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40 of 47 people found this review helpful
I know how difficult it is to lose weight and how difficult it is to maintain it, because I have struggled with my weight for almost much my entire life.
The NutriSystem diet program is the best way to go if you have a fast-paced, hectic lifestyle, or if you simply do not enjoy cooking, especially low-fat dishes. The program is wonderful for a single person as there are no leftovers to be tempted with!
You're not required to purchase the NutriSystem food in order to use the website, which has a great deal of useful information and tools. It is, however, much easier to see results and stick with the diet if you do order the meals and eat them everyday. The meals are all shelf stable, so if you can through lunch or dinner in your bag and not have to worry about it. (I tried to use frozen meals, such as Lean Cuisine, but they would melt in my bag if did not eat them right away...) I am a student and I work in the evenings and I have been able to carry all my meals with me, without a problem.
I began the program in January of 2005 and lost 28 pounds by June of 2005. So, it took 6 months to lose 28 pounds. It was a bit slow, but I have kept every pound off for for 5 months! I dropped from a size 40 to a size 34. I feel awesome!
The support on the program is wonderful. My counselor, Becky, was very supportive, as were all of the counselors that you can contact online at any time.
The cost of the food is actually very reasonable. It averages $8 per day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a dessert/snack. You do have to add in milk or yogurt, as well as fruit and vegatables. Depending on what you buy, this is generally another $15-20 per week for one person. In total you would be spending $70-75 dollars a week for everything you need for a full week. If you consider what you would typically spend on a full week of food, including groceries and eating out, this is very reasonable. I even bring my NutriSystem snack for the day to the movies with me instead of buying something there--that alone has saved me a LOT! :)
The program also emphasizes the importance of incorporating an adequate amount of exercise into your days. There is an online, interactive fitness resource that allows you to develop your own personal routine.
Some of the other features on the site are a food diary, that automatically tabulates your calorie intake for the day (this includes NutriSystem and "regular" food). Also a bulletin board allows users to post and respond to posts regarding weight issues and related topics. You can be an active participant or just read them for inspiration. I found the other members words to help me press on and ultimately achieve my goal.
I still visit the website every day and eat the NutriSystem food at least 5 days our of 7. I like the food and the convenience is so wonderful that I'm not going to give that up!
I am in love with the NutriSystem program. It has helped me lose weight when no other program could. I know the Weight Watchers system in and out--even lost 15 pounds on it. But I would always get tired of counting points or "banking" points. I also disliked the meetings where I had to listen to someone list their daily intake item by item. On NutriSystem you have the choice to "listen" (i.e., read) the information or not. And there is still a level of accountability. You meet with your counselor once a week, or as often as you need to. You weigh in when you want to (they discourage daily weigh-ins), but must weigh in a minimum of once every 2 weeks (though in extreme cases, I have heard they will make exceptions).
You have the option to post a profile of yourself including photos. A lot of members do post theirs; looking at the various profiles is very encouraging! It is nice to keep a profile because members can associate a face with your name. I found the support from the other members tremedously generous and helpful.
This program, like any program, is not for everyone. But I think many many people (both men and women) can improve their health by following this program.
I do not see any negatives associated with this program--it is just perfect as it is! My friends and family agree--they are now on the program as well!
Regards,
Jason
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