A Nutritionist Weighs in...

The NutriSystem plan offers some good advice on portion sizes and calorie control, and emphasizes physical activity. If you have Internet access, you'll find that the Web site is convenient and informative. There are versatile plans for men and women of various ages, as well as those with health issues.

The foods on the meal plans are unappetizing. Many taste artificial and are unsatisfying.

There is enough sugar, corn syrup and corn syrup solids, preservatives, and chemicals that the food can sit for weeks in a box without refrigeration.

The labels claim that these NutriSystem foods are free of trans fats. Yet, the ingredient lists reveal trace amounts of partially hydrogenated oils and vegetable shortenings - these are trans fats. A diet rich in numerous foods with trace amount of trans fats is not healthy.

This diet allows many fat-free processed foods and artificial sugars. These foods may be low calorie, but many have been chemically altered. Low calorie does not always mean healthy. The plan encourages you to consume artificial sweeteners, bottled salad dressings, and condiments. All contain the same artificial ingredients and preservatives as the diet's meal plan foods. Only a few of the grocery list foods, such as produce, are the kinds of nutrient-rich foods that are keys to a healthy diet.

A sales representative for NutriSystem claims that their foods contain the same amount of chemicals and preservative as many foods found in the grocery store. Even if this is somewhat true, why would you prefer following the NutriSystem plan over buying prepared foods at the grocery store? Healthy eating for weight loss is really not part of this NutriSystem plan.

The advice provided by nutrition professionals is current and accurate, and you'll get an email response in twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Customer service representatives are very helpful. The return policy is reliable and fairly simple, although you will need to drag that 40-pound box back to the post office.

If you don't want to cook and don't mind eating artificial flavors, this diet may work for you

This plan does take some of the guesswork out of meal planning. Dieters who do not enjoy cooking may appreciate the ease of pulling meals out of a box, but you'll still need to shop for some fresh foods and prepare some dishes.

Being able to participate online and get support from online nutrition professionals are definite time savers. The meal packages come with written instructions and tools similar to the Web site's content. Therefore, once you've purchased the food, it's possible for you to follow the plan without the Web site. Without Internet access, however, you will miss out on all the useful information and tools to be found on the Web site. The Web site's guide for dining out is among the best advice to be found in the NutriSystem program.

In addition, this plan may get expensive. NutriSystem foods alone will cost you more than $3,500 a year. You'll want to consider your current food budget before starting this plan.

But, What Can I Eat?

See what's in & what's out

What do other members think about this diet?

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