Nutrisystem Review - 22 Things You Need to Know
Nutrisystem is one of the most popular weight loss plans available. They claim that, with the use of whole food recipes, frequent meal times, and premade meal replacements, weight-loss is possible for everyone. However, a high price tag and restrictive menu have us wondering if it is worth your money.
To learn more about the program, our research team delved into Nutrisystem’s “food philosophy,” unique weight loss plans, success stories, and more. In the end, we gathered customer testimonials and compared them to research on timed meal planning to see if this one can really help you experience “safe, effective weight loss.”
Nutrisystem can be purchased through their Official Site.
Nutrisystem Video Review
What is Nutrisystem?
Nutrisystem is a weight loss plan that takes the guesswork out of figuring what you can eat and when. It eliminates calorie counting, keeping track of carbs, and even searching for point values to stay under an allotted amount. It also gets rid of having to figure out what the proper proportions for your plate are at each meal and at snack time. Like many other diet plans, you are still restricted to a certain diet and are not supposed to eat whatever you desire.
When you embark on the Nutrisystem diet, there are some plans to choose from so that you can pick the one that is right for you. You eliminate the guesswork because you purchase your meals directly from the company from a customizable menu. Each meal is nutritionally balanced, a proper proportion size, and pre-calculated for calories and other factors.
Each day, you are provided with Nutrisystem prepared or easy-to-assemble breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts. For variety, you can also add fresh produce from the grocery store.
Nutrisystem Competitors
| Product | Review | |
|---|---|---|
| Ketosis Diet | read | |
| Jenny Craig | read | |
| SlimFast | read | |
| Weight Watchers | read | |
| Noom | read | |
Nutrisystem Company Profile
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Founder: Harold Katz
Founded: 1972
CEO: Dawn M Zier
Subsidiary companies: NutriSystem Fresh Inc, Nutri/System IPHC, Inc, MORE
History:
- Nutrisystem began with offering advice on weight loss and products in brick and mortar centers.
- In 1999, the company changed its business model to direct-to-consumer, selling online and through call centers instead.
- Nutrisystem launched a mobile platform in 2010, but it was among allegations that it stole the technology for it from a Silicon Valley startup called WebDiet, Inc.
- In 2015, Nutrisystem bought the South Beach Diet brand.
Scroll below for one of the best products we’ve seen over the last year.
Nutrisystem Quick Facts
- Average weight loss per week: According to the Nutrisystem website, users can “expect to lose an avg of 5lbs per week.”
- Nutrisystem also runs The Leaf, their weight loss blog. This has “diet, nutrition, fitness and lifestyle tips straight from our weight loss experts”, as well as success stories and recipes to go with your Nutrisystem program.
- Nutrisystem also puts much emphasis on the importance of exercise. The company encourages “50 minutes of moderately intense physical activity each week” through its My Daily 3® plan. This focuses on 30 minutes of daily physical activity.
- Precautions, the program is not for:
– Breastfeeding women.
– Anyone under 18 years.
Nutrisystem Ingredients
Each plan comes with food chosen to supply the right combinations of nutrients and keep you healthy while you lose weight and fuel your body. Each item will have different ingredients to accomplish this. Some highlights of what the meals focus on are:
Healthy, lean protein
According to Genetics Home Reference, protein is a vital element in every cell you have in your body. Your hair and nails are made of proteins and proteins play an essential role in building bones, muscles, and cartilage. Your body uses protein to repair tissues, make digestive enzymes and hormones among other chemicals. Protein is a macro-nutrient, and your body needs a bunch of it to function properly since it is something that you use up and not store.
In weight loss, protein is important for giving your body the ability to put on lean muscle using the amino acids found in it. More lean muscle means more calories burned, even when you are not trying. You also burn more calories digesting them because it takes more for your body to metabolize and use them. Because it takes longer for them to work through your system, you will feel fuller for longer, meaning a less voracious appetite.
High-fiber
According to Mercola, including high fiber in a diet to lose weight will keep you fuller longer. Adding more fiber to your eating habits is heart-healthy and helps you maintain a healthy body weight. High fiber is a carbohydrate in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Unlike traditional carbohydrates, high fiber is difficult for your body to digest. It also satiates your appetite making you feel fuller longer without adding lots of calories to your intake.
Low-glycemic carbs
Most of us have heard the terms, “good carbs” and “bad carbs” but still likely have a hard time telling them apart.
Nutrisystem eliminates the need for you to determine which is good or bad. According to MayoClinic, they use low glycemic carbs like whole grains and specific veggies (the good kind) in their meals. All carbs are converted into glucose sugar.
The more complex the carb, the longer it takes to break down in your system, as they are digested slowly. Low glycemic carbs are more complex and thus release into your blood slowly and steadily, which is better for losing weight since it keeps you full longer.
What Does Nutrisystem Do?
Nutrisystem provides multiple diet plans that cater to specific needs and can be customized through the available menu to your particular taste. It offers healthy well-balanced meals that include high fiber, low calorie, and lean proteins to help relieve cravings and keep you fuller longer to control your appetite and eating habits.
With over 150 menu items to choose from, the meal is sure to please anyone. The ultimate goal of individuals on the Nutrisystem plan is to lose and maintain a healthy weight. You’ll eat four to five times a day. Many options are low sodium and they remove unnecessary artificial flavors and colors, as well as potentially harmful preservatives. It’s an easy plan to follow with no guesswork as to what you can or cannot eat.
The Nutrisystem program can also be aligned with DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet recommendations. According to Mayo Clinic, “The DASH diet is rich in grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. It limits total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, and provides plenty of fiber, potassium, calcium and magnesium. The DASH diet also limits sodium to between 1,500 and 2,300 milligrams a day.”
How Easy is Nutrisystem to Follow?
Convenience: Six meals per day with pre-counted portions, saving you time and effort.
Recipes: Dozens of high-protein, high-fiber, zero-trans fat recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Eating Out: Extensive PDF guide on how to not derail your diet when out in a restaurant.
Alcohol: The Nutrisystem program recommends abstinence from, or limiting, alcohol consumption because “alcoholic beverages […] tend to be high in calories and often contain extensive fat, cholesterol and sodium.”
Fullness: Besides the high-fiber, low-glycemic carb ingredients of the Nutrisystem program, the company offers a guide to help people feel full faster.
What You’ll Eat
- Pantry items: oatmeal, pasta dishes, and cookies
- Frozen foods: omelettes, chicken, quesadillas, and ice-cream sandwiches
- Adults, seniors, and vegetarians have unique plans. Vegan and gluten-free options are not available.
Nutrisystem Menu Ideas
Breakfast
- Buttermilk Waffles
- Cinnamon Raisin Baked Bar
Lunch
- Four Cheese Melt
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar
Dinner
- Chicken And Bacon Ranch Pizza
- Salisbury Steak With Mac & Cheese
Snacks
- Ice Cream Sandwich
- Chocolate Brownie Sundae
Does Nutrisystem Work?
When you control your calorie intake and your portions, you are on a good path to losing weight. Add the fact that your meals will likely be healthier than what you eat regularly and you implement an exercise regimen to burn even more calories, and the result should be that you attain your weight loss goals. If you can stick to the plan accordingly and only eat what is suggested through your prepared meals and allowed produce, research that has been done to support the success of the plan suggests that you will lose weight.
Another plus to the Nutrisystem plan is that you will be eating smaller meals more often, which is considered a healthier way to eat based on research. It has been found to promote greater weight loss and maintenance and the prevention of other health issues.
According to DukeHealth, one challenge that you may face is maintaining the diet without all the help you got through the program. However, if you can transition back into eating “normal” food while keeping in mind what you have learned through healthy eating during the program, you should have no problem. Once you reach your body weight goal, you will likely be more apt to maintain healthy habits to keep your healthier appearance and feeling.
According to NCBI, a study titled “Efficacy of commercial weight loss programs: an updated systematic review” looked into Nutrisystem’s capabilities. It reported that “Nutrisystem participants achieved at least 3.8% greater weight loss at 3 months than control/education or counseling.”
Another study from Florida State University titled “Effects of Diet and/or Low-Intensity Resistance Exercise Training on Arterial Stiffness, Adiposity and Lean Mass In Obese Postmenopausal Women,” has shown that “Nutrisystem improves arterial function in obese, postmenopausal women.”
Meanwhile, a study from Johns Hopkins has reported that “Other popular programs, such as NutriSystem, show promising weight-loss results, but additional studies evaluating long-term outcomes are needed.”
Are There Nutrisystem Side Effects to Worry About?
When changing your diet, especially if it is drastically, you are liable to experience some side effects. Reports from reviewers and users of Nutrisystem have reported various side effects including:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Side effects will vary for each person since everyone’s body handles dietary changes differently. Few people have reported mood swings during the program. However, most people report no side effects at all.
Causes of These Side Effects
As I mentioned before, any drastic diet change to which you do not transition can cause many of these side effects, including the mood swings and digestive issues. Removing regular consumption of alcohol and quitting smoking can also cause headaches, flu symptoms, and other issues. Once your body has gotten used to its new habits and nutrition, any symptoms should taper off.
Precautions When Using Nutrisystem
As with any major change to your diet, application of a new diet plan, or exercise regimen, you should seek the advice of your doctor. This is especially true if you are on medication or have preexisting health conditions. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not implement this plan.
- Individuals with special diet needs should avoid using this plan and most others to maintain their health.
- This plan is not formulated for children under the age of 14. However, Nutrisystem does offer a healthy and comprehensive plan for teens between ages 14 and 17.
- Nutrisystem does offer a plan for those who follow a vegetarian diet, but a vegan option is not available. If you follow a gluten-free diet, there is also no plan that will encompass your needs.
- Regardless of the safety of a product, if you have any medical issues whatsoever or are taking medications you should consult your doctor to be sure it is a healthy option for your specific situation.
- It is unclear how much potassium and vitamins B-12 and D the diet supplies, but the packaged meals, combined with snacks of fresh produce, nonfat dairy and protein sources, make a nutritionally sufficient diet.
Nutrisystem Benefits
One significant benefit to Nutrisystem is that it is easy to follow. Many people have a hard time sticking to other diets because there are calories to count, carbs to count, and points to track. Then there is often guesswork with the values of certain foods or portions.
Cheat days can lead to some falling off the wagon and having a major setback. Nutrisystem takes that guesswork out. It is all prepared and counted for you. Portions are controlled, and all you need to do is follow the program.
A second benefit to the Nutrisystem program is that there are avenues of support for its members. There is an online community of others using the plan that can become a significant support group and means of encouragement as you adjust to the diet or experience any stumbling blocks or setbacks.
The Ease or Difficulty of Following Nutrisystem
Once you choose and customize your plan, you order a month’s worth of food. Ordering is easy and convenient since you can pick and choose what you like and order it from the comfort of your own home. The food available is chosen by your plan choice and come prepared for you. No need for counting calories and carbs and there are no points to keep track of.
Nutrisystem offers a wide variety of meals choices and snack options to choose from. Its most extensive plan offers over 150. You can get the allowed add-on options on your own from the supermarket, giving you even more variety. However, even though the variety is plentiful, some of your favorites may not be there or not taste as you make them yourself and that could be potentially frustrating for some.
Nutrisystem Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large meal variety
- Convenience without the need for calorie-counting
- Emphasis on physical exercise
- Support through the counselling program
- Home delivery
- High-protein products mean simultaneous weight loss and muscle gain
- Vegetarian alternative plans
- 1-week free trial for new customers
Cons
- High price tag
- Individual meals that are not fit for entire families
- Weight loss benefits don’t last if users don’t maintain their diet properly after the program
- Products are not organic, gluten-free, or non-GMO
- Products have allergens like egg, wheat, soy, wheat, and tree nuts
- Despite calorie-control, Nutrisystem products have preservatives and processed and refined sugars
Nutrisystem NuMi
A few years ago, in 2014, Nutrisystem started new programs, one of which was NuMi®, an app that is oriented towards techie dieters with wearable health and fitness devices and platforms. NuMi:
- Tracks Nutrisystem meals and food outside of the program.
- Sends out meal, water, and exercise reminders.
- Provides articles, tips and recipes on a daily basis.
- Offers exclusive special offers, contests, and prizes.
Is There a Nutrisystem Alternative?
With so many dieting options out there it is really impossible to find one that is truly unique. Nutrisystem is no different and has its share of competition. Two of its most similar competitors are:
Both offer pre-made meals at a fairly comparable price. Overall the plans emulate one another and would likely leave it up to personal preference as to which of the minor details you would prefer.
What is the Nutrisystem Cost?
There are some cost variables within the Nutrisystem plan depending on which plan you choose. Specialized plans cost more. The regular plans come in four tiers that increase in price as you go up.
Generally, you can expect to spend about ten dollars a day. That is not including anything you still purchase from the supermarket as your add-on options.
Basic:
The Basic Nutrisystem plan is the cheapest plan offered by the company. The plan comes with a four-week plan, special menu, and an affordable price.
For women, the plan costs $10.18 a day, and for men, the plan costs $11.61 a day. This comes out to $284.99 for four weeks for women and $324.99 for four weeks for men.
If you plan to choose your own meals at the checkout, the price gets a bit higher.
Per day, women will pay $11.07 and men will pay $12.50. The total four-week price for women comes up to $309.99 and $349.99 for men.
You can also add on 28 probiotic shakes to your plan for $39.99.
Core:
The Core Nutrisystem plan includes everything in the Basic plan, but with more menu options. Many of the on-the-go options are also available for delivery.
When you go with the “Chef’s Choice” menu options, the daily price for women is $11.07 for women and $12.50 for men. The four-week price totals $309.99 for women and $349.99 for men.
There is also an option for you to choose your own meals and snacks for the same prices.
Uniquely Yours:
The Uniquely Yours Nutrisystem plan includes everything in the Core and Basic plans, plus the largest variety of 160+ foods and snacks.
You can either choose your own foods or the “Chef’s Choice” meal plan for the same price.
The daily price for women is $12.50 a day or $349.99 for four weeks. The daily price for men is $13.93 a day, or $389.99 for four weeks.
Uniquely Yours Plus:
The Uniquely Yours Plus Nutrisystem plan includes everything in the previous plans, plus options for frozen foods and 4 weeks worth of probiotic shakes.
You can either choose your own foods or the “Chef’s Choice” meal plan for the same price.
The daily price for women is $13.93 a day or $389.99 for four weeks. For men, the daily price is $15.38, or $429.99 for four weeks.
Other Nutrisystem Plans:
Nutrisystem also offers plans for those who are vegetarian or have type 2 diabetes.
The vegetarian plan offers 90+ menu options. For women, the daily price is $12.50 a day, or $349.99 for four weeks. Men will pay $13.93 a day, or $389.99 for four weeks.
The diabetes plans offered by Nutrisystem cost the same as the standard packages and comes with diabetes educators.
Where to Buy Nutrisystem
- Nutrisystem website
- Amazon
- CostCo
- Walmart
- eBay
- Groupon
- Nutrisystem locations
Nutrisystem Directions
Directions to follow the Nutrisystem plan are easy and straightforward. You choose a meal plan that is right for you. Consume only the prepared meals, snacks, and add-on allotment. Your meals will be smaller but will increase in frequency, which has been proven to be a healthier way to lose weight.
Add 30 minutes of daily exercise, and that about encompasses the routine except for some restrictions including eating out at restaurants if at all possible and eliminating alcohol consumption.
Nutrisystem Results
People who have tried Nutrisystem have found varying results. Remember, the diet is to get you to a healthy weight and teach you to eat better. Once off the plan, you have to do some work to maintain your results. Of course, everyone is different and results then logically should vary.
The amount and intensity of your workout will also cause different amounts of weight loss. Most saw some positive weight loss and felt better overall. If you can follow the plan by exercising and only consuming their meals, your calorie intake will be low, and you will burn more calories than off the diet.
Nutrisystem Weight Loss
Nutrisystem is a great weight loss option for those who need guidance and do not like all of the guesswork associated with other types of diets. Components in their meals makes your body work to process food, and makes you feel fuller longer to satiate any cravings and control your appetite. Less calorie intake while burning more calories gives this plan the requirements for a decent success rate.
What Users Are Saying
“Awesome product, lost 5LBS in the 5 days. Food was good, I did order Nutrisystem snacks for the program as they did not supply full 5 day of snacks and easier to just stay on the system. I have done Nutrisystem for 2 months and was awesome, wanted a fresh start after a long vacation to help get back on track. No thought needed, just eat and log it with simple app.”
“Not flavorful. Food processed looking. I would not order again.”
“This product promises 2 lb loss per week. The portions were tiny although they tasted good. I was always hungry. My husband and I tried the program for four weeks. We didn’t lose any weight. Don’t waste your money.”
The Bottom Line on Nutrisystem
If you are looking for a diet that is the ultimate in convenience, Nutrisystem is that. You do not have to worry about portion sizes, planning, shopping, cooking or counting carbs, calories, and points. If you are a foodie who likes to try out the hottest restaurants and pair your dinner with a drink or two, you may need to find other options. In case your budget is pretty tight, a comparison of the cost versus your typical grocery bill will be to make a decision.
If you’d like to jump-start your weight-loss, we suggest including a weight-loss program that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Among the best programs we’ve seen this year is one called Noom. This weight-loss system provides you with personalized meal plans, recipes you can make at home, human coaching, and so much more. Plus, it’s all available on an easy-to-use app, so you can access your goals from anywhere.
Also, the makers of Noom are so confident in their program, they’re offering Dietspotlight readers a 14-day trial.
Learn More About Noom »
Sondra (Verified Purchase)
This is the second time I’ve been on the program. It works,folks. The food is DIET food people and can’t be expected to taste like a 4 star restaurant. It is fairly good though and I lost 30 lbs. the first time. Just need to get back on it and lose some more. OH, also, my colesterol dropped to normal on this plan. That’s an added bonus.
Casey (Verified Purchase)
I stayed on the program for quite a few months. Lost weight right away then leveled off. I agree, I don’t see how they can send out some of the food.
And they are advertised as MEALS. They are not. Just a main dish. The packaging caused some items to be damaged in shipping. You have to call in to cancel the automatic shipments. Can not cancel on the website.
bonnie guillot
what is the sodium count in the meals?
Hi. For detailed product ingredients please refer to the official nutrisystem website or product label for more information.
i just started this week and the sodium count is very high. I have high blood pressure and am on two meds, I think I going to have to layoff ns.
Herb
Don’t like the automatic monthly order, want to order myself, is that doable?
Hello. For product ordering inquiries, please refer to the nutrisystem official website for more information.
yes. choose a la carte option. thats how I order mine.
Schondra (Verified Purchase)
I and my husband started it a week ago! He has lost 8lbs. and not even one for me…But both blood pressure have been lowered (my was ok to start with but even better now) and our systems have straighten out and we both feel really healthy….We, too have two full months on it and the meals (most of them) are great……Hang in there and good luck to you all…….
Brenda Morris
i have been on nutrisystem for 3 months. most of the food is very good.(the beef dishes are overpowered with mushrooms and green peppers) but you can order the ones younlike. I have lost 43 lbs
and plan on staying with the plan untill i loose 100 lbs total.
Good for you! I was on this deit back 10 years ago. I am a type 2 diabetic and it helped me get my blood sugars under control. I am ready to get back on this diet and I plan to get back into the 110 readings on my blood sugars. I can’t wait to start. I plan to receive my first month supply on Monday.
You will loose your desired wieght just stick to it no matter what!.
Lydia
What food plan are you using, the Diabetic Foods?
Dianna
i was on this back in 93-94 and it was great.is the food the same or did they change it?
Hello. For product inquiries please refer to the nutrisystem official website for more information.
the plan has been added to_I think the silver plan is probably the least carbs and doesn’t give me hot flashes_the advanced plan has potatoes and other stuff which contributes negatively to my situation
scott (Verified Purchase)
I used Nutrisystem for two months and lost 40 pounds. It worked for me and will use it again if I need too.
did you at just there food or did you add to it?
mary anne (Verified Purchase)
it really is non-edible. My brother and I both bought it and threw it out. I think it was the nastiest thing I’ve ever tried–I’d rather not eat a thing than eat that. No wonder people lose weight. Wonder if their spokespeople get better food than ordinary people do. Or, they wouldn’t promote it as being good.
carla (Verified Purchase)
i paid $148 dollars plus tax for nutri system 14 day starter program tonite and get home go to web site it instructs and not on any of the web sites for nutrisystem does it even mention redeeming this $148 dollor card well it says 24 hr.phone support well i call the no. on the back and it tells me that its after hrs. but i could go to the same web site that i have been on for the last hr. trying to find some where on it that says put your serial# and pin # to activate your 14 day nutrisystem starter program
Lynn
I am about to go on the diet, worried about all the money. Tell me some encouraging stories. The girl who hasn’t lost a pound in 10 days sounds awefully discouraging. Lynn
Me and my buddy did the diet! He lost 70 lbs! I lost 30 lbs in about 6 wks! I was not even that big! Though I did excercise every day! I think it’s a great diet!
Lynn, I’ve been on NS for 3 weeks today and have lost 10 lbs. I couldn’t be happier with the program. My husband jokes me saying I’m going to be the next spokesperson:) This weight has come off effortlessly with just daily walks through my neighborhood. You do have to do some sort of exercise. I went into this knowing I wouldn’t be eating all the tasty gourmet meals that got me into this predicament in the first place. I knew that if I was going to lose weight, I was going to have to make a few sacrifices, and I tell you, the sacrifices were minimal, the food isn’t that bad. I’ve read so much about the awful muffins so I couldn’t wait to see if they were actually that bad. Do they taste like ones bought from Duncan Donuts?? Of course not! For muffins offered on a weight lose program,,they’re pretty good. There was a few things that I just couldn’t tolerate,,so,,I just didn’t order them next time around, pretty easy solution. I’m NEVER hungry which is shocking for me since I’ve always been a grazer. I know of 2 other people who tried NS and had amazing results, I was at the end of my rope and was feeling desperate to lose the weight. My old habits are now broken and I feel awesome. As far as the money, sure it sounds like alot. I’m an PD officer and work nights and would spend on average $10-12 a night on fast food and junk, so we didn’t really feel the expense of it. So good luck to, stick with it and you will lose!
Hey Jen,
I don’t know if you even read this anymore but I noticed you were a PD officer that works nights. I was wondering how you work the nutrisystem into your schedule. I work 10p-8am Thur thru Sun with Mon-Wed off. Thank you in advance if you or anyone can provide any assistance.
My husband and I are both on the diet and he’s lost 7 lbs in the first week, and I’ve lost 4. I can’t exercise because of a mobility issue, but I have been on Nutrisystem once before for three months and lost over 45 lbs. The food doesn’t taste homemade, but most of it isn’
t bad, and if you don’t like something you can change what you get the next time. Make sure you customize your meals. I think Nutrisystem is the ONLY diet that DOES work!
coroline bloom (Verified Purchase)
Hi, yes I tried nutrisystem. I sent it back, I WOULD NOT FEED THAT CRAP TO A STRAY DOG!!!Beef does not tast like that, Hey, wheres the cat!!
I’ve switched to the veggie meals and it’s amazing. I’ve lost 20 lbs in 2 months.
I’m with you coroline bloom!
shouldn’t be feeding stray dogs anyway…guess they led you astray.
started NS 1 month ago. Foods are good enough for me, most of them. Have lost 10 lbs, have not had a headache or need for Tums in 30 days, have not eaten out, which was a regular deal b4 since I am a small biz owner and didn’t have much time for anything but. now I have regular, healthier, and less expensive meals every day. If I don’t like an entree I just don’t chose it next order. simple. And I have been finding creative ways to augment entrees while keeping within the program. Folks complain about price. $239 month for me, shipping included. Add that to my cost for fresh HEALTHY fruits & veggies, and I come out ahead at about $10-11 a day. If I want to switch to other NS programs I can. I’m not stuck. I keep my food logs and use the tools as needed. I am proactive instead of sitting around waiting for something to happen. That’s what got me in trouble: too much idle/sedentary time, too much eating out & eating to feel good for the moment, then paying for it later. People can bad mouth NS all they want, not going to change my plan unless it harms me physically. And so far, i’m getting better and better. You don’t like it, try something else. Simple.
It’s making me feel sick and bloated. Wonder if there is a better option, jenny craig weight watchers ?
I had the same issue. Jenny Craig food did not have this impact on me.
I have the same issue. Never had problems with Jenny Craig food 10 years ago.