Overview of the NutriSystem Diet
Nutrisystem is a reduced calorie diet that places a huge emphasis on portion control and a balanced nutrition. While other weight loss programs are often debated as to the health benefits and/or problems with their respective diets (e.g. Atkins Diet causes high cholesterol), the Nutrisystem program follows a strategy that most dietitians, nutritionists and doctors recommend as a healthy diet.

A great aspect of the diet is the convenience that all of your meals, snacks and desserts are made for you. So it's next to impossible to cheat unknowingly since you should only be eating the pre-packaged meals. NutriSystem develops the pre-packaged meals at their corporate kitchen and then dieters order their meals online at the Nutrisystem.com site. The pre-packaged meals are delivered to your door step, ready to be conveniently heated in a microwave oven.

Each Nutrisystem meal is focused around the "glycemic index" -- a procedure that measures the quality of carbohydrates you eat. "Good" carbs are complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and vegetables, while "bad" carbs are refined carbohydrates such as white sugar and flour. Foods that rank low on the glycemic scale help stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings. The premise of the plan is eating high-fiber, low-fat foods with optimal amounts of lean protein to curb cravings and satisfy hunger on fewer calories. While each individual's plan could change, most women follow a 1,200-calorie plan and men are allowed 1,500 calories per day.

In addition to receiving the prepared meals, dieters are encouraged to learn to modify their eating behaviors. They receive a 12-week, self-guided "Mindset Makeover" behavioral guide, written by Temple University obesity expert Dr. Gary Foster. The guide touches on everything from curbing cravings to the importance of social support. Additionally, exercise is highly recommended with dieters able to choose online fitness plans that can be tailored to various fitness levels for all body types. Some of the options include aerobics, yoga, and resistance-training programs along with may others.

Costs of Nutrisystem Diet
Consumers can join the Nutrisystem program for free via their web site. All the costs are associated with buying their pre-packaged meals, which averages between $280 and $325 per month. There are extra costs for supplemental items you'll need to buy from from your local grocery store.

Achieving Weight Loss Success - Transitioning Off the Nutrisystem Diet
Since NutriSystem diet revolves around the consumption of their pre-packaged meals, many people complain that they have a hard time keeping the weight off when they transition off the pre-packaged meals. As Dieters transition back to their old eating habits, they end up eating bigger portions of unhealthy food that is high in fat and sugars.

The team at Nutrisystem tries to combat this with a counselor to work with you on devising a meal plan that slowly integrates grocery store foods back into your every day diet.