Opinions on Nutrisystem?

[luvmydogs]

OK, OP, after reading some of your follow-up posts, I'll give my opinion of Nutrisystem. Short-term fix, but I guess that's what you're looking for--it's certainly not something you'll continue to use for lifetime maintenance. I can imagine it's costly. If you don't follow the program to the letter, you may gain weight by overeating the pre-packaged food (having more than one portion per meal/snack). I know I'd certainly be tempted to eat like crazy during certain times of the month--especially if there's chocolate lying around. If you have health issues as you say, the nutritional content/preservatives/chemical factors may be contra-indicative to this food plan.

With the health concerns you say you have, I still say the first place you need to go is to your Dr. I know you may not want to hear it, but health (both physical and emotional) cannot and should not be seperated from the manner in which one loses weight. They go hand in hand. I've been there--I know.

 

[Aisling]

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?

If you're asking about the taste of O'douls, why would I tell you how Bud tastes?

80% of the responses here DID NOT answer her question. How hard is it to control one's self and not respond to a thread if one doesn't have the information the OP is asking for?

Q: How is Nutrisystem?

A: You should exercise more and consume less calories.

 

[grlpwrd]

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.

What kinds of exercise are you doing, what intensity, and what does your eating plan look like now?

 

[daisy_77]

Hi!
I have tried Nutrisystem and I thought it was really a waste of money. If you like food and enjoy flavor...don't do it. After a few weeks, I said no more and went back to Weight Watchers. I don't know you but I know how hard it is to lose weight. You already workout which is AWESOME! My advice to you is try WW online or meetings. Since you are so busy, online may be a better option for you. I have done both and they are both GREAT!
I wish you luck and congrats on your engagement!

 

[Aisling]

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!

luvmydogs, I just wanted to say that's fantastic! VERY much an inspiration.

 

[grlpwrd]

If you're asking about the taste of O'douls, why would I tell you how Bud tastes?

80% of the responses here DID NOT answer her question. How hard is it to control one's self and not respond to a thread if one doesn't have the information the OP is asking for?

Q: How is Nutrisystem?

A: You should exercise more and consume less calories.

The OP stated:

Since FH and I are getting married in 5 months, I'd like to lose some weight. Unfortunately we are both so busy with work for him and classes and work for me that we don't ever get to sit down and have dinner together. So we were both thinking about trying Nutrisystem instead.

Has anyone here had any success with this program? I like the structure of it a lot, since I'm a very structure oriented person. I've found when I don't have it I tend to stray lol. But, if it doesn't really work very well then we'll look towards doing something else.

I'd love to be able to make a healthy dinner every night, but it just doesn't seem to work out. I'm usually in class until early evening and then work right afterwards. At least I'd be somewhere with a microwave!

Thanks for any opinions you may have.

I interpreted the bolded statements as an invitation for discussion.

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

What kinds of exercise are you doing, what intensity, and what does your eating plan look like now?

I've actually even been going to the gym with a personal trainer (I love my University), and doing lots of treadmill, elliptical and bike exercises as well as free weights. 3 times a week with her and I try to get there at least once a week on my own.

Eating habits are a bit of a different story... I'm not exactly a greasy fast food person anymore, but frozen meals are a staple for me. I've been trying to keep it around 1800 to 2000 calories. Also, been doing it for three weeks but in fact have GAINED weight instead of losing.

Something's obviously wrong, and I think I need a jumpstart. Before I get told "Oh you should go to the doctor!" duh. Thanks. I TOTALLY didn't think of that. Problem is, my doctor's now out of the practice and I don't know where to go from here. I tried going to my health center and was given to the nurse practitioner who proceeded to tell me "Don't eat so much". Gee, thanks that's helpful. In my eyes telling someone who's overweight not to eat so much is kinda like telling someone who's anorexic to start eating. Sometimes it doesn't work that well.

Nutrisystem was an idea. Yes, I want something to help me lose weight for the wedding. But even when I said I wasn't interested in life long weight loss right now, that doesn't mean I'm going to start eating chocolate cakes and fatty McDonald's after the diet is over. As I've said in another post, would I like to lose the 200 pounds I need to lose for good? Of course I would. But focusing on the long term and trying to make a lifestyle change has never ended well for me. Maybe I'm not in the right mind frame, who knows... but berating someone about how unhealthy they are and how horrible their attitude is isn't going to put them in the right mind frame either. I will lose the weight long term when I get into the right mind frame to do it. Right now I'm more worried about what I'm going to look like on the most important day of my life than what I'm going to look like in 5 years. If that's selfish, short sighted, or stupid, then so be it.

 

[AuntieM03]

I tried Nutrisystem many years ago and I just couldn't stomach the food. Though on the plus side had we had a major disaster I had a very well-stocked pantry. I could have lived for months on my freeze-dried food I have a co-worker on Jenny Craig right now and she says the food is pretty good, it looks alot better than the stuff I tried.

 

[SplshMtn99]

For instance on the Low Carb thread here earlier last week I was telling people about my dh who makes 5 omelets on Sunday in ziplocs to eat through the week for breakfast. It takes 5 min to put them together, 12 min to boil and a 30 second microwave heat up.

Could someone link me to this thread? I prepare food ahead too. This omelet idea intrigues me.

 

[AuntieM03]

"It's worth it because you're worth it!!" I do Denise daily, but I have to turn off her talking sometimes because I want to kill her.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/210425/are_diets_harming_your_health.html

"According to the University of California scientists, the constant "yo-yo" dieting that so many people employ to lose weight is quite dangerous.Yo-yo dieting has been linked to many health problems and are at an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, strokes and even premature death."

"Dr Beckie Lang, of the Association for the Study of Obesity, stated that, "Maintaining a healthy weight isn't about going on a diet and coming off a diet when you reach your target weight. It is about adopting skills that change your eating habits for life" (www.dailymail.co.uk)."

That's funny, on Friday I muted Denise and just listened to my I-pod and the workout was much better.

 

[Laura]

I've actually even been going to the gym with a personal trainer (I love my University), and doing lots of treadmill, elliptical and bike exercises as well as free weights. 3 times a week with her and I try to get there at least once a week on my own.

Eating habits are a bit of a different story... I'm not exactly a greasy fast food person anymore, but frozen meals are a staple for me. I've been trying to keep it around 1800 to 2000 calories. Also, been doing it for three weeks but in fact have GAINED weight instead of losing.

Something's obviously wrong, and I think I need a jumpstart. Before I get told "Oh you should go to the doctor!" duh. Thanks. I TOTALLY didn't think of that. Problem is, my doctor's now out of the practice and I don't know where to go from here. I tried going to my health center and was given to the nurse practitioner who proceeded to tell me "Don't eat so much". Gee, thanks that's helpful. In my eyes telling someone who's overweight not to eat so much is kinda like telling someone who's anorexic to start eating. Sometimes it doesn't work that well.

Nutrisystem was an idea. Yes, I want something to help me lose weight for the wedding. But even when I said I wasn't interested in life long weight loss right now, that doesn't mean I'm going to start eating chocolate cakes and fatty McDonald's after the diet is over. As I've said in another post, would I like to lose the 200 pounds I need to lose for good? Of course I would. But focusing on the long term and trying to make a lifestyle change has never ended well for me. Maybe I'm not in the right mind frame, who knows... but berating someone about how unhealthy they are and how horrible their attitude is isn't going to put them in the right mind frame either. I will lose the weight long term when I get into the right mind frame to do it. Right now I'm more worried about what I'm going to look like on the most important day of my life than what I'm going to look like in 5 years. If that's selfish, short sighted, or stupid, then so be it.

The thing is, if you do a diet like Nutrisystem or a low-carb diet, your weight can go back up once you go off them, if you haven't learned how to eat properly. Also, five months isn't enough time for you to really lose enough that would make a huge difference in your appearance. You also have to consider your wedding gown. At some point, you're going to have to stop losing so you don't have to pay out the wazoo for extra alterations. How will you make sure you maintain your weight?

When I got engaged, I wanted to lose some weight before my wedding too; quite a bit more than 5-10 pounds and I had over a year to do it. I realized, though, that it didn't matter how much I weighed that day, but how much I love my husband. Besides, remember your future husband loves you the way you are now. What's more, dieting and wedding planning are very stressful things to be doing. Exercise is a great stress reliever, but cutting back on your caloric intake stresses your body out in a big way. With the wedding stuff on top of that, it could get to be too much.

I would go see a nutritionist/dietician to work out an eating plan, not a doctor or nurse practitioner. Docs get very little nutritional education, and a nutritionist can come up with something more specific to your personality and your lifestyle than Nutrisystem. It's awesome that you work with a personal trainer; you absolutely need to keep that up. Weight training is great because your muscles will be able to burn more calories just DISing.

 

[chris1gill]

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.

WOW!! You are really an inspiration.... Keeping weight off, no matter how you do it, it's difficult... I have a metabolic disease & am in a wheelchair, which means for me, taking weight off is almost impossible.... but it IS possible... When I was first stuck in the chair I put on 40 pounds, I was really unhappy... It took about a year to take the weight off, and I did it with a high protein diet. Unfortunately I think I just psychologically sabotaged myself & went back to worse ways... and I've put on 20 pounds in about two years time or so... I have started NS myself & am down six pounds over 3 weeks... but I'm learning fundamental things, that I never had to learn while on a high protein diet.... drinking water, eating greens and eating fruit! These are all things I am going to take away from the NS program when I finish with the program. Luckily, I've not ever had an issue with portion control, it's just the types of foods I was eating that were starting to pack the pounds back on.... I'm happy with the NS program, and fully expect that these things I've mentioned will always be a part of my life... I find most of the new foods tasty, so no problems there

 

[drgnfly30]

Eating habits are a bit of a different story... I'm not exactly a greasy fast food person anymore, but frozen meals are a staple for me. I've been trying to keep it around 1800 to 2000 calories. Also, been doing it for three weeks but in fact have GAINED weight instead of losing.

Something's obviously wrong, and I think I need a jumpstart. Before I get told "Oh you should go to the doctor!" duh. Thanks. I TOTALLY didn't think of that. Problem is, my doctor's now out of the practice and I don't know where to go from here. I tried going to my health center and was given to the nurse practitioner who proceeded to tell me "Don't eat so much". Gee, thanks that's helpful. In my eyes telling someone who's overweight not to eat so much is kinda like telling someone who's anorexic to start eating. Sometimes it doesn't work that well.

The fact that you are saying that Frozen foods are a staple for you is a big red flag... frozen meals contain a TON of sodium which will not help in any weight loss effort. What you need isn't a DIET but a lifelong change to the way you are eating... I strongly suggest you check out Weight Watchers, they teach you how to reframe the way you think about food (and it's cheaper than Nutrisystem)..

 

[mickeyfan2]

I've actually even been going to the gym with a personal trainer (I love my University), and doing lots of treadmill, elliptical and bike exercises as well as free weights. 3 times a week with her and I try to get there at least once a week on my own.

Eating habits are a bit of a different story... I'm not exactly a greasy fast food person anymore, but frozen meals are a staple for me. I've been trying to keep it around 1800 to 2000 calories. Also, been doing it for three weeks but in fact have GAINED weight instead of losing.

Something's obviously wrong, and I think I need a jumpstart. Before I get told "Oh you should go to the doctor!" duh. Thanks. I TOTALLY didn't think of that. Problem is, my doctor's now out of the practice and I don't know where to go from here. I tried going to my health center and was given to the nurse practitioner who proceeded to tell me "Don't eat so much". Gee, thanks that's helpful. In my eyes telling someone who's overweight not to eat so much is kinda like telling someone who's anorexic to start eating. Sometimes it doesn't work that well.

Your diet has way too much salt in it. You are probably retaining water and the weight gain could be significant. Water weight gain can lead to high blood pressure. Try adding bananas to your diet. They contain potassium that helps your kidneys expel sodium.

How did you arrive at the 1800 to 2000 calories number. That is high for a women. As you should try to get into the 1200-1500 rang.

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

Your diet has way too much salt in it. You are probably retaining water and the weight gain could be significant. Water weight gain can lead to high blood pressure. Try adding bananas to your diet. They contain potassium that helps your kidneys expel sodium.

How did you arrive at the 1800 to 2000 calories number. That is high for a women. As you should try to get into the 1200-1500 rang.

The number was recommended to me, considering I already have to eat well over 3,000 a day to maintain. I lost 80 pounds before pregnancy by eating 1000 to 1200 calories a day for around 5 months, lost 2 pants sizes as well. Unfortunately when I went back to it after the pregnancy it gained me weight as well and I did the exact same things.

I understand about the sodium, but it's better for me than going to McDonald's or something... I barely have time to breathe much less pack lunches for both FH and I (He knows NOTHING about dieting and would happily eat pizza for the rest of his life if he could get away with it). Most of my DISing, I do at work.

 

[werty]

If you're asking about the taste of O'douls, why would I tell you how Bud tastes?

80% of the responses here DID NOT answer her question. How hard is it to control one's self and not respond to a thread if one doesn't have the information the OP is asking for?

Q: How is Nutrisystem?

A: You should exercise more and consume less calories.

The point I was trying to make was that if I told people I drink 4-5 beers a night, I would expect some commentary on the health effects of the same - liver damage and such. I think it was just unfortunate wording in that subsequent post. I don't think it's really relevant now that the OP has made her position clearer. I wish her the best of luck with her goals.

 

[LBelle]

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!

100% agree with this post!!!

A few of the most important things when wanting to lose weight, also meaning becoming healthier are:

Water, water and then some more water!!! AT LEAST 8-10, 8oz. glasses per day. It's hard to start but by the end of the first 2 weeks it becomes an unbreakable habit!! Try Crystal lite singles to add to your water bottles.

Eat every 2 and a half to 3 hours. SMALL, protein based meals. Your metabolism will be sluggish unless you do this. Very important to wake up, have an ICY glass of water with lemon juice sueezed in and a healthy breakfast. Try egg white omelets with a slice of flax toast and a serving of fruit. One of the best things you can eat is a mixture of fat free flavoured yogourt mixed with fat free cottage cheese. PERFECT snack!!!

LIFT WEIGHTS!!! Cardio will do only so much but the more muscle you build the more the calories youeat are used to sustain those muscles!!! I find this much more effective than ANY cardio routine although I do both. 6 days a week, rotate between upper and lower bodyweight workouts.

I could go on and on but I'm not all too sure how 'serious' the OP really wants to do things the proper, lasting way...so whatever!!!

 

[PrincessTiff]

I love it.

Because telling someone the way to lose weight is to eat less than you burn is an obvious statement? Like captain obvious flying in and smacking you in the forehead. It's not exactly wonder science.

I'm not sure how you expect people to take you seriously when you throw a fit when you don't get the answer you want.

 

[LBelle]

I love it.



I'm not sure how you expect people to take you seriously when you throw a fit when you don't get the answer you want.

Gee, I'm certainly surprised by her reactions!!!!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

Originally Posted by RayaniFoxmur View Post
Because telling someone the way to lose weight is to eat less than you burn is an obvious statement? Like captain obvious flying in and smacking you in the forehead. It's not exactly wonder science.

True.

Unfortunately weight loss is about .5% science and about 99.5% mental.

Nobody can really solve the mental portion for you, especially when you are stuck in the land of excuses like: I don't have time to pack a healthy lunch.

I'm not saying that to be mean, I'm just saying it as somebody who has lost and regained the same 20lbs over and over throughout her whole life.

The science part - easy.

The motivation part - sucks.

good luck.