One Gal’s Nutrisystem Journey 

Hello, and welcome to my Dietribe. Yes, my bitter, abusive denunciation of a so-called attempt at a diet. Truthfully, aside from my more than occasional “social” drinking habits, I by and large stick to a healthy eating regime – totally aware (and possibly obsessed) with what goes in my mouth (minus my occasional 4 Pop Tarts and 3 Ice Cream sandwiches in 30 min binge, LITTERALLY). With that being said – in the past I have been more than successful at shedding some of my extra chub. Keyword SOME. Since I wish to loose the remaining, I was happier than a fat kid in a candy store, or better yet a 24-year old eating Pop Tarts and Ice Cream, when the chance arose to try out  The Nutrisystem Advance Diet Plan. 

I must confess that even before embarking on my Nutrisystem journey I had a love. Let me explain. I spend many days at work sitting in my Bay St. cubicle watching CNBC, BNN and CNET. An enormous part of my day consists of mind numbingly scrutinizing the daily stock ticker, getting riled about the fuel and food shortage while panicking about the impending collapse of the U.S. economy. Although when Mad Money with Jim Cramer cuts to commercial – and I get a chance to see Marie Osmond or better yet Tori Spelling strut across the screen with all her fruitless 90210 radiance I remember from childhood, while gloating about her post-preggers “dream body” all thanks to Nutrisystem, it seems as exciting as looking through a bag of potato chips for celebrity likenesses, only to find the coveted Virgin Mary chip. 

So here’s the Nutrisystem shpeal: In an era with a deep-seated desire for variety, value and convenience it’s no wonder Nutrisystem was one of last year’s top Fortune 500 companies.  Fundamentally, the Nutrisystem Advanced program is all about one thing —Convenient weight loss. For about $350 (10 buck-a-roos/day) they send 5 weeks worth of pre-packaged meals to your doorstep. All that you have to do is get your butt off the couch, open the door for the delivery dude (once every 28 days), heat and eat.  For those with a larger appetite and/or want to follow the program “to the nines” – you can also add groceries from your local store selected from a Nutrisystem-approved list. 

So enough of this jibber jabber. Let’s get personal… My Nutrisystem delivery came on a Thursday. Like many potential dieters, I had a zillion excuses why it “wasn’t the day” to make the diet commitment. I later discovered that it wasn’t “the week” either. Each day I convinced myself that I needed “to have the weekend” for psychological preparation before I endured my epic, publicly broadcasted journey.  

So Thursday night came and I did what I do best and grabbed some drinks with friends; ok let’s be honest, I got shit-faced. After a typical evening of eating, drinking and being merry – I arrive home in the early a.m. only to decide (in my inebriated state) that it’s time to sift through the huge un-opened box of food sitting in the middle of my apartment floor. While what do I find but chocolate bars, microwavable chocolate cakes, pretzels and other deelish goodies. Three words…DAN-GER-OUS!! To make a long story short: what was supposed to be 28 “desserts” come Monday morning (when I had strategically planned I would full heartedly commit) was now 7 (yes from Thursday evening till Monday morning I ate 21 days worth of chocolate bars, cakes, pretzels, nachos, granola bars etc.) These portion regulated treats are nothing short of amazing and if you don’t eat more than “your daily allowance” than there is something seriously wrong with you (or maybe I’m just an impulsive fiend attempting to justify a disgustingly repulsive sugar saturated binge). 

My Nutrisystem anarchist behaviour defiantly continued come the Monday.  I was a full fledge Nutrisystem iconoclast unable to neither repent nor reform my behaviour.  The next 28 days were spent guided by what I would call a “slackers version” of an already not too demanding program. YET I STILL MANAGED TO LOSE 12 LBS!!!  

Although I was extremely lax when it came to following the Nutrisystem constraints I often found myself holding back from over indulging at restaurants and parties with the justification, “I can’t…I’m on Nutrisystem” If I was really on the verge of committing a seriously heinous Nutrisystem crime I simply would ask myself one simple guiding question:  

“W.W.T.D.?” (What Would Tori Do?).  

Nonetheless I NEVER turned down an invitation based on the fact that it did not jive with my dietary restrictions nor did I ever force myself to eat a Nutrisystem meal if I wasn’t in the mood—cause naturally Tori wouldn’t want that.  

Through a phenomenon which Nutrisystem refers to as the “Mindset Makeover”, the program undoubtedly increased my awareness of portion control and (I CAN’T BELIEVE I’M ABOUT TO SAY THIS) my new found health kick resulted in a total obsession with the gym! Yes, I am now one of those totally demented gym-folk who genuinely seek pleasure from working out (okay it’s a bit of a gossip/social hour to discuss last nights party, boy troubs and what I’m doing come the weekend, more than anything, but hey–at least I’m there).   

The Bottom Line: Nutrisystem is an affective, fast, portion controlled weight loss plan consisting of totally edible prepared foods. Aside from a handful of courses unfit for human consumption (mainly just the “Chicken Breast Patty”), the program is an easy, affordable and affective way to shed a few extra pounds while increasing all around diet and exercise awareness. Comparable to prepared foods such as Michelina’s, Stouffer’s, Chef Boyardee, etc.; the garb is totally palatable and actually quite delicious (or maybe I’ll just eat anything). Head on over to www.nutrisystem.ca for a free diet analysis and to check out the program in its entirety. 

Tips to Optimize Success:


  • Avoid/limit alcohol consumption
  • Utilize the included “Women’s Walk” DVD (Ok, lets be serious I did this ONCE)
  • Avert full-out Nutrisystem binges (as in eating all the desserts in one weekend)
  • Do not invite friends back after a night out at the bar when you are fully aware the only food in your apartment is Nutrisystem (although many of my guests thoroughly enjoyed my Nutrisystem offerings)
  • Do not deprive yourself of anything! This will inevitably only lead to overindulgence later. Instead, make calculated and rational decisions based on what you think Tori would do–that will still adequately satisfy your cravings
  • WATER! WATER! WATER!



 

It ‘aint nothin’ but a lil’ baby fat:

http://www.nutrisystem.ca