Weight Loss

NutriSystem is an online weight loss company that delivers healthy meals right to your doorstep. All you have to do is select the food you want from a list and you get a month's supply in microwave-ready pouches. There is plenty of variety in the NutriSystem diet but the focus is on portion control.

The diet is based on the glycemic index. It promotes low glycemic carbohydrates, low saturated fats, low trans fats, low sodium, high fiber and healthy proteins. Low glycemic index foods help in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Soluble fiber in the foods and optimal amounts of lean protein help feel full while eating less. Omega-3 fatty acids are good for the heart. Each meal is designed so as to satisfy cravings and provide nutrition while adding lesser calories.

Diet plan
NutriSystem has around 120 food items on the menu. Typical plans consist of 55% carbohydrates, 25% proteins and 20% fats. Men are given 1,500 calories per day and women 1,200. Apart from these entrees provided by NutriSystem, you can eat 6 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Meals are to be had five times a day which helps keep hunger away and stabilize blood sugar levels.

A typical 1,200-calorie meal plan includes

* Breakfast: NutriSystem breakfast entree, 1 serving fruit, and 1 serving dairy or protein
* Lunch: NutriSystem lunch entree, 1 serving salad, 1 serving dairy or protein, 2 tbs. fat-free salad dressing
* Snack: 1 serving fruit, 1 dairy or protein serving
* Dinner: NutriSystem dinner entree, 2 vegetable servings, 1 salad or fruit serving, 1 fat serving
* Dessert: NutriSystem dessert
A month's supply from NutriSystem consists of 28 breakfasts, 28 lunches, 28 dinners and 28 desserts. It costs about $280 - $310 per month. Other than that you need to buy fruit and vegetable supplements yourself.

Benefits

* Can choose from a variety of dishes
* Very convenient - no planning, no cooking, packed in microwave-ready pouches
* Plans can be customized for diabetics, vegetarians, seniors
* No counting calories, fixed portions
* Healthy nutrition, no abnormal cutting of fats
* Separate plans for men and women

Negatives
It could be difficult once you come off the plan. Most people will tend to revert to their old eating habits. The convenience of prepackaged food will be no more to be had, which could be frustrating. Managing portion sizes could be very difficult once you start preparing the food yourself. And while the NutriSystem diet helps control hunger pangs, it may not provide enough calories. Some meals provide just 150 calories or so, which is not enough for a meal.