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Weight Loss Diet Plans -
NutriSystem Plan
Menus
The Basics
:
While the program uses
prepackaged foods as its main tool for weight loss, it is unique
with its approach to the carbohydrate frenzy that has hit the
country. This is one program that takes into account the glycemic
index, often referred to as GI. The GI factor of a food is the
length of time it takes for the sugar to be absorbed into the
bloodstream after ingestion.
The actual number assigned to the food
is not the actual time, but rather an indicator number reflecting
that time, with a tablespoon of sugar used as a standard GI of 100
(rapid absorption time). In a nutshell, the lower the GI, the slower
the glucose from that particular food enters the bloodstream. Hence,
the slower the absorption, the slower insulin is produced and better
it is regulated. Insulin levels are best to remain low in order to
avoid experiencing sugar cravings and to halt fat storage.
Program Choices
:
There are 6 plans to choose
from when purchasing NutriSystem. Each plan allows you to either
custom select your meals and desserts, or have the meal plans
designed for you.
-
Woman’s Program: By choosing
from more than 120 prepackaged meals, this program serves the
under 60 year old female crowd. You get to eat 5 times per day,
including a dessert each day.
-
Women Over 60 Program: As the name implies, this plan
is geared for women over 60 years of age. While the standard
program is the same, daily calories are less due to the lowered
caloric requirement as women (and men) age. This plan is
marketed as providing low sodium, low cholesterol, and low
saturated fat food choices, with an appropriate dose of heart
healthy unsaturated fats. It also offers a free one month supply
of specialty vitamins that include the major anti-aging
compounds. These include lutein (for strong eyes), ginkgo biloba
(suggested to help with memory and mental sharpness), vitamins
A, C, B6, B12, and the minerals calcium and zinc.
-
Men’s Program: Food choices are
similar, if not identical, to the Women’s Program. However, Dan
Marino himself claims that the meals offered on this NutriSystem
program contain real food in big portions.
-
Men Over 60 Program: Nearly
identical to Women Over 60 Program with the inclusion of the
same vitamin supplement and healthy meals.
-
Type II Diabetic Program: Because NutriSystem addresses glycemic load and its response on
insulin levels, it easily offers a diabetic plan for diabetics
needing to lose weight. Claimed to be approved by a dietitian,
meals are consciously prepared with complex carbohydrates in
mind. There are 70 or more meal items from which to choose.
-
Vegetarian Program: Claimed to
be the only plan that offers prepackaged vegetarian diet meals,
NutriSystem offers more than 60 food items that are
vegetarian-friendly.
Basic Guidelines :
No matter
which program you choose, here are a few guidelines and advantages
of the program:
-
It takes 6 – 10 business days to receive food
order
-
Satisfaction is guaranteed- refund of unused
products within 30 days of purchase
-
Produce and dairy foods from your grocery
store are added to most meals
-
Program is available online or by phone
-
Eat between 4 – 6 times per day
-
No measuring, weighing, or counting calories
-
Easy to prepare meals
-
Meals are portable
-
Free “counseling” available (beware of
pushing salesperson)
-
Online support with chat rooms, bulletin
boards, daily motivational email, classes, newsletter, weight
loss diary
The Disadvantages :
Indeed,
NutriSystem is a great way to easily and conveniently lose weight.
However, some common complaints have been related to food
availability, taste, long wait times for shipments, customer service
response time, and credit issues. Many former consumers have
reported receiving up to 1/3 of their order as substitutions to the
items they specifically requested. And, these alternatives were sent
without previous approval by the consumer. It may be in your
interest to check with a representative regarding the availability
of food selections prior to confirming your order. Also, if you need
accountability or face-to-face support, this program may not be for
you as there are no group meeting held anywhere and no individual
sessions with a counselor in person.
Is It Safe?
NutriSystem appears to be a safe approach to weight loss.
Their meal plans are based on a nutritionally sound ratio of
macronutrients: 55% of calories derived from low GI complex
carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables and fruit), 25% of calories
from lean sources of protein, and 20% of calories from fats. A
watchful eye on sodium and trans fat are mentioned in their program
as well. What is not mentioned is the significance of exercise, a
safe rate of weight loss, and total daily calorie requirement. To
clarify these factors, general good health, well-being, and weight
management unquestionably requires some physical activity on a daily
basis. NutriSystem briefly addresses this issue with two specific
programs entitled BodyNourish and MindNourish. However, there is no
standard when it comes to exercise when you participate in the basis
programs. A safe weight loss amount is no more than 2 pounds per
week with nothing less than a 1200 daily calorie intake.
Costs
Like most commercial weight loss plans, NutriSystem
offers promotions depending on the time you wish to purchase. At
this time, they are offering a free week of food when you order a
28-day supply of food. Here are two pricing plans being offered:
$289.46 if you need to lose 10 or more pounds. With this option,
delivery every 4 weeks is automatic with a 10% discount and free
shipping on your first order. After your third consecutive order,
you receive a 15% discount.
$321.62 plus $16.00 shipping of you have less than 10 pounds to lose
for a 28-day supply of food.
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