Photos: Courtesy of Nutrisystem
This post is brought to you in partnership with Nutrisystem.
Losing weight isn’t easy, but keeping it off is even harder. So if you’re looking for a program that helps you shed unwanted pounds and turns healthy changes into permanent habits, look no further than Nutrisystem. “Nutrisystem is a reduced calorie program that’s high in protein and fiber to help keep you feeling full throughout the day,” says Courtney McCormick, MPH, RDN, LDN, corporate dietitian for Nutrisystem.
Nutrisystem offers three different meal plans: At the basic level, you’ll receive pre-selected, ready-to-eat meals. Upgrade to the core program, and you’ll get access to nutrition counseling and tools and trackers to help you stay accountable. Want more? Try the Uniquely Yours plan, which gives you everything from the core program, plus unlimited frozen foods.
If you have a busy schedule and don’t have time for meal prep, why not make Nutrisystem your personal chef? All of your meals and snacks come right to your door, so all you have to do is click order. Interested in learning more? Here are five more reasons the program works, and why you should sign up today.
1. You get healthy, well-balanced meals.
No matter which Nutrisystem plan you sign up for, you’ll get healthy, balanced meals with just the right portion of protein, fiber, carbohydrates and fat.
“While you’re losing weight, you’re also learning how to recognize appropriate portion sizes, which is an important component of keeping the weight off once you’ve met your goal,” McCormick says. With your first Nutrisystem order, you’ll receive a four-week plan that includes delicious meals and snacks, plus guidance on how to incorporate flexibility into your meal plan through the addition of one flex breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack each week. You prepare these flex meals at home to help set you on the right path to clean eating. “We provide guidance on what these meals should look like to ensure you’re learning how to make healthier choices,” McCormick says.
2. You won’t feel deprived.
Pasta, pizza, chocolate cake. You can have it all — just in moderation and with the right portion sizes, of course. “We make sure you’re getting healthier versions of your favorite foods, while ensuring they’re made with whole grains, fiber and protein,” McCormick says. The program aligns with the USDA dietary guidelines and limits added sugars to less than 10 percent of your daily calories. If you’re a snacker, Nutrisystem offers a selection of bars and shakes, but you can also prepare your own flex snack at home. “You incorporate three snacks into your day. These can be Nutrisystem snacks or grocery food add-ins, like fruit, low-fat dairy and lean proteins,” she adds.
3. You don’t have to count calories.
Since Nutrisystem is a reduced calorie program, your daily meal plan will have a 1,000-1,500 calorie range. All meal plans will meet this calorie requirement, so you don’t have to think about what you can and can’t enjoy. Have an allergy or dietary restriction? “We have a staff of trained weight loss counselors and dietary service representatives that can help people customize plans for certain dietary restrictions,” McCormick says. People also have the option to customize their meal plan to a 1,500 mg per day sodium plan if they’re watching their salt intake, she says.
Photo: Courtesy of Nutrisystem
4. Your family can enjoy Nutrisystem meals, too.
Good news: You don’t have to be a short-order cook. Thanks to flex meals, you can enjoy dinner out or prepare a healthy one at home. Nutrisystem has a helpful weight loss blog, The Leaf, that’s home to hundreds of healthy recipes that fit with their weight loss plans so you never have to go it alone. The Leaf also has a Dining Out Guide that breaks down how to enjoy dinners out with your family and friends without falling off track.
Nutrisystem also offers foods a la carte if you want to purchase additional meals for your significant other and kids. And the foods look and taste a lot like what you’re accustomed to ― no cardboard diet food here. So if the gang wants lasagna for dinner, you can make the usual dish and then pop your Nutrisystem lasagna entrée in your microwave. That way, you can all enjoy a lasagna dinner together. “The great thing is that it doesn’t require a lot of additional work to enjoy a similar food with your family,” McCormick says.
5. You’ll get support even after you’ve reached your goal.
Your journey to better health doesn’t end at the scale. Keeping the pounds off is a challenge itself. That’s why Nutrisystem offers a variety of transition and maintenance plans to help you prepare your own healthy, homemade meals. “For example, we have a ‘Just Lunches and Snacks’ plan that provides lunches and snacks, and guides the customer on how to incorporate their own perfectly portioned breakfasts and dinners,” McCormick says. You can also reach out to weight loss counselors via phone or email. McCormick adds, “The counselors can offer individualized support to help customers overcome a weight loss plateau.”
Nutrisystem also has a free tracking app, NuMi, that helps hold users accountable during and after their weight loss journey. With NuMi, you can log your food, weight, water and activity every day. Plus, you’ll get fresh weight loss tips and recipes tailored to you, so you’ll never fall off the wagon.
Ready to embark on your weight loss journey while still eating delicious meals? Sign up for Nutrisystem today!
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