Pros
- Created to provide all essential nutrients
- Ready-to-eat low calorie meal plans
- Diet based snacks and protein shakes available
- Professional consultation services
- Allows customers to customize their meals
- Guaranteed money back services to new customers
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
- Difficult to follow for a longer time
- Restricted food choices
- Box includes meals for 4 weeks, so difficulty to store
- No allergen-friendly, gluten free, vegan or kosher diets available
NutriSystem Review
A nutritious diet that fulfils all your body’s basic requirements and also boosts your immune system is the need of the hour today. It doesn’t matter how many different delicacies and meal plans you already have in the market, but when you see a new variety, it always manages to entice the customers with its meal plans, recipes and uniqueness. Nutrisystem is one such famous diet program service available in the market that is particularly known for its wide variety of diet programs that are designed for its varying group of customers.
Brief Review
A portion controlled diet program, Nutrisystem is one of the oldest and also most highly rated diet program services available in the meal delivery market. The company is known for offering prepackaged foods to their customers based on the meal plan they choose, considering their different health requirements. For instance, you will find separate and unique meal plans for men, women, senior citizens, vegetarians and also for people suffering from type -2 Diabetes.
The meals offered by Nutrisystem mostly encompasses lean protein and a small amount of carbs along with a portion of low glycemic index such as fresh vegetables and whole grains. Apart from this, the meals plan also includes vegetables, low-fat dairy products, fruits and lean proteins from regular grocery stores. The company presses on eating real healthy food instead of shakes or nutrition bars. You will receive pre-scheduled meals as well as a la carte dishes through their online website.
The meals are well planned and nutritionally balanced which ensures that you get a good, delicious and healthy meal. However, one thing you should always remember is that their meals are all pre-packaged and processed. As a result, their nutrition level is a topic of debate when compared with other meal services. The pre-made meals come in pre-portioned servings which is great! However, I found the portions smaller and it not very stomach filling.
Yes, it is definitely an expensive meal service with comparatively much smaller meal portions than other meal delivery companies which is a disadvantage that I see for Nutrisystem. Also, if you are allergic to certain ingredients, it is best suggested that you be extra careful about the meal. Nutrisystem uses ingredients such as peanuts, gluten, dairy products and soy in their recipes which may trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to these items. In short, Nutrisystem is not a very highly suggested meal choice if you are looking for a gluten-free diet or are diagnosed for celiac disease. Almost all their meals include gluten in various forms such as donuts, sandwich melts, pasta, muffins, pizza and others. And the other meals that do not include gluten are however not suggested to people with celiac disease or with gluten sensitivity that is caused during the processing of the products.
Cost-wise, Nutrisystem can make you spend almost about $230 to $300 for one month’s meal. Also, their online support team is absolutely excellent and really pushes you to achieve your weight loss goals by helping you track your meals.
Overall, Nutrisystem is a good service that works successfully for regular dieters who enjoy eating healthy meals and are determined to lose weight with the simultaneous help of exercises.
Unique Features
Nutrisystem was established by entrepreneur Harold Katz in early 1970s. The company initially offered its customers only liquid protein diet but later evolved into a competitive pre-packaged, heat and eat food delivery service. In fact the company put in a lot of thought during this change and created a variety of diet plans for its different customers and their different needs.
Nutritious and Balanced Meals
The meals offered by Nutrisystem are well planned and designed by experts to help you receive all the needed nutrition for your body. The meal includes a good proportion of veggies that further ensures you a balanced diet.
Designed by Nutritionist
With over 45 years in the meal delivery industry, Nutrisystem has come a long way. And one of the main reasons for its success is their successful and well planned meal plans that are designed to perfection by Nutritionists. This further confirms you a balanced nutrition and effective weight loss.
Wide Variety of Meals
One thing I really appreciated about Nutrisystem is their wide variety of meal plans. At Nutrisystem, you will get specialized meals for everyone, men, women, senior citizens, vegetarians, Type-2 Diabetes patients and others. This ensures that you get a balanced meal that is designed for all your health needs.
No Artificial Flavors
Nutrisystem pledges of not using any artificial colors, flavors, sugars trans-fat, fructose rich corn syrup, etc.
Tasty and Delicious Meals
The meals are definitely delicious. You will enjoy every bite of your meal. However, make sure that you read the ingredients used in the meal.
Pre-made Meals
The meals are pre-made and ready-to-eat. If you order several meal kits, all you need to do is stash them in your freezer and heat them when you wish to eat them. You can also choose their ready-to-go food dishes that are mostly soft-canned meals which can be eaten straight from the box.
Apart from the premade meals, Nutrisystem further offers you an additional portion of vegetables. You can prepare yourself a simple flex meal such as breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. This particularly helps in keeping you focused on your weight loss target.
Food Plan Options
Nutrisystem meal plans are available not just in a variety but also different budget. Their diet programs are systematically categorized based on their distinctive nutritional values.
Basic Plan
The Basic Plan is the first and most simple meal plan offered by Nutrisystem to their customers for the first month alongside with their Turbo 12 plan. The meal offers you a portioned controlled meal and trackers to help you enjoy their dishes and also keep a check on your weight loss goals.
Core Plan
The Core Plan is the second meal plan offered by Nutrisystem. This meal plan usually begins from the first month itself along with the Turbo 13 plan. It is a more controlled meal plan and includes trackers, meal counselling with experts via calls and online tools.
Uniquely Yours
This is the final meal plan offered by Nutrisystem. The plan begins right form the first month of your subscription and comes along with the company’s Turbo 13 plan. It includes a variety of meals such as the frozen cuisine, expert counseling, online tools and trackers to help you go through your weight loss with ease.
You can personalize your meal plans depending on your categories such as men, women, senior citizens, vegetarians or type-2 diabetic people.
Nutrisystem Meal Cost
The cost of your Nutrisystem meal plan mainly depends on the program you choose for your health needs. The average cost of meals at Nutrisystem ranges between $275 to $600, plus the additional cost of other foods such as vegetables, fruits, dairy products and more that need to be supplemented with your diet.
Nutrisystem Vs Market Competitors
With years of experience, Nutrisystem has great market presence and competitiveness. The company is particularly popular for its weight loss plans and its successful track record. The meals are convenient for its customers and also very easy-to-follow. All you have to do is order your meals, stash them in your refrigerator once they arrive and then heat them when you wish to enjoy a healthy meal. Nutrisystem has received its ranking mostly due to its moderate profile and weight loss success rates. However, before you plan to make your choice, it is important that you do a comparative study with other similar meal service companies.
Nutrisystem and SlimFast
Nutrisystem is easy to access and their meals can be ordered right from their online platform. The company offers you 3 different meals and maximum 2 snacks per day. The snacks are real meals such as waffles and scrambled eggs with a cup of coffee, grilled chicken sandwich with a side dish of salad, etc. The cost of one-time delivery of 4-week meal plans ranges from $275 and $600. The cost however depends on the different plans you choose.
On the other hand, SlimFast is a meal plan that is available in all local grocery stores. You do not need to order the meals, but instead go and buy them from the store directly. The diet includes 2 meals with some snacks such as bars, cookies and shakes. These 100 calorie snacks are healthy and also stomach filling. SlimFast’s 11 ounce protein powder costs you just $12.99.
Nutrisystem and Jenny Craig
Compared to Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig meals are a little more expensive. However, they both have similar portions and meal plans. Similar to Nutrisystem, all Jenny Craig meals are frozen and simply require to be heated before you eat it. However, Nutrisystem offers you both, frozen and shelf-stable meals.