Product Review: Nutrisystem Weight Loss Plan

I joined Nutrisystem in 1994. At that time there was a center near a Metro stop in D.C. We had weekly weigh-ins, counseling sessions, a class and we purchased food. There were three plans available based on calories per day: 1000, 1200, or 1500. We had to sign a contract and the food was an additional cost. If I remember correctly, the contract included an exercise video. I do remember getting the video. I was on a 1200 calorie per day plan. It was not difficult to follow the plan. I tried the different foods until I found the ones I really liked and tended to buy those.

The exercise video was great. It was easy to follow. It started with a warm-up routine, followed by 30 minutes of intensive aerobics, and a cool-down routine. Once I started exercising, it was difficult to do every day. And, if memory serves me correctly, there was also nutritional information included on the video.

I started the Nutrisystem plan because my mother had Type II diabetes and I was 50 pounds overweight. I wanted to lose weight as a preventative measure. I waited too late. The following year I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. I lost 40 of my 50 pounds in about 10 months. I was able to maintain the 40 pound weight loss for about three years. During those three years, I developed other chronic illnesses which caused me to become inactive and disabled.

After Nutrisystem became an online program, I ordered food. That helped me to watch my portions but I was still unable to exercise as I had done before. The rate at which I gained weight was slower but I eventually gained more than I could control.

I recommend Nutrisystem as a weight loss plan because:

• I was single and didn't have to cook for a family.
• It helped me to control my meal portions.
• When combined with exercise, I was able to lose most of the weight I wanted.
• I didn't have to shop for my meals.
• I could take my lunch to work and add a salad.
• Meal preparation took only a few minutes.

Nutrisystem online has a number of interactive tools, nutritional and motivational material. They provide online help and telephone support.

Like any other weight loss system, Nutrisystem is not for everyone. If you don't mind prepackaged foods, the plan combined with exercise can help to improve your health.