I've lost 65 pounds!

[EJC]

Just wanted to share my success using Nutrisystem. I’ve been on the program since mid-April. I have lost this same weight twice before--once on Weight Watchers and once on Richard Simmons’ Deal-a-Meal. This time around I couldn’t get motivated, so, in desperation, I ordered four weeks with a fifth week free from Nutrisystem online. If you sign up for auto-ship, the cost if $288. for four weeks. Beyond that, you have to buy bread, cheese, yogurt, milk, veggies, salad, fruit, salad dressing, etc. at the grocery store. For me, that averaged an additional $25-$30/week. So…your total is basically $100/week. You eat five times a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and evening snack or dessert. All of the items are high protein, with soy boosting the protein in many items--even pancakes. Because of the high protein and because you eat five times a day, after the first few days, hunger is not an issue. How’s the food? Some of it is nasty: breakfast muffins with a terrible chemical taste, gross oatmeal, and Peptide lunch bars that are like coated wax. Some of it has a nasty texture: gritty soy pretzels and some soupy/slimy dinner entrees. However, many of the entrees actually taste rather good. The salt content seems high, so that might present a problem for you. I’m tired of some items; I don’t think I could force myself to gag down another soy chip snack item. Convenience is a plus. Dinner entrees typically only require 90 seconds microwave time. Variety is another plus. You won’t be eating the same thing day after day. Women get 1200 calories a day, men 1500--the difference being men add three carb/bread items a day. If you are interested in the program, check out the reviews on epinions.com first. The reviews range from super negative to super positive. I purchased the first four weeks (with a fifth week free) from Nutrisystem using autoship. Before the month was up, I canceled any future autoship shipments and bought the rest on eBay for half the price. There were some great eBay bargains on four-week Nutrisystem packages for a while. Just remember that any four-week package for less than $288. delivered is cheaper than Nutrisystem direct. Would I recommend the program? If nothing else has worked, then yes, definitely. Keep in mind that if you order a month supply from Nutrisystem, many epinion.com posters had little luck getting a refund when they found they didn’t like the food. Why do I think the program worked for me? It’s low-glycemic and high protein, AND, since I paid what for me was big bucks for the program, it was like bribing myself to stick to the program.

 

[copper]

SWEET!!! oops maybe congrats would be a better term. Keep up the good work.

 

[JudyH]

Great news! I always wondered what the food really tasted like. Now, just keep away from any food made with a white ingredient.

 

[sammy]

Wow! Congratulations! I've heard of many who had success with this; I'm happy for you, you are now one of them!

 

[Jestjoan]

WTG, congrats on your major accomplishment.

 

[Pat H]

I tried it but I thought the food was awful. Good for you. I have 4 weeks of food that hasn't been touched. If you might be interested in it, PM me.

 

[EJC]

Thank you for the congratulations! Pat H--I still have two months of food on hand. I don't even need that much, really, as I only have 8 more pounds to lose. Don't know if you've ever sold anything on eBay, but you could try to sell the 4-week supply there. The 4-week supplies I purchased on eBay were Buy-It-Now, and, including shipping, the cost was $150. to $165. for each 4-week supply. I bet you could also put a classified ad in your local paper and dispose of it that way. I got the impression shipping was appx. $30. or so on 4-weeks of the food. Thanks for the offer, though. BTW, I agree some of the items are awful. However, I found many of the items to be good enough--especially for diet food and especially for a total cook time of 90 seconds. Keep in mind I was desperate to lose the weight. I do know others that tried the food and couldn't force themselves to continue the program. You're not alone. I'm just thankful it worked for me.

 

[Patri]

So EJC, when you have lost the last pounds, what will you do? How will you maintain the loss? I sure hope you can!!!
Will you switch to 5 small meals of regular food? Keep on top of everything the first couple weeks, so the pounds don't slip back on. We like the new thin you!

 

[donnaval]

Congratulations EJC! What a terrific accomplishment.

 

[EJC]

Patri--I honestly don't know how I am going to keep the weight off after I reach my weight loss goal. Lately I tried substituting a South Beach snack bar for lunch when I am on the go. They SEEM similar to Nutrisystem lunch bars and Slimfast High-Protein meal replacement bars. However, I think I must be allergic to them because after a few days of those bars for lunch, my lips sort of swell up, feel numb, and become extremely chapped. Breakfast will be no problem because I can substitute Kashi Go Lean cereal (it's high protein). The afternoon snack is simply a protein/dairy plus a fruit, so I'll continue to have light yogurt and an apple. High protein, low-calorie lunches, dinners, and evening snacks will be the problem. Nutrisystem lunch entrees average 150 calories, dinner entrees average 242 calories, and evening snacks/desserts average 102 calories. Trying to come up with high-protein alternatives to Nutrisystem foods but staying close to those low calorie amounts will be a challenge.

 

[Gadabout]

Good job! Too bad they don't let you pick and choose which entrees/snacks you want to buy to make up your meal packages, as long as the calories balance out.

One thing you might want to try is to buy Budget Gourmets when they're on sale and maybe splitting those entrees in half, if you don't mind eating the same entree twice....

 

[EJC]

Gadabout--Thanks for the suggestion. I'll have to check the nutritional label on some Budget Gourmet entrees for calories and grams of protein. It would make the transition from Nutrisystem to real food easier if I could use Budget Gourmet or Lean Cuisine or something like that before actual cooking becomes necessary.

 

[Gadabout]

Patri--I honestly don't know how I am going to keep the weight off after I reach my weight loss goal. Lately I tried substituting a South Beach snack bar for lunch when I am on the go. They SEEM similar to Nutrisystem lunch bars and Slimfast High-Protein meal replacement bars. However, I think I must be allergic to them because after a few days of those bars for lunch, my lips sort of swell up, feel numb, and become extremely chapped. Breakfast will be no problem because I can substitute Kashi Go Lean cereal (it's high protein). The afternoon snack is simply a protein/dairy plus a fruit, so I'll continue to have light yogurt and an apple. High protein, low-calorie lunches, dinners, and evening snacks will be the problem. Nutrisystem lunch entrees average 150 calories, dinner entrees average 242 calories, and evening snacks/desserts average 102 calories. Trying to come up with high-protein alternatives to Nutrisystem foods but staying close to those low calorie amounts will be a challenge.

If you have an REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) store nearby, you can ask when their next event is where they have samples of meal replacement bars, and see if you find something you like there (and then see if you can buy in bulk through them or elsewhere). Also, whenever there is a coupon in the paper, or they're on sale/BOGO, I will get the different bars just to try them out. I like the Met-RX Protein Plus bars (chocolate-chocolate chunk) that have the consistency of the old Tiger Milk bars--very, very chewy, so you don't finish them too quickly. I tried a Zone bar the other day--it was okay, but I didn't care for the chewy "Grape Nuts" texture.

What I have also found that works for me is to have the highest calorie item I'm going to eat that day (I like chocolate croissants) in the morning, since I figure that gives me the rest of the day to burn it off. Everything else is in the realm of 200 calories or so every couple of hours, usually finishing up with a fruit smoothie with some ground up flaxseed for the last meal. I also try not to eat past 5-6 pm, and that seems to make a real difference, although it doesn't agree with the way the rest of the family eats, which is late dinner and snacking 'way into the evening . But you need to do what works for you--it's your body.

 

[bigeyes1]

I've been trying to decide on whether I should try the Nutrisystem or not. The thing I'm worried about is I am an extremely picky eater. What kind of food do they have available? Do they let you pick what items you want for your meals? Finally.... Is it really that bad tasting?


TIA~

 

[Luanne]

I've been trying to decide on whether I should try the Nutrisystem or not.

Okay, I have to put my two cents in. (Okay, I don't have to, but I will anyway.) Any program you follow in order to lose weight has to be something you will stick with, or you will gain the weight back. I hear EJC expressing concern with keeping the weight off. So, that is just my word of caution. This is coming from a very happy Weight Watcher follower with 60 pounds off for 4+ years now.

 

[EJC]

Gadabout--Thanks for the meal replacement bar recommendations. I printed your REI paragraph. I'll have to look for Met-RX Protein Plus bars.

 

[EJC]

bigeyes1--Part of my breakfast today was Nutrisystem banana muffins. They don't have an expiration date, but they do have a strong artificial/chemical taste. Along with the muffins, I had a slice of whole wheat toast with an ounce of string cheese melted on top, an orange, and coffee. The lunch entree was Nutrisystem bean and ham soup. It tasted good, but it was kind of slimy. Along with the lunch entree, I am supposed to have a dairy or protein serving, salad veggies with fat-free dressing, and one low GI carb serving. I always just have the lunch entree or a meal replacement bar. The afternoon snack was Lite Yogurt and an apple. Dinner was Nutrisystem macaroni with beef. It was dehydrated and in a paper cup. To prepare, I filled the cup with boiling water and let it sit for 9 minutes (the dehydrated lunch/dinner entrees have to sit for 8 or 9 minutes). I can't say the mac and beef was good, but is was edible. Along with the dinner entree, I had half a one-pound bag of frozen veggies (like California mix, and yes, I did cook them in the microwave), a generous third of a 1-pound bag of shredded cabbage and carrots with diet dressing, and a slice of whole wheat garlic bread (zapped in the microwave). The evening snack was a Nutrisystem caramel dessert bar (don't get your hopes up--it is based on soy nuggets). Your day would be typical, minus the one low GI carb guys get with each meal. I would recommend Nutrisystem if you've tried and failed all the other popular diets. If you are an extremely picky eater, I can't imagine your being happy with Nutrisystem. You get variety with Nutrisystem, but not quality, gourmet food and not large or even medium portions. In theory you get to choose the food you want. The reality is that with your shipment they enclose a disclaimer saying they reserve the right to substitute blah, blah, blah. I resented Peptide lunch bars (think wax) and Peptide lunch drinks. If I had wanted a powdered diet lunch drink, I would have bought Slimfast! I've been eating some of the Peptide lunch bars, but I tossed the Peptide lunch drinks. Is it really that bad tasting? For me, the taste, for the most part, is o.k.--not terrific, but edible. What I find more objectionable is the texture (think slimy) and the consistency (think soupy) of many of the dinner items. If you're a picky eater, there is no way you should risk ordering a 4-week supply of Nutrisystem food. Go on eBay and search for Nutrisystem. Find someone selling one or two weeks of food. Remember there are four Nutrisystem items a day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snack/dessert.

 

[EJC]

Luanne--You are 100% correct. As I mentioned in my original post, I've lost all of this weight and more, originally on Weight Watchers and then on Richard Simmons' Deal-a-Meal. Each time I gradually returned to my old eating habits. Each time it took about 5 years or so to gain all of the weight back. Let me share my favorite Weight Watchers meeting story. In response to a question, the counselor was explaining how many Hersheys kisses would be an ounce. From the back of the room, one woman meakly but seriously asked, "Is that with or without the foil?" THAT shows you how desperate we dieters can get! Congratulations on maintaining your weight loss. Good for you! However, the majority of dieters don't experience your continued success. We overeat for a myriad of reasons, none of which is hunger. If it was easy to maintain weight loss, we wouldn't have the prolific diet industry we do, and I wouldn't be gagging on Nutrisystem oatmeal or Nutrisystem soy chips. You're the one who deserves congratulations here. You've lost the weight and MAINTAINED your weight loss. I've just lost the weight. Once I reach goal, I do intend to modify the Nutrisystem plan by substituting non-Nutrisystem high protein/low-calorie foods. Whether or not I succeed in that endeavor remains to be seen.

 

[Luanne]

Best of luck to you EJC. Losing is "easy", the maintaining is much more challenging. It's taken me several attempts to realize this.

 

[Rose Pink]

Just wanted to share my success using Nutrisystem. I’ve been on the program since mid-April. I have lost this same weight twice before--once on Weight Watchers and once on Richard Simmons’ Deal-a-Meal.

It seems that you do well with a structured approach. Perhaps incorporating structure into your maintenance plan would help you successfully keep your weight at the level you desire. I've found www.sparkpeople.com provides great support. Research has shown that people who journal (food diary) are more successful than those who don't. It is very easy to do this on spark people. And the site is free. You can set any types of goals you want--not just eating and exercising. You could set a goal to read more books or learn a new language for example (or buy more timeshares). There is also a plethora of support groups at SP although I find some of the posts rather bizarre--and some are downright inaccurate. Still, they have a credible support staff including an RD (registered dietitian). They will provide menus and recipes for you if you desire.

I think you already know the physics of weight gain, loss, maintenance. What you may be unaware of is the "why" of what you choose to eat. Are you an emotional eater? Do you eat out of boredom? Etc. Spark People can help you figure this out and give you strategies to cope with your eating style. Tracking what you eat every day helps you see just what your trouble spots are. It is a real eye opener. Most of us eat far, far more calories than we think we do. (Trust me, I've conducted hundreds of diet histories over the years.) You will be less apt to put that chocolate donut or twinkie or whatever in your mouth if you have to be accountable for the calories.

What I think is even more important is making sure I eat what I should eat not just avoiding what I shouldn't eat. For example, making sure I get enough fruits and vegies each day. I track saturated fat intake, sodium and fiber intake among other things--not just calories. SP lets you customize just what you want to track.

If you can't tell, I really like this site and I learned about it from a Tugger!

Another resource you might find useful is the book by Dr. Laura Pawlak Stop Gaining Weight. She discusses at length the brain chemistry of why we eat and what we can do about it. Fascinating read.

Best of luck to you but remember, it isn't luck. It's lifestyle. You know what to do. You just need to figure out the whys and hows that work for you. I believe in you.

 

[shagnut]

Congratulations!! I also worry about going back on real food. I went to the Dr and he put me on the south beach diet. The first phase made my blood sugar drop too low, so I modified it to include one starch per meal and added fruit as a snack. I knew that would slow me down but I could live with it. I weighed in today and have lost 10lbs. I was a little disappointed after 3 weeks, (thought I"d loose more) but it's a start. shaggy

 

[bobcat]

diet

Congratulations!! I also worry about going back on real food. I went to the Dr and he put me on the south beach diet. The first phase made my blood sugar drop too low, so I modified it to include one starch per meal and added fruit as a snack. I knew that would slow me down but I could live with it. I weighed in today and have lost 10lbs. I was a little disappointed after 3 weeks, (thought I"d loose more) but it's a start. shaggy

What you need to know is once the weight is lost, you need to have a change of life stile in your eating. If you do not, all that weight will come back. Great job.

 

[EJC]

Shagnut--10 pounds in 3 weeks is very good! I've always heard two pounds a week is the best weight loss rate. On Nutrisystems my average has been around 3 pounds a week. I'd say you're doing great! If I were you, I'd set a realistic weight loss goal of two pounds a week. Then, anything over that will be a bonus. Whatever you are doing, it is working!

 

[EJC]

Rose Pink--Thanks for the site and book suggestions. I'll look into both. In the past, Richard Simmons' "Meal Mover" device (when I actually used it!) has been great for keeping track of what I've eaten. The bottom line is I need to care enough or have enough motivation or whatever you want to call it to bother using the devise, and then, when I've closed all the "windows" in the Food Mover for the day, care enough not to binge on canisters of licorice, half-gallons of Blue Bunny Premium ice cream, or 14 oz. bags of Nacho flavored Dorito chips. I'm not saying I'd eat the entire canister, half-gallon, or 14 oz. bag in one evening, but I'd certainly make a valiant attempt.

 

[Rose Pink]

I'm not saying I'd eat the entire canister, half-gallon, or 14 oz. bag in one evening, but I'd certainly make a valiant attempt.

LOL! Been there, done that! I think you'll find Dr. Pawlack's book very helpful. I've also found asking myself, "what kind of person do I want to be?" and not "how much do I want to weigh?" is helpful. I want to be kind (among other things) and that means being kind to myself as well. Everytime I put poison (and that is how I am starting to think about junk food) into my body, I am not being kind to myself. I want to be an honest, responsible person and every time I neglect to include healthy foods such as vegetables, I am cheating myself. And if I don't keep myself as healthy as I can, I am cheating those who love and depend on me.

Also, being a religious person, I keep reminding myself that my body doesn't really belong to me. It belongs to the One who created it and I am being disrespectful and ungrateful if I abuse it. (I hope that doesn't violate the rule about posting on religion--I am just giving an example of how I control what I choose to eat.)

It doesn't help me to "beat myself up." Negative self-talk such as "I am so fat; I don't have any self-control; I am such a slob;" etc actually makes it worse. Instead, I find it helpful if I say "thank you" to my body. "Thanks for allowing me to see the beauty of a sunset. Thanks for helping me hear the sound of laughter. Thanks for helping me get my work done. I love you, body, and so I am going to take care of you. Let's go for a nice walk together and maybe enjoy a crisp, juicy apple together." That may sound corny to some people, but it helps me. I think Dr. Pawlack would say I am being serotonin-supportive.