Packaged Meals and Clinics - Nutrisystem, Medifast, Jenny Craig, Etc - Nutrisystem Buddies 2009

Newshinyme, totally more sustainable! Thanks for the input...I know when I asked the councellor on the phone he said something like "I think it's around 1200" which didn't give me alot of faith in his answer but I never actually counted the calories myself (it makes my brain hurt to think that much!! Hahahaha)! Good to "see" you still doing well!!!

Yeah, I'd say that I average between 1400 to 1700 and I'm cool and losing slowly but definitely from that. I too think that's a liiiitttle more sustainable and reasonable than 1200. I'd rather learn to eat the RIGHT way, than the crash diet way.

Good Morning Everyone!

I have doing some research the past few days because I have put on about 10lbs that I want to get rid of. I always seem to put the wait on during the spring and summer. When I go back to teaching in the fall, then it comes off again because I am keeping busy. I am tired of the up and down and I want to change my habits, so I become more conscious of my eating habits and portions.

I have done LA weightloss in the past with success, but sometimes I feel like it is really restrictive. I have been looking at NS because it would be extremely easy for me to do during the school year. In fact, it would make packing lunch really easy. I have also found a blog where a girl lost approx. 60lbs using NS as well as her own food. The biggest thing is the cost and the flexibility.

From what I have found, I think that I am going to use a combination of NS, my own food, and fitday.com to help me with the ten pounds. If I take off an extra 5 pounds in the process that would be great!

Has anyone done NS on their own using your own food? Do you have any recipes or suggestions?

Thanks for your help!
Heather

Exactly :D If I am going to learn portion sizes I might as well learn the actual size of a portion I am going to be eating in the long run and not have to learn what a "real" portion looks like later on.

Heather, I am not on my usual computer so I don't have the links handy, but if you have the time, on this thread a few pages back Newgie posted a whole lot of links with the information you are looking for.
Hope that helps.

Hi Folks,

I was glad to find this thread. I am very new to Nutrisystems. A few days now but have experimented hear and there with a few things I picked up at Big Lots. I lost 25 pounds on my own own in about 5 months but have been stalled for about the last 4 months. I thought Nutrisystems might help get me get going again. It tastes OK to pretty good but like the gentleman said, I try not to read the ingredients. I will be intested in checking back and seeing how people are doing and gleaning advice from your experiences. Like other people have mentioned, I have uped the calories to about 1500-1800 as this seems much more sustainable for me

kiki100, I so love reading your posts. Such great inspiration! I also joined NS with the plan to get-the-darn-weight-off-as-fast-as-possible, but with the specific of loosing the last 20 with WW to relearn how to eat. I have been off the NS food for a while, and it is working well because I pre-measure a lot of stuff and have it ready just like NS is. The convenience is a big factor in loving NS since the cooking of food just makes me want to call 911-Take out :)

I am still losing weight, abet slowly. I did go away to visit an old friend and ended up gaining 5 lb's but lost 4 of that the next week, and I am sure I am back on track next week.
My birthday is coming up soon, and I must admit, I am a little freaked. I will forgo the cake, as that is no big deal, but I will be cough..cough..indulging in a martini or two:o But like I thought when I read Terry's post, if you can't indulge every once in a while, without guilt, you won't stick to the plan. Or something like that:carrot:

GGG, that is great! I'm so glad you're doing well also!! I probably didn't do myself any favours by considering NS as a way to a means...so other than learning portion control (which was of course a HUGE help) I was struggling after NS. Likely the fact that we were on holidays didn't help. WW was great for me as most restaurants provide nutritional info so I could calculate exactly how many points I would be eating and determine if it was "worth it" so to speak. :D

Happy early birthday to you...enjoy your martini!! (And perhaps even a little piece of bday cake!!) ;)

I agree... portion control is probably the biggest thing (aside from eat mass quantities of fruits and veggies!) that NS has taught me. I'm grateful, too. :)

Hi everyone. I am new to this site and am seriously considering either NS or Jenny Craig......

I am 22 and just had a baby 4 weeks ago (WOOHOOOO)! But it left me about 40 lbs heavier than I would like to be. Currently, I barely eat. I am eating 2 Slim Fast meal bars a day with some fruit here or there, and then a Lean Cuisine and maybe a small bag of Sun Chips. Plus, I'm taking SlimQuick with Hoodia. I am not consuming too many calories, but am not losing any weight. I am worried that starting NS will be upping my intake and make me gain....

Any advice?

Oh, and KUDOS to all you ladies with such tremendous weight loss and motivation to keep you going!! I hope I will be there one day!

One thing I've noticed is that a lot of people seem to think if they live on starvation calories, they're going to lose weight. You might, at the beginning, but it won't last long because your body goes into starvation mode and holds onto as much fat that it can! Eating HEALTHY, and in your healthy calorie intake range (depending on your BMI and whatnot), is what helps you lose weight.

What you're eating right now seems to have about little to no fruits, veggies, and proteins.... its all carbs, sodium and sugar for the most part. Switch all that out for some lean meats, a bit of carbs, and lots of veggies and lots of fruits.... and you'll be good to go. NS taught me that, really... how to balance out everything, from carbs to sugar, to really upping my intakes of greenery. :)

Hello everyone!

Just a note to thanks all for their comments and welcome.

My 6th and 7th week update.

Week 6, no loss, actually went up a pound during the week, but finished even, at 174.
Week 7, lost 4, for a total of 22 pounds.
3 pounds a week average, which is the same as I did on Atkins last year.

I have 1 and a half weeks before leaving for a 6 night, 7 day business trip to NYC. There is no microwave in the room, so I will take some bars and some "cup a noodle" type NS meals with me to help keep me in line. It will be tough, with several sit down luncheons, and big evening events with food galore.

Has anyone done fasting? My wife does occasionally for religious/spiritual reasons. She can go 2-3 days, with water only. I have done a 2 day juice diet a few times. I have to spend a couple of days first weaning myself off coffee, or the caffeine headaches are horrible.

With or without coffee... if I try to fast I get really sick. I waited too long yesterday to eat my breakfast (had to go in to shift 3 hours early) and I ended up feeling really sick and had a bad headache for hours afterwards even after I'd eaten...

I just don't believe in it... other than spiritual purposes, of course... ;)

So, after I started my thread I was informed by terryb99 about this one. First, I am very new to NS. In fact, I am still waiting for me food in the mail (should be here tomorrow). Anyway, I am going to have fun and eat what I want until next week (big fishing trip this weekend) and then I will start. I dont want to set myself up for failure right from the start. Anyway, I just wanted to pop my head in and say hi and look forward to chatting with you all in the coming weeks.

Hi Navygirl! :) :welcome2:

Hi Folks,

Sounds like people are doing really well. I finished my 1st month and am happy both with my weight loss and my satiety level. I am definitely off my plateau!

As far as fasting...My docotr told me I shoukld never fast. He didn't say why but I have had the same reaction in that it makes me feel horribly sick. I know some people that are very into periodic one or two day fasts. I think some people do better with it than others. I think it is a very bad idea for weight loss. Seems that it would lead to binging behavior.

Hope all is well with everybody.

Seems that it would lead to binging behavior.

That's definitely what it does to me seeing as I feel like I'm going to yark and/or pass out if I don't eat! And that's me skinny OR fat!

Congrats on your weight loss! :)

Hi all. I tried NS in the past and was not all that happy with it. But lately I've been thinking about doing it again because I really need something. My dad has been diabetic for about five years now and just recently my mom was diagnosed wit diabetes. I'm so worried that I will develope it too if I don't change something. I want a program that will be simple. I think when something is too complicated I just quit. Would yall say NS is simple to follow now?

Also I would like to know what type of groceries do you guys buy with the NS?

There was a great post in the 100lb club that pretty much summed up everything that I buy and have had great success with (along with the NS).... nearly 30lbs in 3 1/2 months! :D

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/100-lb-club/179241-grocery-staples.html

Just remember... NS is more of a supplement (they only provide half of what you eat really) and I tend to think of what they provide and what they do for you as a way to learn how you have to eat for the rest of your life. :)

Just: To answer your question, NS is definitely easy to follow. As for the types of groceries you need: Lots and lots of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and dairy are pretty much it.
Why didn't you like it last time you tried it?

Amanda: I have to say congratulations, you are doing fantastic!

As for me, my financial circumstances have changed since we bought a house and now there's a mortgage to pay, so money will be tighter. I just canceled my NS. I am feeling fine about it though, after being on it for a year, I felt it was time for me to start learning how to handle the weight loss using my own resources (i.e. cooking for myself). I have learned a lot about how to structure my meals from NS. I now know that vegetables have to be the main part of my meal and the protein and carbs are the smaller part of it (hello portion control). I still have almost 2 months left of stock, so for now I will be mixing fresh meals with NS ones until I run out.

I guess I just was not prepared for NS. I did not know about adding items to the meals and then I got the stuff and was like oh. And it just seemed so complicated. That is why before I take the plunge now I am researching how others approach NS.

I guess I just was not prepared for NS. I did not know about adding items to the meals and then I got the stuff and was like oh. And it just seemed so complicated. That is why before I take the plunge now I am researching how others approach NS.

Just use the food diary for the first few weeks, and it gets easy.
I measured a few things when I started, to learn what a "unit" of fruit and veggies was. After that, I just guessed.

I skip most of the carb units, as I feel I get plenty of carbs in the NS supplied foods.

Breakfast: NS food, soy milk latte, that is my dairy/protein unit, and some fruit.
Morning Snack: egg or yogurt for my dairy/protein, and a fruit
Lunch: NS food, plus 2 units of veggies. Make sure to check the list for the unlimited veggies, like lettuce, spinach, and celery. You are allowed some non fat dressing too.
Afternoon snack: NS desert, I often skipped that one. (think that is on the NS version for guys, sorry ladies, lol)
Dinner: NS meal, 2 veggie units, a fruit unit,(or a 3rd veggie unit instead), also you are allowed some fat and carbs, but I rarely added those. and a NS desert .

The diet does work, and is not complicated once you learn the "units" of different foods.

Best of luck!

I just finished my 8th week.

Lost another 3 pounds, for a total of 25 pounds in 8 weeks. I am right at that 3 pound a week average,

I will be taking 2 weeks off of NS. I have a business trip from this Thursday to Wednesday of next week. Just think it will be too hard to try to do even a partial NS while I am gone. I will concentrate on portion control, and staying away from deserts the best I can, lol.

Well, I am on my first day of NS. I had the apple strudel scone for breakfast and the tortellini for lunch. They were both not bad at all. In fact the scone would be something I would want to eat even if I wasn't dieting! ALthough I have noticed that my stomach has been "gurggly" all day. Anyone else notice this? I will be heading off to the grocery store and buying all of the fruits, veggies and dairy that I will need for the rest of the week.

The NS tends to make me a bit bloated and gassy, I've definitely noticed. But hey... I'll get over it eventually. And if not... I won't be on NS forever! ;)

I am actually surprised with the amount of food that I am allowed to eat! I thought that it would pretty much be the meals and a few veggies here and there....pleasantly misinformed :-) I am now on the search for some good foods to buy...pretty much foods that fill me up but are in line with the guidelines set forth from NS. I called the 800 number today and was given the guidelines for how many calories can be in a dairy, fat, fruit, vegetable and protein. Not bad!

Hey everybody :carrot: My names Rachael and I on day 3 of nutrisystem and looking to meet others going through the things I am and people to support. I'm 25 from San Diego, and I have 60 pounds to lose. Looking forward to getting to know all you

Hello everyone, I just ordered NS and it will be here in 4-10 business days. I am looking forward to trying it.

weird as it may sound, I do not find the food to be that horrible! I especially like the risotto...what are everyone else's favorites?

I agree with navygirl. I guess it's just a state of mind. If you go in expecting Le Bernadin or The Four Seasons, you'll be woefully disappointed. On the other hand, if you go in expecting bland, tasteless food, you'll be thrilled at some of the choices. I do agree that there were selections in the initial shipment that I could hardly eat, but the next time around I ordered a la carte, and ordered extras of the things I really like. My top three:

- Nacho Crisps
- Cheese and Spinach Ravioli
- Chicken Salad

I did try the frozen food and it is INCREDIBLE. It's made by Schwan, so the quality speaks for itself. I just wish I could order more of it than they let me :P

Awww... I wish I could get the frozen food! I'm on the flex plan so no frozen food for me.... :( Ah well... I just get Lean Cuisine's and Fit & Active frozen stuff. :)

I TOTALLY heart the honey mustard pretzels and the 4 (or is it 5?) cheese chicken pasta... it's seriously amazing.

Hi everyone! I am new... in a few months I plan on starting nutrisystem (I am 26 weeks pregnant right now so I can't really do much about my weight.) I really need some possitive support from people who are open minded that losing weight can be done in different ways for different people. When I have my baby, I have probably about 100lbs to lose. I had lost 70lbs 6 years ago... kept it off (give or take a few lbs) for 4 years. When I got married 2 years ago, we got pregnant right away with our first son. I was very very sick during that pregnancy (had to have my baby 5 weeks early cause my blood pressure jumped to 200/100). I was on bed rest and medication..by the time I had my son, I was 90lbs over my lowest weight, and about 70 or 80lbs heavier than before I got pregnant. I was devisated... to the point I was sick of losing weight and gaining it beyond my control... so I pursued weight loss surgery... because of my families weight history and my personal weight issues from when I was a child I was a good canadate. However, at the last minute we discovered insurnace didnt cover it like I thought... but its a good thing I was denied because I ended up pregnant with our 2nd child! :) This pregnancy has been good.. only gaining 10lbs so far. When my son is born I plan on getting right on the plan to lose the weight. I hate being heavy and I feel as if I am a kid again with how insecure I feel due to my weight... so I need as much support and information as possible! I am determined to get the 100lbs off!

welcome to 3fatchicks! congrats on the baby-to-be!

thank you very much! :)

I haven't been around for a while, as life gets nutz in the summertime :carrot::carrot: but I have stuck to it and have continued to lose...most weeks. Except the week end that I go away to visit my old friend and go back to eat and greet. I have visited her twice, and each time gained 4 lbs in the weekend, but that came off pretty quickly. I don't regret it for a second, I have to admit. If I don't let myself have a treat every once in a while, what use is life lol?
I have not been on the "real" NS diet for a while now, but have continued with the same portion control ie oatmeal in the morning, lunch is usually my "WW Lose weight soup (yes it works!) and what ever for dinner and a 100 calorie treat (from the store.. and never chocolate!! as I can not eat just one lol So I guess I have lost 31 since I came here, and 51 since I started this with WW.
I am not unhappy

Cheers M8's

CONGRATS ON LOSING 51 POUNDS GGG! YOU ARE DOING GREAT! i'm weaning myself off of ns as i'm at goal. well, actually i'm below it. :D

I've enjoyed reading through the posts and look forward to both receiving and giving support to others with the same struggles. I joined NS a few months ago and lost 6 lbs my first month. This was very encouraging since I had tried for over a year to lose & keep off even 1 pound and had failed at everything I tried. I ordered through Shopping Channel and they cancelled my subscription without telling me and so I had a month off and regained 4 lbs. I just received my new shipment yesterday and started again last night. I'm looking forward to losing more weight and I'm confident that it will work especially after reading all your success stories. Thank you for sharing.
Crystal

welcome clang!

My name is Louise and I live in Houston, Texas.

I will be 62 in January. A month ago, I realized Nutrisystem was one of the few remaining diet plans I had not tried so I decided to "take the plunge". My first shipment arrived 4 days after I ordered & I started on NS immediately. A month later, my 2nd order is on it's way to me AND I weigh 27pounds less than I did a month ago!

The food isn't bad at all and for the ones I don't like too much or are too bland, there are oodles of fat free, calorie free and low sodium sauces & seasonings out there to jazz them up. If you REALLY WANT NS to work, you will find ways to make the food taste good.

I have 83 lbs to lose but I am on my way DOWN, not up. Thank you Nutrisystem!

welcome louise! congrats on losing 27 pounds in a month! weigh to goal!

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