Nutrisystem: Should You Try This Diet?

What Is the Nutrisystem Diet?

The Nutrisystem diet is a portion-controlled eating plan centered on prepackaged foods delivered to your home. Some meals emphasize lean protein and carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains and non-starchy vegetables. The 2021 U.S. News and World Report Best Diets ranks Nutrisystem 20th in Best Diets Overall and gives it an overall score of 3.5/5.

The First 7 Days on Nutrisystem

The first week of the Nutrisystem diet is different than subsequent weeks. It calls for eating Nutrisystem pre-packaged products, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to a Nutrisystem shake and a Nutrisystem snack product. It also calls for four or more servings of non-starchy vegetables and at least 64 ounces of water or unsweetened tea.

There are many ways to follow the Nutrisystem diet after the first week, Here is one example of how the diet might look; Nutrisystem suggests six small meals a day.

What You Can Eat on Nutrisystem

After the initial week on Nutrisystem, some foods other than those purchased from Nutrisystem are allowed. Lean proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrate options are all foods that the Nutrisystem plan allows, in addition to their own packaged meals and snacks.

Pre-Packaged Meals and Snacks

Nutrisystem meals each provide around 200 calories. These include comfort-food selections such as:

• Double chocolate muffins
• Macaroni and cheese
• Grilled chicken sandwiches
• Pizza
• Nutrisystem meal bars

Nutrisystem Shakes

The system's shakes ("NutriCrush" or "Turbo Shakes") contain whey protein, flavoring, sweeteners, and herbal ingredients such as monk fruit. Shakes provide around 120 calories per serving (without milk).

Lean Proteins

Nutrisystem-approved proteins are called "PowerFuels." Each serving should provide 5 grams of protein and 80 to 120 calories. Subscribers are encouraged to consume three PowerFuels per day. The list includes:

• Meat
• Seafood
• Poultry
• Plant-based protein
• Low-fat dairy
• Nuts

Carbohydrates

Nutrisystem provides a list of "SmartCarbs"—low glycemic carbs that provide fiber. Each serving should provide at least 1 gram of fiber and 80 to 120 calories. Women are allowed one SmartCarb daily, and men are allotted two SmartCarbs daily. The approved list includes:

• Whole grains (oatmeal, whole wheat bread, whole-grain pasta)
• Beans and legumes (chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans)
• Fruit (banana, apple, orange)
• Starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, squash, carrots)
  

Fruits and Vegetables

Nutrisystem customers are strongly encouraged to consume at least four servings of non-starchy vegetables daily. You can also drink low-sodium vegetable juice as an alternative. Each serving is equivalent to 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw of approved veggies, which include:

• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Lettuce
• Green beans
• Cucumbers
• Asparagus
• Tomatoes

Fruit is also allowed on the Nutrisystem diet and is one of the "Smart Carb" options.

Condiments, Seasonings

Foods defined as "Extras" and "Free Foods" allow you to prepare, season, and flavor your food. Approved "Free Food" seasonings should provide no more than 10 calories per serving but are unlimited on the plan. Free condiments include:

• Mustard
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Salsa

Extras

"Extras" are condiments, cooking oils, and other foods that Nutrisystem subscribers can eat. They should only provide 10 to 35 calories per serving. A maximum of three Extras per day are allowed.

• Ketchup
• Honey
• Mayonnaise
• Avocado
• Sunflower oil

Beverages

The Nutrisystem diet emphasizes drinking plenty of water. There are a couple of other accepted drinks, including:

• Black coffee
• Unsweetened tea
• Herbal tea
• Seltzer

Alcohol

Alcohol is also allowed on Nutrisystem but in limited quantities. You can have two servings of alcohol per week. A serving is considered:

• 4 ounces of dry wine
• 12 ounces of light beer
• 1.5 ounces of liquor (80–90 proof)
  

What You Can't Eat on Nutrisystem

Any foods beyond what is listed as compliant and in the compliant amounts are not allowed on the Nutrisystem diet. Most foods are allowed as long as they are within compliant measurements, except non-Nutrisystem sweets.

Sweets and Desserts

• Candy
• Cookies
• Cake
• Chocolate
  

How to Prepare for Nutrisystem

The program's first week is designed to "reboot your body," and it is more restrictive than subsequent weeks. During this week, you only consume the brand's food and shakes. This weeklong program is designed for quick weight loss of fewer than 10 pounds and can be purchased without investing in a longer-term meal plan.

After the first week, Nutrisystem customers incorporate two flex meals during the week. These meals are prepared using the ingredients that you purchase. Grocery guides are provided so customers know which foods are compliant. Restaurant meals are allowed as flex meals. Nutrisystem's NuMi app offers specific guidance for which menu items to select and which to avoid when dining out.

There is no specific meal timing, and fasting is not required for the plan. There are no particular books to buy, but the NuMi app is strongly recommended.

Pros of the Nutrisystem Diet

Although nutrition experts do not recommend it, the Nutrisystem diet has some positive aspects. Convenience and space for variety top the list.

• Convenience: Proponents of the Nutrisystem plan find it easy to follow because foods are pre-portioned to keep calories low, promoting weight loss. Having meals delivered to your door is a convenience factor that some people find appealing.
• Variety: Flex meals, snacks, and supplementary foods can help to make the menu more varied. Easy-to-follow grocery lists help to simplify shopping for these extras.
• Balance: The plan provides between 1,200 to 1,500 calories per day, and many foods contain protein, carbohydrates, fat, and nutrients such as fiber. Customers are encouraged to consume at least four servings of veggies and one to two servings of fruit daily, and support is available for those who may find this challenging.
• Transition support: Nutrisystem offers a weight-maintenance plan once you've reached your goal weight. These plans include weekend meal plans or a combination of meals and snacks. Of course, there is an additional fee for these products.
• May induce weight loss: Many people have had weight-loss success on Nutrisystem because it is a low-calorie eating plan. The entrées and snacks may also help those who follow the program learn portion control. One study found that people who followed the Nutrisystem plan lost an average of 3.8% more weight over three months than a control group who received nutritional counseling and education.

Cons of the Nutrisystem Diet

Despite its convenience, nutrition experts do not recommend this diet. The Nutrisystem diet has both practical and health-related drawbacks.

• Cost: Like many commercial weight-loss plans, Nutrisystem won't fit into everyone's budget. The program can cost approximately $250 to $350 per month plus the cost of additional foods from the grocery store, such as vegetables, fruit, and dairy products.
• Unhealthy processed foods: The prepackaged food on the Nutrisystem diet is heavily processed. You'll find plenty of unfamiliar ingredients in the meals and snacks. And if you are concerned about GMOs, the company is transparent that its foods may contain them.
• May lead to metabolic syndrome: While no common health risks are associated with Nutrisystem, the plan focuses on many frozen and processed pre-made foods. Eating processed foods can be related to health conditions, including metabolic syndrome.
• May encourage unhealthy food choices: Some foods on the Nutrisystem menu, such as double chocolate muffins, frozen pizza bowls, and Snickerdoodle cookies, are high in calories, fat, sugar, and sodium in their traditional versions. This could make it harder for some people to choose nutritious, whole, or minimally processed foods over packaged foods once they end their subscription and resume a regular diet. Research shows that long-term consumption of processed foods is associated with chronic diseases.

Is Nutrisystem a Healthy Choice for You?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages for a healthy, balanced diet. The USDA also recommends limiting foods and drinks with higher amounts of added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium and limiting alcohol. The whole foods encouraged by the USDA include:

• Beans and legumes
• Fruits and vegetables
• Healthy fats
• Lean meats and low-fat dairy products
• Whole grains

In addition, consuming the right number of calories each day will help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. The USDA recommends consuming roughly 1,500 calories daily for weight loss, but this number varies based on age, gender, weight, and activity level. You can expect to consume 1,200 to 1,500 calories daily on Nutrisystem. Use this calculator to determine the right number of calories for you.

A Word From Verywell

If convenience and simplicity are important for you, the Nutrisystem diet may be an option since it doesn't require counting carbs or calories to see results. However, it's important to note that relying on any meal delivery service isn't a sustainable plan for most people.

Learning healthy meal preparation and developing a nutritious food plan and physical activity schedule is essential for both weight loss and weight management. And it's always a good idea to choose whole foods over processed foods whenever possible to maintain optimal health.

Remember, following a long- or short-term diet may not be necessary for you, and many diets out there simply don't work, especially long-term. While we do not endorse fad diet trends or unsustainable weight loss methods, we present the facts so you can make an informed decision that works best for your nutritional needs, genetic blueprint, budget, and goals.

If your goal is weight loss, remember that losing weight isn't necessarily the same as being your healthiest self, and there are many other ways to pursue health. Exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle factors also play a major role in your overall health. The best diet is always the one that is balanced and fits your lifestyle.