Overview of the NutriSystem Diet

For many, portion control is a foreign concept. Restaurants serve up two to three times the portion sizes we should be consuming. Unrestrained food and beverage consumption has led to an obesity epidemic like never before seen. With its prepackaged, pre-determined portion sizes, NutriSystem's weight loss plan cuts to the heart of the matter. The NutriSystem plan is catered to your needs with six programs to choose from:

• Women's Program
• Silver for Women
• Men's Program
• Silver for Men
• Type II Diabetic Program
• All-Vegetarian Program.

NutriSystem goes beyond the pre-determined meals and is an overall program that includes MindNourish and BodyNourish, both of which are to make ready your mind and body for weight loss. Additionally, NutriSystem offers counseling services; you can communicate with a NutriSystem counselor or dietitian through VOIP, by telephone, or via email at no additional charge.

What you can eat while on the NutriSystem Plan

The immense variety of foods available in each of the six programs helps to explain the exploding success of the NutriSystem Plan. The NutriSystem Nourish meals consist of 55% low-glycemic "good carbohydrates," 25% protein, and 20% fat (less than 5% of which are from saturated fats; 0% trans fat). All meals contain less than the recommended limit of sodium intake.

What you cannot eat while on the NutriSystem Plan

The prepackaged NutriSystem Nourish foods should make up nearly all of your meals and snacks.

Eating options on Nutrisystem

Along with your order of prepackaged foods, you receive a "NutriSystem Meal Planner" which allows you to check off entrees, snacks, and desserts as you go along. It is recommended that you supplement the prepackaged meals and snacks with seasonings, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Any successful diet plan allows for some flexibility, and NutriSystem is no exception. You may switch out any afternoon snack for a morning snack, and likewise switch a NutriSystem lunch for a NutriSystem dinner.

Exercise recommendations on Nutrisystem

No exercise plan is outlined, but dietitians and NutriSystem counselors can work with you on devising a plan that is appropriate for you.

Nutrisystem Post Weight Maintenance Plans

Once you have attained your weight loss goal, a NutriSystem counselor can help you devise a meal plan that slowly integrates grocery store foods back into your everyday diet.

Success Rate of the NutriSystem Diet

A 2005 Consumer Reports study concluded that a diet with controlled-portions like NutriSystem's was most effective in guaranteeing weight loss. Another study consisting of 302 overweight volunteers, conducted at five different medical centers, found that those who ate the prepared meals lost three times as much weight in a year as those who were not following a controlled-portion diet.