worked in my favor, because I would eat because I had to, rather than because I wanted to. My mindset changed and I lost 15 pounds in 2 months.
Totally worth it. Congratulations John! You look great!
While I didn’t go the bootcamp approach, I did work out quite a bit and usually led to nowhere.
Glad to hear you had success with Nutrisystem and would wholeheartedly agree with you on the portion sizing. I look at what I eat now vs. two years ago and it’s crazy. I got that from them and the changed diet was combo between them and us just changing our habits.
I think you put the issue of the food well. Very few things were truly bad, but few things were really great either. I found what I could relatively enjoy and stuck with that.
Thanks Mindy – I feel great!
Okay, well first off NO ONE should go down to 1,000 calories a day. I’m all for losing weight, but I count 1,200 (net after any exercise) as the bare minimum for health. That’s how much a 160 lb person burns lying in bed all day. Much below that — assuming you weigh more than 110ish lbs — and your body goes into starvation mode.
All of that being said, I’ve been on Nutrisystem with relatively positive results. I have chronic fatigue and am a depressive, so when I took on a full-time job and still had a small daily side hustle (both done from home) I needed to take food out of the equation.
It was nice to not have to worry about food too much, though it was annoying to have to stay stocked up on veggies and such. Overall, the meals and even desserts were pretty good, and it’s good that they get you eating several small meals a day. It’s something I picked back up again in the past year — and it’s done wonders for my blood sugar and how much I eat.
But I don’t eat red meat and don’t like seafood, so the choices were limited. So I quit after the second month. Still, I probably lost around 10-15 lbs and wasn’t able to exercise during that time.
The problem with these meal plans is that I actually don’t believe they teach you portion size. They’re keeping the portions small — too small, really — so that you see significant weight loss quickly.
I’m glad it worked for you, but I don’t at all believe that Nutrisystem provides a long-term, healthy framework for eating. But if you need quick results, it’s a good way to go. Just make sure you eat at least 1,200 calories a day, people! Otherwise, as soon as you go back to anything resembling “real” food, you’re starvation-mode body will pack on as many pounds as it can in case you do that again.
I should clarify the calorie amount. It was a special 1,000/day for the first week and then they would move me up to 1,500/day. After 3 days I saw the 1,000/day was not sustainable. Adding the extra calories did the trick. Today, I’m usually in the 1,500-1,800/day range. It’s my opinion they start out with that crazy low amount for the first week to give you momentum and continue.
Glad you had success losing some weight on the plan -especially without being able to exercise while on it.
That being said, I’d have to disagree with you on the portion sizing. I think they were just fine and when you add in foods they allow you to add in it really is a lot of food – just the right food. I would also add that a big key to leaving the plan is continuing to live out what you learned as you go back to “real” food. If you don’t, you’re leaving yourself open to adding the weight back on.
My 23-year-old son is in fantastic shape. He does have youth on his side, but he has friends his age that aren’t in good shape. I decided to try Nutrisystem because my son has been eating a small amount every few hours for years. He works out daily too. He tells me that it is more about diet than exercise when you want to lose weight. I decided to go with them because it does the work for me. My son portions his own meals, but I don’t have time for that when I am working and going to school. I am a firm believer that portion control and eating small amounts every few hours is the best way to lose weight and keep it off. My son is a great example.
John, Nutrisystem seems really promising! I am planning to lose weight this year and I think this one is perfect. It’s worth giving it a try. I am so excited for my first free for free,
It can be Jayson if you put in the work and stay on the plan.
This is a really great review, John! Kudos to you for putting in the time, money, and effort into Nutrisystem. It clearly works well for many people (you aren’t the only one I know who has positive reviews of it). I think it’s totally possible to “go it alone” when it comes to a diet and plan all your meals, etc. on your own, but for most busy people this simply isn’t an option. They obviously have a good system going.
Thanks DC. Yea, it definitely does work though so much of it comes down to being committed and being willing to fight through times where you want to give up. I agree, I think it’s totally possible but I know for me I needed a plan to manage it for me. The financial cost wasn’t too bad of a motivator either. 🙂
I’m so glad I found this review! I was struggling with how I was going to afford 300 a month to keep going with nutrisystem… and then came your article with the ebay suggestion. Now I’m saving 80 a month and the 218 is well within my normal range for groceries :D. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I just started Nutrisystem, largely based on this review. I’ve lost and gained the same 100 lb about four times prior to this. I had the most luck with Atkins but I can’t sustain that for the long term. A lot of people talk about the price, but I don’t know how many of them add up the cost of what they are currently eating. Just doing some basic averages, and Nutrisystem even with adding veggies, cheese, and eggs (my protein choice), will be HALF what I’m used to spending.
I’m probably overconfident at this point. But I’ve been down this road before and I feel like the wind is at my back.
Glad to hear you’re back at it Jay! That’s a good point, if it’s cutting down on the amount you did spend in the past on food you’d definitely get some savings – best of luck.
Thanks for your honest review. I’m contemplating this program, haven’t looked into WW or Jenny Craig yet. I wanted to do some research and really find out what I can expect. I really hope my only problem is portion sizes, I think carbs do me alot of damage and I’m afraid NutriSystem may contain too many.
Not a problem at all Debbie. I looked at those programs and pulled the trigger on NutriSystem as a family member used them & had success. I think you’d be surprised just how much of it does come down to portion sizes – I eat a lot less than I used to and it all came as a result of NutriSystem.
I wish I’d started Nutrisystem when I started looking at it a year ago. I didn’t think it was possible to lose weight at 57 being sedentary. I’ve dieted since I was 12 years old, but never had a weight problem until I had a thyroid issue about 5 years ago. Gained 30 lbs in about 6 months.
Thanks to Nutrisystem, I’m down 12 lbs in one month! I love having my nightly dessert. I love eating a many times during the day. And for me, my main problem was not calories, but not eating anything until the end of the day. (Figured if I started later in the day I’d eat less overall). And it wasn’t convenient to fix a meal while working. Being task-oriented I’d just keep working and skip breakfast and usually lunch.
Really hurt my metabolism. On Nutrisystem the counselor told me that the basic plan is to eat every 2 hours. With their food, it was convenient to do eat that often.
I was also reminded of the value of low cal syrup and salad dressing. Used to do that in my 20s, but had totally forgotten. Removing sugar from my tea and switching to Sugar free creamer also helped.
My second month I ordered pizzas, melts, burgers, chicken sandwiches and chicken breasts, hamburgers. No, it’s not like the fast food versions. But fun to be able to have pizza in some form on a diet! And bread! And dessert even at 11 at night before bed! And STILL lost weight!!
Highly recommend the customized plan – that’s the one I’m on. I prefer the frozen food, but mostly because a lot of the non-frozen food has some spice or something that has an odd (maybe celery?) taste to me. I’m not a fan of anything pasta except the three cheese chicken Chicken parmesan, and the Chicken Alfredo (frozen). LOVE the tuna salad since they add minced waterchestnuts – makes it delicious! And I love having coffee and a cinnamon bun for breakfast. No it’s not Cinnabon, but it’s still a bread cinnamon bun.
The other thing that really is helpful is having the counselors to call. They have been very helpful. Week 1 I lost 4.5 lbs, Week 2 I lost 1.5 pounds. I was so upset that I didn’t lose much that second week compared to the first. I called to see if they had any suggestions, and they asked me about the journal I’d kept. They helped me realize I had eaten more around 1100 calories the second week instead of around 900. Since I’m not active, I cut back to 900 calories and that did the trick. Switched the morning powerfuels to vegetables to do so.
Ok, one last thing. I’m impressed with the NuMi app I put on my iPhone. It lets me log everything I eat very easily and even automatically tracks my steps when I have my phone on me.
I’m thrilled and thankful!! Really enjoyed buying a few clothes last week.
Sounds like you’re on the right track Donna, congrats on the weight loss!
I’ve done Nutrisystem off and on (currently on) and the program works if you follow it. As far as cost, it’s cheaper for me because the wife and I were eating out a lot that this cut our grocery bill in half. If you started out eating 1000 calories per week, you wasn’t following the program correctly. For a male, the minimum is 1500 calories and for females, the minimum is 1200. I track using Lose It and I never allow myself to go below 1400 in a day. If I do, I don’t lose weight. As far as if I get tired of the food, it gives you a better selection than what most people eat off plan. Talking to people I see on a daily basis, I’ve come to realize that most people pretty much eat the same thing with very little variance. You’ve heard the jokes about it being, “meatloaf Tuesday” or “pizza Friday”? Well, that’s how must people eat. They find the things they like and stick with them. On NS, you also have to eat veg and salads and dairy and consume a certain amount of water to actually follow the plan. IF I remember correctly, its 8 16 oz of water and 4 veg in a day. Yes, the entree’s are “processed food”, but if you don’t like that then you should be cooking at home and not looking for a prepackaged diet plan. I’ve been in healthcare for 25 years and when people find out what I’m doing, the first question they ask is, “isn’t that bad for your health?” My response is generally, “not as bad as being fat….” I’ve lost about 30 lbs since October (which isn’t a rapid loss compared to some), but I cheat alot because my work hours are so varied and I get called in frequently. But then again, like I said in the beginning, it works if you work it. The food is tolerable and I have my favorites and I have the ones I avoid. Like every other food in the world…. The only complaint I have is that they seem to have increased the fiber content in the food. I’m still adjusting but it’s manageable.
Congrats on the weight loss thus far and sharing your insight John. In regards to the 1,000 calories per day, I was following it correctly. It’s the plan they put me on solely for the first week, then they were going to bump me to 1,500 after that. I was having too many issues with that low of a calorie amount so they decided to bump me up early.
I am anxiously waiting for my shipment to arrive! It should be here this week. Last year I tried beachbody and the shakes. I found out that I am NOT a meal replacement gal….I need to eat, for whatever reason. I need a good “kick start” and am optimistic the NS will do it! Loved reading your story and comments, thanks!
Awesome, glad to hear it Antoinette! Nutrisystem did great for me as I was constantly eating, it focuses a lot on right portion sizes, not giving up food altogether.
Thanks for the review! I just bought it to start! I have done all of the diets… Atkins, Lindora, WW, counting calories, raw vegan, vegan, vegetarian… you name it… I’ve tried it:.. over time I realize with my busy life, I don’t ever cook food to prepare for the week… as I do not like leftovers…. I grab something fast… which is usually frozen meals. So, now that I am starting on Nutrysistem… I feel like this is the perfect tool.
Thank you so much again for your review and congrats on the hard work for your weight loss!
Thanks Ashley and best wishes as you start. I know what that’s like. We’re usually pretty busy and it can be easy to slip into getting something out/having something unhealthy. I really liked how NutriSystem made it easy to deal with those times and still stick to the plan.
Hi John. Thanks for describing your weight loss journey of losing 100 pounds using Nutrisystem. That is great news for you. My experience with Nutrisystem after 2 months on the program is similar to yours. I lost 7 lbs the first week. And steadily averaging 1 lb per week, totaling a loss of 10 lbs for the first month. I travel a lot and have a very stressful lifestyle, as I am self employed in the apartment rental business. I have learned that my portions have been way to much for my body frame of 5’3”. I am an emotional eater, so when I get stressed over money, I eat. I found Costco has 100 certificate for 80, with a savings of 60/month. I do the diabetic D plan because I read an article that the D plan had the most evidence based results in a clinical study. I have cheated many times after the first month because my job calls me away from home at the drop of a dime, which causes me stress. So my second month I lost and gained the same 4 lbs. so I’m now going into my 3rd month, still downs 10 lbs, from the start. I also find eating the smart carbs and fruit prevent me from losing weight, so I only eat the power-fuels, since my job is mostly sedentary, sitting behind a computer screen. What do you do to mantain your weight loss now that you are not on Nutrisystem?
Not a problem Renee, happy to share. Sorry to hear about your ups and downs – I’ve dealt with that most of my life. What I do now is stay as active as can be. I exercise six times a week, taking a weekend day off and do a combination of cardio & strength. I also have a standing desk now so I cut down on a lot of the sitting that I have working from home. I combine all that with keeping my portion sizes down, not much more than what I was eating while on the program. If I can keep snack-y type foods out of the house I can usually do fairly well. Best wishes on your continued weight loss!
Hi John,
Congrats on your weight loss! I love the portion controlled frozen meals.
Why not just buy frozen dinners from the store and do the same thing as Nutrisystem?
I lost 60 lbs this way, had more food choices and healthier too! Nowadays you can eat organic, no preservative frozen meals!
Thanks Naomi, that’s certainly an option for some. For me, having some skin in the game with the money kept me accountable to staying on target. If it was all reliant to me simply buying meals at the store I wouldn’t have had the success I had.
John, just found your site and thank you for sharing your success story. This inspires me to continue with my plan tomorrow of which will be my third week. In two weeks I have lost 10.5 pounds which I never thought I could do. I really need to lose minimum 60, but for my height I should lose 100. I agree that the NS meals are just right for losing weight and learning portion control. They are not bad but obviously not gourmet meals and that is okay. I will continue on my journey and with the weight loss will lower blood sugars as well. Thank you for sharing.
Great work Judith! That’s awesome you’ve lost ten pounds in such a short time. Glad to be of inspiration, and keep up the hard work! 🙂
Can you have wine?
Good question. Yes, you can have wine though they do recommend you stick to drier wines and limit consumption.
My husband and I have done this diet plan several times over the last 20 years. Every few years we fall off the wagon and start over. We are currently doing NS again and plan to keep it off this time. It works if you are dedicated and stick to the diet. This is the first time we have tried the frozen food and it is SO much more edible. The frozen items make the diet so much easier to stick to.
Completely agreed on the frozen food options Jackie! Best wishes on success. 🙂
I’ am 61. Started on June 1st, have lost 32lbs so far, 42 more to go. I also walk everyday, started at 1 mile, now doing 3 miles a day. During week after work and early morning on weekends. You are never to “old” to lose weight and exercise.
That’s awesome. Keep up the good work Martha!