NutriSystem

[AngelAmy]

I know this is a cop-out lazy way to start eating better but I figure if it at least gets me started it'll keep me on a regimen to get used to making my own healthy meals.

I was thinking of using NutriSystem along with excersize. I was just wondering if anyone has actually tried it and how it worked out for them.

I am lazy and it's hard to keep me motivated so I am assuming this will be the best bet for me for a while.

[Bossanova]

I know this is a cop-out lazy way to start eating better but I figure if it at least gets me started it'll keep me on a regimen to get used to making my own healthy meals.

I was thinking of using NutriSystem along with excersize. I was just wondering if anyone has actually tried it and how it worked out for them.

I am lazy and it's hard to keep me motivated so I am assuming this will be the best bet for me for a while.

It worked for Dan Marino:thumbup:

Seriously, I can't see an issue with that. They have obviously be successful and it seems they give a great start to a diet plan. Add that to working out, it should be a good enough starter for you

[GonzoStyle]

yea I dont see an issue with it, I am not a big fan of any fad diets but they work for people. I guess the only issue might be costs, no clue what they charge. South Beach apparetnly works for some, I have no clue what its about but I heard its ok. Atkins is the main one I absolutely despise, avoid any diet that says you need to cut out any of the food groups, the weight loss will be temporary and your health will suffer.

[AngelAmy]

I haven't looked into the costs yet since I am not ready to get a whole bunch of food sent to me since I would have nowhere to store it but I'm sure it can't be more than I pay now. I eat out for every meal and it's getting expensive.

[Snacks]

I know this is a cop-out lazy way to start eating better but I figure if it at least gets me started it'll keep me on a regimen to get used to making my own healthy meals.

I was thinking of using NutriSystem along with excersize. I was just wondering if anyone has actually tried it and how it worked out for them.

I am lazy and it's hard to keep me motivated so I am assuming this will be the best bet for me for a while.

My sister in law weighed 135 lbs and wanted to lose some weight after her 2nd child. She bought nutri system, the whole month came in 1 shipment. She started eating the food the next day, by the 3rd day she threw it all in the garbage. I tasted the raviolis and the soup. I couldnt believe how awful it was.

Listen, all you have to do is buy low fat food you like. Thats all that nutri system is. They make all kinds of food as low fat as they can, but whoever is the chef should be shot.

Dont waste your money. Go your local store and go aisle by aisle and look at labels.

BTW my sister in law now weighs 102lbs and not from nutri sysyem or weight watchers. She did it simply by eating things she liked, lowered her fat intake and walking. All your paying for with nutri system and weight watchers is a cheerleader that hi fives you when you lose a lousy 1 1/2 in a week. If you want someone to lie to you that your doing great send me money I will do the same shit they do.

[GonzoStyle]

yea if youre eating out (Loff Loff) every meal then its probably worth it. I just got myself to the point mentally where food is just not important for me, I took any and all pleasure out of eating and made it a chore. All my friends complain and feel bad when we go out to eat cause I either get a salad or just don't eat and they say "just once have something". Its hard for anyone to understand who hasnt ever had an addiction I guess. Much like gambling, booze, drugs, etc. The problem is never the "once" its the avalanche afterwards, like an alcoholic who can't fathom how a person leaves a restaurant or bar and leaves half a glass of beer on the table, thats how I was when people would leave food on their plate or have just a small portion of something. How could you not want more? how could you not want that enjoyment of deliciousness in your mouth.

now I just have that problem with cocks.

I usually get by with about 30 bucks in groceries for the whole week, so thats a huge money saver too. More money for anti-itch creams and lollipops, for kids ya know?

[AngelAmy]

Yeah Uncle Gonzo, (is it weird that I am 24 and still calling you that? ha oh well) I hear you about the cocks, I am the same way.

Snacks brought some good points up though, I was thinking of using it just as a starter. I know myself, I am lazy and unmotivated. I know this is going to be a big life change for me. I am just trying to ease myself into it.

Its hard for me to go food shopping for myself because I still live at home and I really dont have any fridge or pantry space to call my own.

[GonzoStyle]

My sister in law weighed 135 lbs and wanted to lose some weight after her 2nd child. She bought nutri system, the whole month came in 1 shipment. She started eating the food the next day, by the 3rd day she threw it all in the garbage. I tasted the raviolis and the soup. I couldnt believe how awful it was.

Listen, all you have to do is buy low fat food you like. Thats all that nutri system is. They make all kinds of food as low fat as they can, but whoever is the chef should be shot.

Dont waste your money. Go your local store and go aisle by aisle and look at labels.

BTW my sister in law now weighs 102lbs and not from nutri sysyem or weight watchers. She did it simply by eating things she liked, lowered her fat intake and walking. All your paying for with nutri system and weight watchers is a cheerleader that hi fives you when you lose a lousy 1 1/2 in a week. If you want someone to lie to you that your doing great send me money I will do the same shit they do.

thats actually a very excellent point, the cheerleader aspect that is. Its been such a long journey for me, i tend to forget the start. Its soooo helpful to have a buddy in it with you, someone who is honest tho. Someone you know you gotta report to, at least once a week and will fuck you up if you havent lost weight. Its also a huge help as far as exercise, the first month I went alone and did ok but not pushing it. I started going with my cousin and my inner competitive desires kicked in, so if he did 20 minutes on the elliptical, I wanna do 25, if he lifted 120 pounds, i wanna lift 130 and so on. Eventually he bored the fuck outta me within 2 months but his impact was huge on me. He lost 2 pounds in a week, I wanted to lose 4, it was a tremendous motivator for me.

[GonzoStyle]

Yeah Uncle Gonzo, (is it weird that I am 24 and still calling you that? ha oh well) I hear you about the cocks, I am the same way.

Snacks brought some good points up though, I was thinking of using it just as a starter. I know myself, I am lazy and unmotivated. I know this is going to be a big life change for me. I am just trying to ease myself into it.

Its hard for me to go food shopping for myself because I still live at home and I really dont have any fridge or pantry space to call my own.

you are absolutely correct, most people know what to do, eat well, exercise and just burn off more calories than you intake. It's that initial push, the first 2 or 3 days are the worst, the first week itself is just terrible. Once it starts to become not just a "diet" but a routine and slowlyy just a way of life, thats when it becomes easier but it takes dedication, tons of will, a personal desire to wanna change (huge point), and finally just willing to sacrifice. But yeah whatever help you can get for that initial push, its vital. I went to a nutritionist who I basically paid 50 bucks a visit so she could yell at me once a week if I didnt lose weight. As far as planning diets, etc, its nothing I couldnt have found on the food pyramid or government websites, etc. So I would reccomend it for that initial run but I promise it gets easier both with eating and exercise. Now I cant wait to go to the gym cause it relaxes me, I feel accomplished, plus its a great way to blow off steam and meet chicks!

[grlNIN]

I tried it for like a week after my grandmother got it for free and didn't know what to do with it.

Did not like the taste of the food at all. I mean it wasn't even bearable but if it's something that you think might work or you can work it into your budget then i say go for it.

Everything is worth at least one shot.

[drusilla]

yea if youre eating out (Loff Loff) every meal then its probably worth it. I just got myself to the point mentally where food is just not important for me, I took any and all pleasure out of eating and made it a chore. All my friends complain and feel bad when we go out to eat cause I either get a salad or just don't eat and they say "just once have something". Its hard for anyone to understand who hasnt ever had an addiction I guess.

maybe it's cause we want you to have something in your stomach to help slow the absorption of all the alcohol??? MAYBE????

[grlNIN]

Stop it.

He is clearly full from all the lettuce shakes.

[drusilla]

i totally believe that after he's looped from two mai tai's

[zentraed]

Yeah Uncle Gonzo, (is it weird that I am 24 and still calling you that? ha oh well) I hear you about the cocks, I am the same way.

Snacks brought some good points up though, I was thinking of using it just as a starter. I know myself, I am lazy and unmotivated. I know this is going to be a big life change for me. I am just trying to ease myself into it.

Its hard for me to go food shopping for myself because I still live at home and I really dont have any fridge or pantry space to call my own.

I take credit for getting my Mom to shop healthier. It started in high school when I ultimately lost about 40 pounds, "Mom! I need fruit! Where are the vegetables? Are you serious? Hot dogs for dinner?"

You shouldn't need a lot of room for food though. Back to basics: Eggs (more whites than yolks), oatmeal, whole grain bread, plenty of veggies, your favorite meats, and fruits. Try to limit your processed food intake (too much sodium, too much fat). It's a time sacrifice, but that's what it takes. If you're gonna eat out, eat light (Subway or salads).

[GonzoStyle]

Stop it.

He is clearly full from all the lettuce shakes.

you're just jealous cause im the girliest of the two of you, anorexia is the way to go baby!

I do get drunk much quicker now tho, another benefit, saves me more $$$

[milliehatchett]

Amy, I know a woman who lost about 20 lbs with Nutrisystem...the only thing you have to be careful of is high sodium levels. I know you're just a baby of 24 and don't necessarily have to worry about that but high levels of sodium will make you retain water.

I understand about wanting to lose weight NOW...my unsolicited advice? Start with changing ONE thing (my first step was to switch to whole wheat pasta which goes against every grain of my Italian heart) at a time. One small change, then another adds up! Walking is great too!

[GonzoStyle]

Yea thats one of the major issues with any packaged foods, thats why I always stayed away from any type of microwavable dinners, even tho theyre low in calories they have way too much sodium. I also have issues with high blood pressure, so sodium is a no-no.

[AngelAmy]

I heard something about this nutrisystem type thing called chef's diet, it may be better

i still think getting started with a program like this will be easiest for me

Chef's Diet (http://www.chefsdiet.com/Index.aspx)

[grlNIN]

Well what about Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig?

Can't you buy food from them too or is it more expensive? They also have meetings that might help you see the program through.

[AngelAmy]

Well what about Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig?

Can't you buy food from them too or is it more expensive? They also have meetings that might help you see the program through.

jenny craig would be good too, i have co worker that was using that for a while and never complained about the food.

ill have to look at all of them and see what will be better financially for me.

the people talking about nutrisystem tasting not so good is steering me away from that.

ill have to look into the weight watchers thing to see if i can buy food from them because that would move to the top of my list if i can, my step sister lost an amazing amount of weight using weight watchers

[Thebazile78]

I heard something about this nutrisystem type thing called chef's diet, it may be better

i still think getting started with a program like this will be easiest for me

Chef's Diet (http://www.chefsdiet.com/Index.aspx)

Don't they use the Chef's Diet in Hollywood? I thought I saw it on one of the shows I zoned out to on Style Network.

(And if Matty makes any comments about me watching Style Network and not being trendy, I will punch him in the gut.)

[GonzoStyle]

Basically with weight watchers or any of these prepared food places, the food itself is not really "diet" food, it all deals with simple portion control. The main upside is just the fact that you dont have to prepare anything, except toss it in the microwave. Otherwise they just keep the portions small, thats really it.

[grlNIN]

I know it sucks to say because we all want to think we have this amazing willpower right at the get go but in reality it takes time and it is hard to resist eating habits you have physically and sometimes mentally become accustomed to.

I think the main downfall with Nutrisystem is that it doesn't taste well and because it doesn't taste well you will be reluctant to eat it and probably avoid using it altogether. Maybe that's just me but if i started a diet with specific food that tasted horrible i probably wouldn't follow through.

I think you would get more for your money with programs like JC or WW. They seem pretty affordable and even if you don't feel comfortable at first in front of a group you can do it online.

[GonzoStyle]

I know it sucks to say because we all want to think we have this amazing willpower right at the get go but in reality it takes time and it is hard to resist eating habits you have physically and sometimes mentally become accustomed to.

I think the main downfall with Nutrisystem is that it doesn't taste well and because it doesn't taste well you will be reluctant to eat it and probably avoid using it altogether. Maybe that's just me but if i started a diet with specific food that tasted horrible i probably wouldn't follow through.

I think you would get more for your money with programs like JC or WW. They seem pretty affordable and even if you don't feel comfortable at first in front of a group you can do it online.

I agree, I think the main aspect of any of these programs is the counseling. If you know that you will be weighed on a weekly basis, different factors and motivators will kick in and you will be more apt to not fall off your diet. It is really invaluable for at least the first month or so, until you get used to it.

[samechick]

I've been on nutrisystem for a few years now. Mostly out of laziness. I'm not so great when it comes to determining portion size on my own. >.<

I am a vegetarian, so I can only speak about the food in that plan. It's not so bad. I have spoken with people who have eaten the more meatier things they have to offer, and they all say it tastes processed. You can go to their website and check the nutritional info on everything they offer in regards to sodium content, calories, etc. Believe it or not they do use organic ingredients in a bunch of the food I get. The cost is about 270 a month if i remember correctly.

Other than the food though, I do an hour on the treadmill and a half hour on the bowflex everyday. I think that's what really makes the biggest difference and keeps me in shape.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck!

[GonzoStyle]

works out to about 70 bucks a week, not outrageous by any means. Do they offer any type of personal support system? If so, is it in person? I think thats the main benefit of these programs.

[samechick]

works out to about 70 bucks a week, not outrageous by any means. Do they offer any type of personal support system? If so, is it in person? I think thats the main benefit of these programs.

The price is very reasonable imo.

I am in the middle of nowhere in upstate New York, so there is no one I report into regarding my progress. They do have councelors available 24/7 though, either through an 800 number or through their website. Their forums also seem to have a very active community, who are all very supportive of one another. You create an account, plug in your weight so you can chart your progress, and every 10 pounds you lose they send you a little teddy bear with 10, 20, etc. depending on how much total you've lost. Cute and silly, but it's something.

It is difficult to start any diet and stick to it. This program has worked for me because even if I cheat a bit and have an extra meal here and there, it still never more than 270 calories added to my daily intake. Men get the added bonus of being allowed to have some sort of carb with their meal to help fill them up a bit more. The first few weeks, however, if you aren't used to eating smaller portions, you may find yourself going through more meals than you should. That's normal, they even throw in an extra week of food for free, probably to counterbalance that. After the first month your body and your mind are fine with the portion size.

[Old Fitzgerald]

I tried some of the food after my roommate gave up on it. I thought the food was shit but i am a bit of a food snob. What worked for me is finding some healthy foods that i really like and focusing on those, eating a lot of fresh high quality foods. The downside is that I'm spending almost double on food now,

[GonzoStyle]

well the main thing is that you actually have to wanna lose weight or diet. Over the years I had failed many diets because I did it for every reason under the sun, except for the one that would work, which was; "I wanna lose the weight, me and me only." Even then, its always hard and lifes easier if you have someone to help you through it.

As far as the taste of the food, the main thing I think in any diet is to get away from any pleasure involved with food and to just learn to deal with whatever is healthy or on the plan. I just get annoyed when people who ask me for advice on diet, keep on saying "ugh but I dont like how that tastes, id rather have a burger instead." Theres no gain without the sacrifice, get over it. People spend too much time planning meals, etc and food is constantly on the mind. I'm not saying make food an unpleasurable experience but then again that may be for the best, at least for me. The worst are the ones who will spend an hour at the gym and then have a pint of ice cream and wonder why they arent losing weight.

[RoseBlood]

I've always liked WW, as they give you the freedom to eat regular food and you can dine out. They do have food available at their centers and in the stores but as someone already mentioned they really aren't "diet", they are just portion controlled. The snacks they have available at the centers are kind of expensive but worth it if you're the type that needs the portion control, otherwise buy from the grocery story or wherever you shop. It's not for everyone but I liked them because they help you with choosing healthier, fiber rich, water rich, filling foods. They also incorporate exercise into the plan. In the beginning it may seem like a nusance keeping track of what you eat (flex plan) or boring (core plan) but after a while it becomes second nature that everything you learned and followed should stick with you, and help you keep from gaining weight back. I like it cause they dont restrict anyone type of food. If you're looking for preplanned prepared meals, this may not be for you, which imo, isn't the best long term route to go.

[samechick]

While being a bit of a food snob is not without it's merits, Gonzo is right about making food a non-event. Would I much rather have some homemade baked macaroni and cheese? You betcha. And once you have lost the weight you want, you can have a day of non dieting once a week or so without too much of a problem. And I think the nutrisystem is close to WW in that it isn't diet food per se, just the right sized portions. They also do a bit of a zone type thing where they have extra protein in their foods so you have a proper balance of fat, protein and carbs.

I was one of those comfort eaters. Feeling depressed? Let's have pasta! Celebrating? Let's have some more pasta! When I looked in the mirror and saw the effects of all that baked ziti and lasagna, I felt like crap and decided to do something about it. Eventually I was able to lose the first 40 pounds or so with just the diet in just about 6 or 7 months. The next 30 came off as a result of adding the bowflex and the treadmill into the mix. I'm kind of proud that I've been able to stick to it. I think because the results have been so drastic it really keeps me dedicated to the cause.

[Carter]

hey all,
i saw this thread while looking through the site and thought i'd chime in. I've been on nutrisystem for four weeks. And it is unbelievable. I've lost a ton of weight and actually look forward to eating the meals and exercising. I always tried the whole "buy low fat foods you like idea" and the problem is a ton of them are loaded with carbs, and on many occasions I would "slip up" and oh i dunno, eat a ton of Domino's Pizza thinking "oh well i'll just have a sandwich on wheat bread tomorrow" No dice. It took awhile to get used to the food, but it really isn't that bad.

The real benefit to using nutrisystem is having every single thing you eat planned out. If you can make it past the first three days, the time starts to fly by and you don't think about every meal, especially if you're working. DRINK LOADS OF WATER. Not drinking soda, even the diet kind, will help you shed even more weight in the beginning.

The hardest part is late at night. I used to eat dinner at 1 or 2am before going to bed, a surefire way to put on tons of weight. So fighting off the urge to eat something awesome like a patti melt is hard. But a shot of whiskey and/or a ton of water seems to work best.

As with anything, you've got to really want to stick to it and see the results, or it's worthless. I had half assed dieting and exercise for years but couldn't stick with it. This is working quite well.

If any of you are thinking of buying it and want tips on what food tastes best when you order feel free to PM me.

Best
C

[GonzoStyle]

While being a bit of a food snob is not without it's merits, Gonzo is right about making food a non-event. Would I much rather have some homemade baked macaroni and cheese? You betcha. And once you have lost the weight you want, you can have a day of non dieting once a week or so without too much of a problem. And I think the nutrisystem is close to WW in that it isn't diet food per se, just the right sized portions. They also do a bit of a zone type thing where they have extra protein in their foods so you have a proper balance of fat, protein and carbs.

I was one of those comfort eaters. Feeling depressed? Let's have pasta! Celebrating? Let's have some more pasta! When I looked in the mirror and saw the effects of all that baked ziti and lasagna, I felt like crap and decided to do something about it. Eventually I was able to lose the first 40 pounds or so with just the diet in just about 6 or 7 months. The next 30 came off as a result of adding the bowflex and the treadmill into the mix. I'm kind of proud that I've been able to stick to it. I think because the results have been so drastic it really keeps me dedicated to the cause.

I was in the same boat, no matter what was going on, food was my high and comfort. Get a healthy hobby or something else to get pleasure out of, for me working out eventually became the pleasure zone, then it was just feeling and looking better. Once the results start showing off more and more, you'll never wanna go back. Always keep pictures around and keep on taking new pictures all the time cause your mind can play tricks on you and you may see yourself one way if you look in the mirror but the camera never lies.