NutriSystem has been around for a very long time - 35 years according to the official Web site. I actually used the program 20 years ago when work and stress made healthy eating a challenge. Since then, the food quality and choices have improved dramatically.

The question is, why does the NutriSystem diet plan work?

For starters, this weight loss system combines healthy eating in regular intervals throughout the day with portion control. When you do the math to lose weight, the basic formula is calories in vs. calories burned. NutriSystem takes the guesswork out of the ‘calories in’ portion of the equation. (This is especially helpful if you hate to cook.)

But that’s not the only reason why the NutriSystem diet plan works.

NutriSystem removes the temptation to make un-healthy food choices by outlining your meals and snacks for the entire day ahead of time. By knowing exactly what you’ll be eating all day long, you’ll be less likely to cheat.

Lifelong Weight Loss Begins with the Basics

Lifelong weight loss is all about learning to how to eat properly in order to maintain a healthy weight. And I truly think that programs like NutriSystem help you learn the basics of a balanced meal, how much food you should consume at any one time, and how to distinguish between being full and being stuffed. (Eating until you’re stuffed is one of the reasons why you need to lose weight in the first place!)

Once you reach your goal weight, the challenge becomes how to maintain that weight after transitioning off of the NutriSystem foods and back to “regular” eating. Hopefully, you will have learned a thing or two about healthy eating while you’ve been on the program. But if you pick up your old, bad habits right where you left off, the weight you lost will come back faster than you can say “Marie Osmond.”

Overcoming the Gain-Back Challenge

Some people overcome this challenge by continuing to eat NutriSystem meals one week out of every month or two days out of every week. Or if they creep up a few pounds, they jump back on the system to nip the gain in the bud.  

If you’re overweight, making a commitment to a weight loss plan is one of the best health choices you can make. Although NutriSystem is just one program on the market today, it does work if you follow it.

If you need help selecting a diet plan for your needs and budget, or just want personalized support during your weight loss journey, head on over to 5 Minute Self-Help. The life coaches will be there for you every step of the way.