NutriSystem Flex Review

NutriSystem Flex is the most flexible and affordable program available from the well-known meal delivery provider, NutriSystem. The NutriSystem programs are among the most recognizable weight loss plans currently available and many people have reported success on their programs.

On the other programs provided by NutriSystem, dieters are provided with calorie controlled packaged meals for each day of the week. On the ‘Flex’ program dieters will receive meals for five days of the week and are allowed to prepare their own healthy meals and snacks for two days each week.

NutriSystem Diet Basics

The NutriSystem Flex program consists of pre-packaged “heat and eat” meals that are ordered online via their website or over the phone. The program includes three meals and two snacks 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.

You can choose any two days in the week to be your flex days. For convenience many dieters choose the weekend because this makes it easier to eat out or socialize. Most people also have more time available for food preparation on the weekends and may find it more convenient to eat the packaged meals during the working week.

However, the flex days can be any day you prefer and do not have to be two days in a row. You could choose Wednesday and Saturday for your flex days for example.

Dieters are provided with a meal planner and guidelines of what to eat for the flex days. The meal planner also includes a section to help you make healthy choices in restaurants.

Recommended Foods

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

Sample Diet Plan

Breakfast Blueberry muffin

Lunch Chicken salad One small wholegrain bread roll

Afternoon Snack Light yogurt with fresh blueberries

Dinner Lasagna

Evening Snack Double chocolate almond cookie

Find some low Calorie “Flex Day” recipes here.

Exercise Recommendations

There are no specific exercise recommendations for this program.

Costs and Expenses

The women’s program is $200 a month or $7 a day, and the men’s program is $230 a month or $8 a day.

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

Pros

• Convenient and easy to follow.
• Calorie and portion control are proven to be effective for weight loss.
• Many dieters have successfully lost weight with the NutriSystem programs.
• Meals are balanced and do not eliminate entire food groups.
• More flexible than their other plans.
• Includes diabetic and vegetarian options.
• Meals contain omega 3 fats.
• Gives dieters the opportunity to learn how to make healthy food choices on flex days.
• May be helpful to jump-start a weight loss program.
• Calorie variations on the flex days means that the body doesn’t adjust to continual low calories by reducing metabolism.

Cons

• Lacks specific guidelines for exercise.
• Is not a long-term solution for healthy weight management.
• Prepackaged foods are high in sodium.
• Meals do not include fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Some dieters may have difficulty limiting their calorie intake when they no longer rely on the delivered meals.
• May be too low in calories especially for those with a physically active lifestyle.
• Portions are small and may not be satisfying.
• 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 plans makes it simple for dieters to reduce their calorie intake. However it is common for dieters to regain weight when they are no longer able to rely on the calorie controlled meals in order to control their dietary intake.

In addition 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.

However what sets the NutriSystem flex plan apart from other similar weight loss plans is that the flex days give dieters the opportunity to learn how to select and prepare healthy meals. This may increase the chances of successfully maintaining weight loss when the meal delivery plan is concluded.

Update 12/2009: NutriSystem Flex is no longer available but they have several other good options to choose from.