Nutrisystem is one of the acclaimed weight loss programs that have been delivering diet meals to the dieters doorstep. It has been serving the weight loss industry for more than 45 years by helping the dieters lose weight in a healthy and safe manner. Nutrisystem ensures steady wegiht loss of 2kg per week if their dietary recommendations are followed properly. Nutrisystem has been the choice of many dieters because of the various conveniences that it offers, affordability and effectiveness of the program.
Nutrisystem offers various diet plans for dieters belonging to all age groups through the three standard plans namely basic, core and uniquely yours. Each plan offers features according to its level of conveninece. For example, the uniquely yours plan is priced slightly higher as it offers menu customization allowing to choose meals from 150 sumptuous options. The plans also provide free access to online tools and trackers and counseling from expert dietitians at any time. The meals are delivered in microwavable pouches for dieters’ conveienice which they can rehead in the oven during meal times and consume.
Features of Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem offers specialized plans for diabetics, seniors, vegetarians and women which help them lose weight in unique way. For example, Nutrisystem D, designed for diabetics helps diabetic dieters to lose weight as well as control their blood sugar levels. Nutrisystem, apart from providing diet foods encourages its dieters to add fresh groceries to their daily diet like fruits and vegetables. It also provides diet recipes through its sister portal called “Nutrisystem Leaf” which helps dieters to prepare their own diet meals at home. However, this is for your own trial as Nutrisystem plans do not require dieters cook meals at home.
The newest invention of Nutrisystem is Lean 13 program which assures weight loss of 13 pounds and 7 inches in the first month of subscribing to this program. In fact, Nutrisystem recommends Lean 13 has the kick starter program to all its dieters. After completing one month through Lean 13, dieters can shift to any of the standard plans of Nutrisystem.
The cost of Nutrisystem is very affordable when compared to other diet programs in the market. The cost per day of the highly priced plan comes to only $11.96 which is even slashed upon using discount coupons. There is no dissatisfaction about taste of foods also from the customers end. As the meal varieties goes above 150, the customers do not face any dearth of their favorites.
For all these conveniences, Nutrisystem is widely sought after by customers across the nation. South beach diet program can be the best alternative of Nutrisystem as it also helps dieters lose weight in a healthy and safe manner. South beach diet program was developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist and aims to offer weight loss by preventing heart ailments in the first place. He primarily developed this weight loss diet to help his patients to avoid heart related risks like strokes and attacks. He developed the food list based on the glycemic index to examine if the hunger pangs could be controlled by controlling the insulin levels. This not only leads to weight loss but also enhances the blood reactions in the body thus preventing risks of strokes and heart attacks. Thus the South beach diet program was developed which aims to offer weight loss by controlling the insulin and cholesterol levels in the body.
Phases of South beach diet
The program involves three phases in total. In the phase 1, the 
dieters are restricted from consuming carbs. As a result, the body turns to fat breaking mode to release energy for activities of the day. This is where the weight loss begins and it is slightly frustrating for the dieters as they experience drop in energy levels. This phase continues for about two weeks.
After successfully crossing the phase 1, slow introduction of carbs takes place where dieters are recommended to consume carbs like whole grains, fruits and potatoes. The weight loss will be maximum 2 lbs during this phase as the process slows down here. In the last phase, certain restrictions are withheld and you are asked to follow a normal lifestyle. However, you will still be asked to lower the intake of carbs. The dieters reaching this place will have good knowledge about the foods to eat and avoid.
When compared to Nutrisystem, South beach diet also helps in losing weight through practical steps and thus it stays popular in the market. Many followers of South beach diet program were able to develop good bonding with the foods they eat and enjoy a successful weight loss journey. When following this diet plan, the dieters are encouraged to prepare their own diet meals and follow some recipes which equip them to maintain the results for a longer time.
Criticisms explained
Though this diet plan faces a few criticisms on being a strictly low carb diet, Dr. Arthur Agatston says that the diet plan should be recognized as a healthy lifestyle breakthrough rather than a weight loss diet. Only the first phase is little hard to overcome, as the carbs are restricted. The body mainly gets the energy from carbohydrates and when it lacks carbs the energy levels drop down. This deficit will force the body to break fat storage for fuel and the weight loss begins at this state. They are discouraged from adding bad carbs to their diet like refined flour which loses its nutrients during the refining process. As the carbs supply is greatly reduced, the consumption of protein is on the higher side. However, protein foods that are fatty are not encouraged as they contain saturated fats which are not good to heart.
Alternately, dieters are recommended to include unsaturated foods like nuts, olive oil and fish to the diet. All these statements prove that South beach diet aims to only provide better food choices constituting right nutrients.
Other alternatives
Medifast is other alternative diet plan to Nutrisystem which propagates portion controlled diet. Like Nutrisystem, the diet plan is also low in carbohydrates and calories. Medifast delivers foods in solid forms as well as in powder form which has to be mixed in liquid and had. However, Medifast instructs its dieters to cook one lean and green meal week only once as part of the diet program which is not convenient to all dieters. Unlike Nutrisystem, in Medifast you will have to go on bland meals mostly and the price is also comparatively higher.
Jenny Craig provides only 70 meal options and most of them are vegetarian foods which are not suitable for vegans. This is because they also include dairy products. If you have any health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you will have to consult with your doctor before following this program
Conclusion
Considering the above facts, Nutrisystem is definitely dieters’ choice for all the conveniences it offers. It is the best program for dieters who are always on the go and do not find to cook their own meals at home. Therefore, Nutrisystem is the better choice for dieters who prefer convenience and a hassle free weight loss journey.