Nutrisystem-Thoughts?

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Replies

  • Hopelessone
    Hopelessone Posts: 270 Member
    I did it and lost 20 lbs 2 years ago, really all it did was teach me that my daily portions of food were too big. Some of the food is horrible, some is really good. Key concept with it you need to be ready to eat less.


    I lost 20 pounds too, it did help me realize my portion sizes were too big. I need a 'LIFESTYLE CHANGE" that I can keep for the rest of my life with NutriSystem I couldn't do that, you have to carry your food with you at all times. Whatever you decide, good luck with your journey
  • EmmalineHarris
    EmmalineHarris Posts: 22
    I work full time and am a full time student as well, so I totally understand not having time to cook. However, a lot of the food Nutrisystem provides are not meals that necessarily have to be cooked (breakfast, lunch, snacks). There are so many healthier options to choose from that don't take any (or very little prep) time: yogurt, carrot sticks, apples, pretzel crisps, bell pepper, grapes, instant oatmeal or other whole grain cereals (Full Circle makes an excellent, healthy raisin bran), air popped popcorn...some of my staples. Another thing I've found that is very helpful is to buy the ingredients for salad on the weekend, make it up in one big bowl, and then just take a portion for lunch each day...all i have to do is add some turkey and some lite dressing to said portion in the morning and I'm good to go. I realize that still leaves dinner, but even if you have to buy some pre-packaged meals like lean cuisine or progresso soup to eat for supper, having one pre-packaged meal/day is a lot better than haviing 3. It takes a little creativity and little work but it can be done.

    Best of luck!
  • Moxie42
    Moxie42 Posts: 1,400 Member
    I tried it. Lost about 30 pounds. Gained it all back and then some. It was expensive and the food was terrible. Plus, you have to buy certain food above and beyond what you purchase from them. I hate to be negative, but in this instance I would encourage you to be patient and learn to fix healthy meals and measure your portions.

    This was my boss's experience as well. Eventually she gave up and she brought the "food" in for anyone at the office who needed a quick lunch. I had it several times. Tiny portions, sodium was through the roof, and most of it was gross. Also, there's something just plain WRONG about something called "chicken fettuccine alfredo" that lasts years in the box without even needing refrigeration.

    You would probably be better off creating your own plan using Lean Cuisines...not that I would recommend living off those either...but that would at least be a small step up from Nutrisystem.
  • skinnyforhi
    skinnyforhi Posts: 340 Member
    The food is so vile and disgusting on more then one occasion I think I broke down in tears. Pathetic? Perhaps, but it's REALLY REALLY bad. I got through 3 days and sent it all back. I mean really who wants to eat 'pizza' that you can keep in the cupboard! That is NOT real cheese, it's processed garbage crap and I couldn't force it down my throat.

    Just my 2 copper! :bigsmile:

    Yes. The cookies were so bad I couldn't eat them--how is that even possible??? Ok I'm going to stop posting in this forum but I did NOT have a good experience and it made me detest mealtime.
  • Akimajuktuq
    Akimajuktuq Posts: 3,037 Member
    Ohhhh lord, thats the last thing I need HAHAHA healthy eating has some side effects of its own, dont need any extra :)

    Healthy eating has side effects? Do you mean negative side effects? Because since I changed my diet to healthy foods (what I consider healthy, not what others necessarily do) I have had nothing but POSITIVE side effects which include the resolution of many serious health issues.

    I eat only meat, veggies, eggs, nuts, seeds and limited full fat dairy and fruit and I can prepare those foods in less time than it takes to heat up frozen processed foods or drive to a restaurant (if there were any in my town) etc. I save the time consuming recipes for the weekends, or don't use them at all if I don't feel like it. It's a choice to eat healthy food and "I don't have time" just isn't true (yes, I used that excuse myself in the past!).

    I wouldn't touch Nutri-System but if you had asked me when I was in my 20s, I would have been all for it. I was an idiot back then and ruined my health because of focusing only on rapid weight loss and by believing the diet industry and government agencies and their "low fat" nonsense.
  • okstategurl
    okstategurl Posts: 12
    Ohhhh lord, thats the last thing I need HAHAHA healthy eating has some side effects of its own, dont need any extra :)

    Healthy eating has side effects? Do you mean negative side effects? Because since I changed my diet to healthy foods (what I consider healthy, not what others necessarily do) I have had nothing but POSITIVE side effects which include the resolution of many serious health issues.

    I eat only meat, veggies, eggs, nuts, seeds and limited full fat dairy and fruit and I can prepare those foods in less time than it takes to heat up frozen processed foods or drive to a restaurant (if there were any in my town) etc. I save the time consuming recipes for the weekends, or don't use them at all if I don't feel like it. It's a choice to eat healthy food and "I don't have time" just isn't true (yes, I used that excuse myself in the past!).

    I wouldn't touch Nutri-System but if you had asked me when I was in my 20s, I would have been all for it. I was an idiot back then and ruined my health because of focusing only on rapid weight loss and by believing the diet industry and government agencies and their "low fat" nonsense.

    No, I didnt say negative (well I dont consider them to be negative.) They where talking about nutri giving people excessive gas. When I started eating healthier my "ahem" bathroom habits changed, etc. I think eating healthier makes a person feel healthier. def didnt mean negative. :)
  • okstategurl
    okstategurl Posts: 12
    The food is so vile and disgusting on more then one occasion I think I broke down in tears. Pathetic? Perhaps, but it's REALLY REALLY bad. I got through 3 days and sent it all back. I mean really who wants to eat 'pizza' that you can keep in the cupboard! That is NOT real cheese, it's processed garbage crap and I couldn't force it down my throat.

    Just my 2 copper! :bigsmile:

    Yes. The cookies were so bad I couldn't eat them--how is that even possible??? Ok I'm going to stop posting in this forum but I did NOT have a good experience and it made me detest mealtime.
    Crack me up, Thank you for the response!
  • megleo818
    megleo818 Posts: 595 Member
    I have three close girlfriends who have done Nutisystem. All three gained back everything they lost and more.

    Your life is always going to be busy. If you can find a way to incorporate healthy eating into it, you'll get and stay healthy for the long term -- you can do it!
  • iluxoxo211
    iluxoxo211 Posts: 241 Member
    Hello, Let me just tell you the gods honest truth.. I tried nutrisystem in the past thinking it would be my cure all.. I spent 300.00 when it first came out and I was SOOO pumped to do it!! I got it in and I almost puked the moment I tried it.. it is NASTY NASTYYYYY! it tastes like cardboard that has been sitting in trash all day * little over dramatic I know LOL*! I suggest buying your food each week and make your own meals and prepack them all.. dont waste your money!:flowerforyou:
  • Madholm
    Madholm Posts: 167
    taste like crap... do not eat...

    seriously I had a co-worker eating that stuff... it tastes a lot like cardboard
  • okstategurl
    okstategurl Posts: 12
    Hello, Let me just tell you the gods honest truth.. I tried nutrisystem in the past thinking it would be my cure all.. I spent 300.00 when it first came out and I was SOOO pumped to do it!! I got it in and I almost puked the moment I tried it.. it is NASTY NASTYYYYY! it tastes like cardboard that has been sitting in trash all day * little over dramatic I know LOL*! I suggest buying your food each week and make your own meals and prepack them all.. dont waste your money!:flowerforyou:
    BAHAHAHAHAHA that sounds horrible! Thank you!
  • okstategurl
    okstategurl Posts: 12
    taste like crap... do not eat...

    seriously I had a co-worker eating that stuff... it tastes a lot like cardboard
    cardboard/crap doesnt sound so bad...kidding I think ill pass :)
  • lizapettit
    lizapettit Posts: 166 Member
    I haven't done it, but know of 4 people who have and that all quit because the food was pretty horrid. As an alternative, why don't you check into Amy's, Cedar Lane, and Larabars. Amy's and Cedar lane are organic frozen meals (they even have breakfast omelettes!). They are really good and much better for you than any other pre-packaged meals I have ever come across and contain more veggies. Oh and Kashi has some good ones too, now that I think about it. The Larabars are my breakfast choice when I'm in a hurry... They are delicious and contain anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of fruit per bar plus nuts and are minimally processed--they're practically raw. None of these are cheap, but honestly neither is Nutrisystem. Of course fresh is always best, but sometimes you just don't have the extra time and I get that! Best of luck!
  • starkitty78
    starkitty78 Posts: 48
    I never personally tried it, but they had a ton of it at my local Ollie's (small bargain discount discount chain in Pennsylvania). I looked through some of what they had. For one, even though it was closeout I still think it cost to much. I don't remember exactly what the prices were now, but for the price of two little pouches of cereal I could go over to Aldi's and get a whole box. Second, After seeing what some of the food was, and how long of a longgggggggggggg shelf life it had, all I could think to myself was "how?" Needless to say it took them months to get rid of it all.
  • claudineer
    claudineer Posts: 144 Member
    I did the Nutrisystem for 1 months, back in 2010. I lost 7 lbs in a week.:happy: However, the food was really expensive.:noway: , I could not eat 0.5 of the meals (I don't eat chicken, beef, or pork) and did I mention it was expensive. I ended up gaining 7+ pounds when I abandoned the program. :brokenheart: The money I spent on this program was not helpful. I could have hired a personal trainer to teach me good eating and exercise habits. Try a personal trainer for 2 months, instead. :wink:

    Honestly, myfitnesspal has best the tool in helping monitor my caloric intake. If you really want to try Nutrisystem, they sell the products at BigLot!. I think they are a dollar a meal.

    Best,
  • mscargill
    mscargill Posts: 13 Member
    My Mom did it and it was very expensive. She wound up just eating the snacks and the rest went to ruin! You will lose weight but it isn't teaching you to eat healthy meals. Probably better off buying a quick prepare, low fat cookbook and seeing what's in there. Plus there are lots of online sites that can give you the information. However, for a quick weight loss to get you started, Nutrisystem might work.
  • suslor
    suslor Posts: 2 Member
    I used it when I committed to quitting smoking. I lost about 30 pounds in 3 months and quit smoking at the same time. I haven't had a cigarette since (2.5 years), but I have gained the weight back. I swear they put black beans in the desserts. I don't think I'll ever be able to eat another black bean. After awhile the thought of eating that stuff almost made me sick. I'm doing just as well here and I can eat food I love!
  • okstategurl
    okstategurl Posts: 12
    I used it when I committed to quitting smoking. I lost about 30 pounds in 3 months and quit smoking at the same time. I haven't had a cigarette since (2.5 years), but I have gained the weight back. I swear they put black beans in the desserts. I don't think I'll ever be able to eat another black bean. After awhile the thought of eating that stuff almost made me sick. I'm doing just as well here and I can eat food I love!

    Hold on back up...black beans in dessert? I dont think so HAHA!
  • LMick1986
    LMick1986 Posts: 431
    I did the Nutrisystem for 1 months, back in 2010. I lost 7 lbs in a week.:happy: However, the food was really expensive.:noway: , I could not eat 0.5 of the meals (I don't eat chicken, beef, or pork) and did I mention it was expensive. I ended up gaining 7+ pounds when I abandoned the program. :brokenheart: The money I spent on this program was not helpful. I could have hired a personal trainer to teach me good eating and exercise habits. Try a personal trainer for 2 months, instead. :wink:

    Honestly, myfitnesspal has best the tool in helping monitor my caloric intake. If you really want to try Nutrisystem, they sell the products at BigLot!. I think they are a dollar a meal.

    Best,

    I've found the same to be true about MFP. I love being on this site!! I'm pretty much addicted at this point. It's been so helpful! And good call on trying it out at Big Lots!! I totally forgot they sold it there!! I'd actually go buy the chocolate coconut bars!!! Sooooo yummy!! I still have several items left over....and I just take some to keep at work in case I am not able to bring something else while there.
  • ashmitatua
    ashmitatua Posts: 35 Member
    A friend of mine tried Nutrisystem after she had her baby. She had gained almost 60lbs and then went on Nutrisystem and lost about 30lbs. As soon as she stopped, she gained back all the weight plus more.
  • Amberonamission
    Amberonamission Posts: 836 Member
    Gross food. Everything tastes like it is made with rotten green peppers. I wasted money on that... wish I hadn't.
  • Lennox497
    Lennox497 Posts: 242 Member
    Home cooked healthy meals will always be superior. As stated in the first comment, if you have one day or evening to prep for a few days you are good to go.

    You can go the leftover route by cooking more food. I am more of fan of cooking specific foods for my lunches, crock pot works wonders for that.

    Or at least do basic food preps that can be used for multiple meals. Diced veggies can always be added to dishes and since the prep is done your cook time is reduced.
  • crazylovergrl
    crazylovergrl Posts: 97 Member
    Icky, unhealthy, highly processed, highly preserved foods... Plus, you still have to provide your own veggies, which are a huge part of the diet. Expensive and not worth it. I wound up selling my food on ebay.
  • brendaschmitt1
    brendaschmitt1 Posts: 218
    I tried it about three years ago and lost 20 lbs but the food was horrible and the reason you lose weight is because the food taste so bad you do want to eat it. It took me a while to figure out the foods that were semi okay. it is kind of expensive too.Plus you end up gaining the weight back. The meals are so tiny it is like similar to what a toddler eats. You can do that on your own just eat half of everything you usually eat. Only have three meals and one snack.


    You are better off making your own health foods. I have a busy schedule too and and I have a family and took me forever to realize that there is no easy way i just need to take the time to make fast healthy food. When you start planning your own meals it is not as bad as you think. Invest in a crock pot or a indoor grill. Make enough so that you can have left overs.

    Nutrisystem can help u lose the weight and it might give you an idea of how little you have to eat to lose weight. It will also make you appreciate real food more because the food is so gross. If you really want to try it give it a shot but there are better ways to lose weight and keep it off.
  • skylark94
    skylark94 Posts: 2,036 Member
    I used it when I committed to quitting smoking. I lost about 30 pounds in 3 months and quit smoking at the same time. I haven't had a cigarette since (2.5 years), but I have gained the weight back. I swear they put black beans in the desserts. I don't think I'll ever be able to eat another black bean. After awhile the thought of eating that stuff almost made me sick. I'm doing just as well here and I can eat food I love!

    Hold on back up...black beans in dessert? I dont think so HAHA!

    Black bean brownies are actually pretty tasty, especially with a glop of Cool Whip. I have a South Beach recipe that I use.

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