NutriSystem

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NutriSystem

Summary

NutriSystem NutriSystem^© has been a big hit with dieters in the past years, as company sales soared from $50 million in 2004 to nearly $200 million in 2005. For home delivery of diet food, the price seems to be a major advantage over other home delivery plans, and phone counseling is provided free of charge (although management reports that only 20% of its customer actually use this service--surprising).

Dieters can order NutriSystem^©'s portion controlled food (entrees) via the Internet, as well as utilize individualized weight loss plans and one-on-one counseling and behavior modification services. The cost of NutriSystem food is about $69 per week (plus $4 shipping). The food is shipped once per month, at a cost of $279 with free shipping under the "autoship" plan. If you don't use "autoship", the cost is $310/month. plus $16 for shipping. This includes 3 meals a day plus snacks (100 items) virtually replacing most of the regular food you might buy. You supply fruit, milk and vegetables. No meal replacement shakes are used. NutriSystem^© has strategic partnerships with Internet portals, health websites, and wedding sites. It is also sells vitamins and protein supplements.

The dieter does not have to record calories, count points or deal with complex recipes under this plan. It’s all done for you. Counseling comes free with your food order, by a variety of people that have gone through company training. The counselors may be dietitians, nurses, health educators, fitness instructors, or others, usually with a college degree.

This weight loss program combines a portion control approach with a low Glycemic Index menu, with greater focus on complex carbohydrates. The low glycemic index carbohydrates in the NutriSystem^© Nourish foods break down slowly and stay in your system longer. The result is that you feel full for a longer period of time and experience fewer cravings.

BestDietForMe.com Commentary: If you're the type of person who has trouble with meal planning and portion control, and doesn't want to think about food choices or even prepare meals that can't be microwaved, this plan may be for you. This plan works well if you're single or eat alone; however, if you have a family to cook for you'll either need to buy enough NutriSystem^© meals for everyone or prepare two separate entrees.

One of our visitors recently signed up for the plan. She found some items to be quite good and others barely edible... many too salty. Also, she was assigned to a personal counselor her first week, but failed three times to reach that person, instead assigned to the "next available" counselor. We think some improvement is needed here, to reach the SAME counselor each time and establish some rapport. Also, when it was time to re-order, they were out of stock on many items. The exercise and emotional eating/psychology pamphlets were helpful. That said, we think it's a good overall plan for the price. However, if you want fresh, better quality food and are willing to pay (substantially more) for it, there are better choices out there.

The information on this web site is intended for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Before starting any weight loss program, it is recommended that you consult your physician or other health care professional.