NutriSystem Diabetic Diet

The NutriSystem programs are among the most recognizable weight loss plans currently available and many dieters have reported success on their plans. NutriSystem D is their latest innovation that caters specifically to the unique needs of diabetics.

The program underwent clinical trials in 2008 and became available to the public in Spring 2009. Results of the trial showed that dieters lost 16 times more weight and lowered blood sugar five times more a than a standard hospital-based diet and education regime.

These results occurred after 12 weeks on the program where the average weight loss of participants was 18 pounds. In comparison dieters on the standard hospital program lost only one pound and some aspects of their biochemical health measurements actually worsened.

NutriSystem D Diet Basics

The NutriSystem D program offers diabetics a simple approach to weight loss that can also help to manage their diabetes.

The program consists of packaged meals that are ordered online or over the phone and delivered to your door. Dieters are provided with calorie controlled packaged meals for each day of the week.

The meal plan includes three meals, one snack and one dessert daily. Dieters can select either a packaged meal plan or can mix and match from the meals available to suit individual preferences.

The daily calorie intakes are approximately 1200 for women and 1500 for men. 25% of the daily calories come from protein, 20% from fat and 55% from carbohydrates.

Recommended Foods

NutriSystem advises dieters that they can add four cups of fresh fruits and vegetables as an addition to the daily meals provided.

Sample Diet Plan

Exercise Recommendations

Exercise is encouraged on the NutriSystem D program. A free exercise DVD is provided as part of your membership and it includes sample workouts as well as guidelines for creating your own fitness plan.

Costs and Expenses

The cost is $299.95 for the 28 day program if you sign up for automatic delivery each month. This equates to approximately $10.70 per day. There is also a special currently running where you will get 2 weeks of free food for joining the automatic delivery program.

The cost of the program includes three meals and dessert daily. Snacks will involve an additional expense and are selected from common grocery items such as yogurt, cheese and fruit.

Nutrisystem have a current offer of two weeks free food (with an online order)

Pros

• This program has been demonstrated in scientific studies to help those with type 2 diabetes to lose weight, reduce their blood sugar, cholesterol levels and glycated hemoglobin levels.
• Studies have shown that 25% of diabetics were able to reduce their diabetes medication on this diet.
• Meals are based on low glycemic carbohydrates and include omega 3 fats.
• Convenient and very easy to follow.
• Large variety of meal choices.
• Does not require calorie counting or measuring.
• Includes telephone access to registered dietitians.
• Includes a money back guarantee if not satisfied.
• Exercise is encouraged and a free exercise DVD is included.

Cons

• Does not teach dieters how to prepare healthy meals.
• Risk of rebound weight gain when dieters no longer rely on delivered meals.
• Meals do not include fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Portions are small and may not be satisfying.
• May be too low in calories especially for those with a physically active lifestyle.
• Some people have reported that they don’t like the taste and texture of the food.

Conclusions

The convenience and portion control of meal delivery diets makes it simple for dieters to reduce their calorie intake. The NutriSystem D plan has the added advantage of being demonstrated to improve the health of diabetics so it can alleviate the concern of dieters who are also managing diabetes.

If dieters do not include the suggested extra fruit and vegetables this plan will be lacking in vitamins, minerals and other protective health components that are not available in packaged foods. It is also common for most dieters to regain weight when they no longer rely on meal delivery plans due to a lack of nutritional knowledge.

The major draw card for NutriSystem D is that it has been clinically evaluated and proven to be successful for diabetics, not only in regard to losing weight but also for improving other health parameters in diabetics.