Opinions on Nutrisystem?

[Crankyshank]

If you have health problems, then crash dieting is going to exacerbate them. Crash dieting puts a strain on your heart as well as other organs.

If you want to lose weight quickly and have no intent in keeping it off, I would suggest you make an appointment with your dr to get into one of those Dr controlled and monitored weight loss programs that are liquid diets.

Something to be concerned about, particularly since it's for your wedding you are doing this, if you lose a lot of weight quickly you will be dealing with serious extra skin issues.

 

[werty]

I understand that there are some medical conditions that can lower your metabolism, but do these conditions also prevent one from raising their BMR through exercise?

To anyone reading this thread, not just the OP, whatever you do to lose weight, it needs to be something SUSTAINABLE. Eating handfuls of dirt will definitely reduce your caloric intake but you aren't going to keep it up long enough to do any good. (I recognize that there are exceptions, but not everyone gets to be an exception to the rule).

Find some form exercise that you enjoy and look forward to so that you can keep it up for more than a week or a month or a year. Lifestyle change.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I agree with the others, if you have other health problems, I don't think Nutrisystem is a good choice. You can find a much better "diet plan." in Produce Section of your local grocery store --- or head to a Farmer's Market.

Hey, did you know getting skinny for your Wedding Day is an entire industry now?


Hear ya go!

http://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Brides-Boot-Camp-Workout/dp/B0009H2G1U

 

[CheshireVal]

Anyone who can tour Disney World can start a walking exercise regime. Just 20 minutes a day at a slow pace can help.

It's all about making healthier choices with food and just moving a little extra bit each day. Baby steps!!

 

[hydster]

And about the fad diet, it's not like I'd be going "Oh the wedding's over JUNK FOOD TIME!" and gorging myself. But I do need some thing to jump start me.

FH and I will continue to talk about it. But unhealthy attitude or not, right now I just want to lose the weight for the wedding. That's it. That's my goal. *shrugs*

That might be true but if you are like 90% of us once the day is done old habits WILL come back in some form or another and unless you adopt a healthy eating/lifestyle you will go back to where you were or even higher weight wise before you got married. If you truly only want to lose weight for that one day in your life......your choice but it isn't healthy or a good idea.

If that's your only goal is to lose weight just for the wedding then best of luck to you! NS will probably work for that short term.

I'm going to chime in with a different twist.

I started managing a meal prep kitchen and as a result, eating the meals I prepared there. What makes them so special? NO refined junk, preservatives or artificial ANYTHING. I made everything the way my family likes them. The portion control started me losing, and minor changes continue the loss.
*One soda a day. I was a soda junkie who can't consume nutrasweet. Now, I go days without soda. Empty calories and colas actually rob your bones of calcium (phosphates).

*Avoid processed food whenever possible. High Fructose Corn Syrup and MSG are used to flavor many foods. I am now convinced that these two are major contributor's in America's obesity epidemic. I still have processed foods, but they're not the main source of my food consumption anymore.

*Make an effort to make a meal without starches. Sometimes, I'll just eat protein for lunch.

*EAT BREAKFAST!!!! I never, ever, ate anything before 11am. My stomach hated me if I did. However, in making the effort, just two weeks was all it took. I have packs of plain cream of wheat that I put some fruit in after microwaving a cup of water. Sometimes it's just an apple or a banana. The point is, your body won't start burning calories UNLESS it's got something to jumpstart it.

If you've got a meal preparation facility nearby (www.easymealprep.com), I suggest giving it a try. Do their smallest session and split all the meals into 2 portions (for you and FH).

It's bound to be less than what nutrisystem charges for the same quantity of dinners and you'll walk out with a freezer's worth of stuff. This is great when you come home wiped out after a full day of classes or work. I just pop one of the entrees into the oven, spend a few minutes preparing some veggies and we're good to go.

You're 24, right? I am 40. Trust me when I tell you that going down the path of a temporary weight loss is not what you want. I have done various diets at times (slim fast, et al), only to gain MORE when I stopped being vigilant about what helped me lose in the first place.

The difference in what I'm doing now is that I see this as a lifestyle thing, not a diet. There is no deprivation (other than the first few weeks of cutting out the sodas). In fact, a co worker brought in easter candy today-I had some. I know better than to deny myself chocolate. I had a few miniatures and I was happy. Tonight's dinner was a huge salad from Panera-I was craving it all afternoon, lol.

Please don't go down the path of fad diets!

Suzanne

Yep I totally agree with the food prep thing. We have one here called My Girlfriends Kitchen. They have all the meals and they all have the WW points if you are doing WW or they have every calorie, serving size, carb everything right on the label. In less than 45 min DH and I can bust out enough meals to feed us during the week for the whole month. Weekends we do a little takeout but most of the time we eat "home cooked/prepared" meals The place uses all natural meats and vegetables and we tailor it to our needs like you! I absolutely LOVE it! We also spent 2 weeks with a nutritionist to learn how to eat better. Best 2 weeks we've ever spent!

The OP has made herself pretty clear that she doesn't want to hear a more realistic answer.

I agree! It's either that or just the answer of a quick fix.

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

I don't see anyone changing their mind here. People do what's right in their own eyes.

lol k.

Must be why I haven't ordered it yet huh?

You're right though, I'm taking all the health advice with a grain of salt since it wasn't asked for. But the diet advice I'm reading and taking in. We still haven't decided which route we're going to go, whether it still be the Nutrisystem, joining WW, or failing again for the millionth time by doing it ourselves.

I asked for opinions on the program. Not whether or not I'm doing things right. But hey, if someone wants to lecture me on it, go for it. Knock yourself out lol.

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

Anyone who can tour Disney World can start a walking exercise regime. Just 20 minutes a day at a slow pace can help.

It's all about making healthier choices with food and just moving a little extra bit each day. Baby steps!!

I already exercise, I visit a gym (the University's rec) about 3 to 4 days a week and do cardio for about 45 minutes between classes.

 

[Crankyshank]

If you didn't want anyone to comment about the safety of crash dieting, you shouldn't have said you have no interest in permanent weight loss at this time.

You can drop weight very quickly via liquid diet (provided you do a Doctor approved program), but once again - losing weight quickly means excess skin. So what's worse? Having several pounds worth of wrinkled flabby excess skin to make you look 20-30yrs older and requiring surgery to repair, or putting more effort into a long term program?

 

[werty]

lol k.

Must be why I haven't ordered it yet huh?

You're right though, I'm taking all the health advice with a grain of salt since it wasn't asked for. But the diet advice I'm reading and taking in. We still haven't decided which route we're going to go, whether it still be the Nutrisystem, joining WW, or failing again for the millionth time by doing it ourselves.

I asked for opinions on the program. Not whether or not I'm doing things right. But hey, if someone wants to lecture me on it, go for it. Knock yourself out lol.

You see "health" and "diet" as independent factors. Others don't. I would type "LOL" here, but I don't think it's funny.

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

If you didn't want anyone to comment about the safety of crash dieting, you shouldn't have said you have no interest in permanent weight loss at this time.

You can drop weight very quickly via liquid diet (provided you do a Doctor approved program), but once again - losing weight quickly means excess skin. So what's worse? Having several pounds worth of wrinkled flabby excess skin to make you look 20-30yrs older and requiring surgery to repair, or putting more effort into a long term program?

Oh sweetie I'm going to end up having excess skin whether I drop it quickly or do it slowly. I'm a big girl. I was already told this.

 

[luvmydogs]

I'll speak to you as someone who lost 110 lbs. and also has an autoimmune thyroid disease called Hashimoto's. Yes, the Hashimoto's did contribute to the fact that I was overweight to begin with, as it causes the thyroid to become hypoactive, but with proper medication, my Dr.'s supervision, portion control and exercise, I was able to go from 235 lbs. to 125-127 in 15 months. No, not a quick fix, but I have kept the weight off for over three years now, and continue to exercise 5-6 days a week, not just for maintenance, but because it has become a habit of pure enjoyment. I have never regreted one minute of the hard work it took. My health and family are more than worth it. My story is on the WISH board, if the search function here would ever work!

Losing through crash/fad diets or quick, temporary weight loss is an unbelievably unhealthy manner of losing. This and your yo-yoing back after your pre-wedding loss will put stress on your heart and kidneys--and not only that, any muscle you may have lost through crash/fad dieting will return to your body as fat when it is regained. Any physical condition you may have (and I'm assuming you're under the care of a physician if you've been diagnosed with such) may be potentially exacerbated by an unhealthy weight loss, and you could end up with more to deal with health-wise than you already have.

You have a fiance that loves you and hopefully will support you, and maybe even be a partner in weight loss with you. You need to make a comittment to a healthy weight loss, and take whatever you can get before your wedding. But before that, you need to see your Dr. to detemine if your diagnosed health concerns will impede/affect your weight loss progress. Exercise is wonderful, and can greatly improve both your physical/emotional outlooks, along with revving your metabolism. Get cleared by your Dr. and go for a walk--no need to walk miles a day at first--10, 20 minutes to start is great. Leslie Sansone has Walk Away the Pounds tapes, which are great for beginners. When you're feeling stronger, add weight/resistance training to gain muscle. Eat less calories than you consume--your diet is essential. There's a saying on a fitness board to which I belong--"You can exercise 'til the cows come home, but if you don't watch what you eat, you're just a big cow coming home."

Weight loss and maintenance is not easy, but the lifestyle change you need to make to be successful will be a lifetime investment in your health and happiness over which you will never have any misgivings. If you would've told me five years ago that I'd be running eight miles a day, training for the Disney Marathon (until I tore my Achilles two months before the race--drat!), I would've said you were crazy. At 235 lbs., I could barely walk my son to the bus stop and back without getting out of breath. But I am truly an example of the proverbial "if I can do it, anyone can." It is a decision that I have never, ever regretted.

Sorry for the long post, but this is a subject very near and dear to my heart. Best wishes in your health and happiness.

 

[Crankyshank]

Oh sweetie I'm going to end up having excess skin whether I drop it quickly or do it slowly. I'm a big girl. I was already told this.

not true. I know several people who have lost significant weight on their own with no excess skin. Those who had excess skin issues are those who did gastric bypass or diet only.

And please do not call me sweetie - I find it condescending and unnecessary.

 

[CheshireVal]

I already exercise, I visit a gym (the University's rec) about 3 to 4 days a week and do cardio for about 45 minutes between classes.

That's great! So, to lose weight, you either have to amp up the workouts (working with weights will help build muscle/burn fat) or start eating more healthfully.

By the way, you asked for diet advice, which is the same as asking for health advice.

You can't separate the two!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

ok fine. My opinion on the program is that it is very high in sodium, preservatives, and other unnatural ingredients.

I think what people are trying to tell you is ----- "if you want to lose weight, really the BEST and FASTEST way to lose it is by eating a healthy and natural foods.

My other piece of advice is - carbohydrates can be a killer. Carbohydrates and most starches are really just complicated sugar at the molecular level. Quit eating bread, especially processed white bread.

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

not true. I know several people who have lost significant weight on their own with no excess skin. Those who had excess skin issues are those who did gastric bypass or diet only.

And please do not call me sweetie - I find it condescending and unnecessary.

You'd really not like me in real life if you don't like to be called sweetie then!

My doctor is the one that told me that I'd have excess skin. I have 200 pounds to lose overall. Would I like to lose it all eventually? Of course I would. But right now that's not my main goal. And every time I have ever looked at the big picture... I have failed. Been doing it for 10 years. I'd do surgery, but my insurance doesn't cover it. Believe me, I've looked into it.

 

[Aisling]

The OP has made herself pretty clear that she doesn't want to hear a more realistic answer.

The OP was asking about Nutrisystem, so that she can lose weight in time for her wedding. She wants to hear about people's experiences with Nutrisystem.

These threads are so predictable. Someone asks a simple question, and she gets preached to.

To the OP, I think it's GREAT that you want to lose weight for your wedding. Like you said, it's a jumpstart, and you'll take it from there. Sorry I have no experience with Nutrisystem.

 

[werty]

I was able to go from 235 lbs. to 125-127 in 15 months. No, not a quick fix, but I have kept the weight off for over three years now, and continue to exercise 5-6 days a week, not just for maintenance, but because it has become a habit of pure enjoyment.

Eat less calories than you consume--your diet is essential.

Congratulations to you. That's a great story. 125 in 15 months does seem quick to me, not in a bad way, just saying I bet it took much longer to put it on than it did to take it off. I'm not arguing...clearly you changed your lifestyle in a fundamental way. 125 pounds in 36 or 48 months would also reflect fundamental lifestyle change.

 

[werty]

The OP was asking about Nutrisystem, so that she can lose weight in time for her wedding. She wants to hear about people's experiences with Nutrisystem.

These threads are so predictable. Someone asks a simple question, and she gets preached to.

I would agree except that the OP took the time to come back and say she had no intention of making a lifestyle change - or something similar. Nobody put those words in her mouth.

How about this: I come on and ask about the taste of O'douls alcohol free beer. I love beer but don't want to get drunk at my family reunion. I don't care about making any long term changes, I just need to get through this event then I'll go back to my regular 4-5 beers a night. Should I expect only comments on the taste of O'douls?

 

[luvmydogs]

Congratulations to you. That's a great story. 125 in 15 months does seem quick to me, not in a bad way, just saying I bet it took much longer to put it on than it did to take it off. I'm not arguing...clearly you changed your lifestyle in a fundamental way. 125 pounds in 36 or 48 months would also reflect fundamental lifestyle change.

Thanks. Actually, I lost 110 pounds in 15 months--I weigh 125-127 now (or 130 at Christmas time, if I may tell the truth!). Not a big difference, but I don't know if I had the willpower to lose anymore--the last 20 pounds were a killer! I actually yo-yoed for 16 years--gaining and losing a total of @ 800lbs. during those years (yes, that's 800)! I had to do something permanent--I was literally killing myself. This time (crosses fingers), it's for good.

Definitely appreciate the kind words.

 

[mickeyfan2]

The OP was asking about Nutrisystem, so that she can lose weight in time for her wedding. She wants to hear about people's experiences with Nutrisystem.

These threads are so predictable. Someone asks a simple question, and she gets preached to.

To the OP, I think it's GREAT that you want to lose weight for your wedding. Like you said, it's a jumpstart, and you'll take it from there. Sorry I have no experience with Nutrisystem.

But she does not want a long term solution. This is what people are pointing out. Doing Nutrisystems, my girlfriend is down one pants size now, is a good state; but it is just that a start. She then needs to work with her Dr. or another professional to eat better and kept up the good work once she stops Nutrisystems. It is also a costly program, so that must be taken into consideration too.