NutriSystem

empresscat · 08-28-2006, 03:57 PM

I am currently dieting using NutriSystem. It seems well-balanced, though I add a bit more food (mostly protein) than recommended. (shooting for 1600-1800 cals instead of the recommended 1500.)

Is anyone else here doing NutriSystem?
Any thoughts on its compatibility with weight training and bodybuilding?

(Note: my goal is "buff" along the lines of some of the more muscular fitness and figure models, rather than bodybuilder per se...)

Smelly_Pits · 08-28-2006, 04:13 PM

Nutrisystem is fine. The only draw back is that since you are given your meals you are not learning how to eat healthy for yourself. Which is fine if you know how to eat healthy but dont have time or the will power to cook that way for yourself. But in the long run you should learn it or you will gain it back.

As far as working out. Their shouldnt be a problem with it interfearing. Upping the protein like you are might be a good idea if you are working out hard.

empresscat · 08-29-2006, 09:34 AM

Well, actually, it's given me a better idea about portion sizes than I had before. Not only seeing the pre-packaged meals, but because of the items they have you add. I now know exactly what 1-oz of (fat-free) cheese looks like, or 2-oz of tuna or 1/2 cup of kidney beans...

I know how to cook healthy, that's not a problem. But time is definitely a factor.

cotterpin · 08-29-2006, 12:35 PM

I wouldn't trust anything they call a full meal that has a shelf life of 6-18 months. Smart ones and lean cuisines are portion controlled too, but I wouldn't rely on those either.

And if these are still your current stats here: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpo...1&postcount=65

then you aren't eating enough at 1500-1800 cals

I wouldn't rely too heavily on those, learning portion control is one thing, but you need to get used to living a different lifestyle, one that incorporates a bit of food preparation and planning ahead (unless you're planning to live on nutrisystem meals forever).

I agree with upping the protein as well, how are you doing this so far? Protein shakes? Another 2oz of chicken breast (etc etc)????

I would start incorporating less and less of the Nutrisystem meals and more home cooked food as time goes on.

empresscat · 08-29-2006, 01:33 PM

Thanks, cotterpin

I do see this as a temporary measure.

It's a vast improvement over the habit I started when I was visiting my mom in the hospital every day of stopping for fast food, and doing a lot of emotional eating.

I love to cook, and do when I have time. I prepare meals on the weekends and have them portioned out during the week. I'm a former chef, so really, cooking is not a problem - most of the time. But a lot of that weekend time is now blown away because I'm training for a 60 mile walk in two months.

When I'm walking a long distance, I add an extra snack if an organic protein bar with oats and a piece of fruit, plus I add an extra meal or two (8 oz of chicken or lean beef or fish, beans or brown rice, nuts or oilve oil, and a salad or a cup or two of veggies) I may also ass a protein shake on those days, usually micellar, before bed ... in fact, on long walk days, I eat an additional 1000-1200 cals.

When I work out for more than an hour, I make sure I add about 400-500 cals, though that often is a post-workout shake (fruit, yogurt, whey)

The extra protein I add is usually chicken or tuna more like 4-6oz.

Of course, this is in addition to the addition of fresh fruit and cottage cheese or yogurt or turkey bacon or soy sausage (or something) at breakfast, the 2-oz of protein (usually chicken or tuna) and large salad (about 3 cups of greens and other veggies) at lunch, the fresh fruit and protein or dairy as a snack, and the fibrous carbs (usually about 2 cups) and good fat at dinner.

The walk will be finished in October. And then I will no longer be spending obscene amounts of time walking to train, and I will start to shift away from the NutriSystem meals. (And shift to doing 2 days of cardio and 3 days full-body with weights)

kycat2007 · 08-29-2006, 01:46 PM

I agree that the powders and mixes are probably not the way for smart sustained loss. I think if you set your mind to it you can watch your food intake and make the best choices and achieve the clean calorie intake you desire for your wweight loss.

Just read these post and find the good foods to eat. Things like eggs, oatmeal, water, almonds, spinach, grilled chicken, grilled salmon, vegies, and anything that man has not put his hands on to make it taste better. If you watch your portion sizes you will be better off with real foods in the long run and maybe supp. with whey.

Crissy · 08-29-2006, 01:49 PM

I really liked the nutrisystems for traveling. I travel 2-3 weeks a month and always carry some of their stuff just becuase it may be the healthiest thing I'll be able to find... not to mention I am addicted to their taco things.

empresscat · 08-29-2006, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crissy

I really liked the nutrisystems for traveling. I travel 2-3 weeks a month and always carry some of their stuff just becuase it may be the healthiest thing I'll be able to find... not to mention I am addicted to their taco things.

I think I will end up ordering a few of their items to have on hand for those days when I need to just grab something, or when travelling. Two more months on the full plan, but then going as clean as I can. But, as I've said before - I don't have any problem cooking. As a former chef, I enjoy it.

Oh, and one of my reasons for doing NutriSystem is to support my sister. She was just over 300 lbs when we started, and she *doesn't* like to cook, and really needs something very structured in order to do well. Just her personality. Plus, we live together and share our groceries.

I also think that as I taper off, I can start instilling in her some more healthy habits. Might even convince her plain unsweetened yogurt is not disgusting.

Crissy · 08-29-2006, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by empresscat

I think I will end up ordering a few of their items to have on hand for those days when I need to just grab something, or when travelling. Two more months on the full plan, but then going as clean as I can. But, as I've said before - I don't have any problem cooking. As a former chef, I enjoy it.

Oh, and one of my reasons for doing NutriSystem is to support my sister. She was just over 300 lbs when we started, and she *doesn't* like to cook, and really needs something very structured in order to do well. Just her personality. Plus, we live together and share our groceries.

I also think that as I taper off, I can start instilling in her some more healthy habits. Might even convince her plain unsweetened yogurt is not disgusting.

I think the plan is really good for people who want to NOT diet but actually change their eating habits. I actually really enjoy their food I am craving one of those little fudge browine things as well mmmmmm.

empresscat · 08-29-2006, 03:09 PM

Oh, yeah - and here are some recipies I've posted, to give you an idea of what I cook when I get a chance:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...=540860&page=3

BF2002 · 10-12-2007, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crissy

I think the plan is really good for people who want to NOT diet but actually change their eating habits. I actually really enjoy their food I am craving one of those little fudge browine things as well mmmmmm.

Crissy,

My job has me travelling heavily, much like you. I am on the road 5 days/week.

I was wondering if you could tell me about your "road warrior" experience with NutriSystem:
1. Does airport security give you much hassle with it as carry-on? or as checked baggage? What works best in getting it thru hassle free?

2. How are the sodium levels for the meals? I eat Smart Ones and Healthy Choice on the road sometimes, but they have high sodium levels at times.

Thanks for the assistance.

BF2002

BF2002 · 10-12-2007, 11:15 AM

empresscat,

The NS meals sound like they could be a "dry" alternative to microwave freezer meals.

How are the sodium levels?

How many meals do you buy in their packages? How long is the shelf-life for the meals?

Thanks.

zangetsu · 10-12-2007, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BF2002

empresscat,

The NS meals sound like they could be a "dry" alternative to microwave freezer meals.

How are the sodium levels?

How many meals do you buy in their packages? How long is the shelf-life for the meals?

Thanks.

gag reflex

Nurtisystem is terrible, I hope they go broke and lose all their business and their company crashes.

They send you food for the whole month, I dont know how thats possible but it must be more than sodium in there. Chicken? for the next month?

Theyre stuff tastes like total crap, come on guys you know it does....

It just really sucks and I hope anyone in his right mind would never try "nutrisystem." Just the thought of it makes me disgusted and thats not exaggerating. (tried it for a day)

BF2002 · 10-16-2007, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zangetsu

gag reflex

Nurtisystem is terrible, I hope they go broke and lose all their business and their company crashes.

They send you food for the whole month, I dont know how thats possible but it must be more than sodium in there. Chicken? for the next month?

Theyre stuff tastes like total crap, come on guys you know it does....

It just really sucks and I hope anyone in his right mind would never try "nutrisystem." Just the thought of it makes me disgusted and thats not exaggerating. (tried it for a day)

Are you saying the meals are chock full of sodium?

What did you do with the rest of the month's food? I've noticed a lot of people are selling up to 3 months worth of their food on EBay. I avoided buying from them...too many risks in my mind in buying possibly spoiled food from a 3rd party.

mblake8 · 10-16-2007, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zangetsu

gag reflex

Nurtisystem is terrible, I hope they go broke and lose all their business and their company crashes.

They send you food for the whole month, I dont know how thats possible but it must be more than sodium in there. Chicken? for the next month?

Theyre stuff tastes like total crap, come on guys you know it does....

It just really sucks and I hope anyone in his right mind would never try "nutrisystem." Just the thought of it makes me disgusted and thats not exaggerating. (tried it for a day)

i totally agree about the way the food tastes... Its horrible. Try something else and save ur money.

Adina · 10-16-2007, 07:19 PM

I used NutriSystem. Lost 50 of my 121 pounds with it!

zangetsu · 10-16-2007, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BF2002

Are you saying the meals are chock full of sodium?

What did you do with the rest of the month's food? I've noticed a lot of people are selling up to 3 months worth of their food on EBay. I avoided buying from them...too many risks in my mind in buying possibly spoiled food from a 3rd party.

Luckily it was my room-mate who made the nutrisystem order, all I did was try it with him for a day and we both came to the conclusion that this was probably the nastiest food that we ever tried.

Anyways, I cant imagine food in mt cabinet, not even in the fridge for the next month, you know what I mean?

How can they send you something like chicken, to be stored for a whole month (not even in the freezer), just lying there in your cabinet or whatever, am I supposed to eat this by the end of the month? Is it some kind of plastic food.

Like mblake8 says, it is really nasty. Not only that, when you get it they tell you that you will also go and buy veges and fruits and stuff.

Nutrisystem is basically for lazy people (no offense) that would rather eat nasty food, than eat healthy and make good clean food for the day.

That stuff is terrible

edit: I really hate it with a burning passion