Conference rocks::weight_control

    I've had no personal experience with Nutri/System, but a friend of mine
    has.  He had some sort of arrangement where he would get a rebate if
    he met his goal; however, the goals they set were unrealistic, so
    he didn't.  He did lose a lot of weight, but since the food is all
    prepared by them, and what he ate when was regimented, he didn't learn
    new eating habits, so he put most of the weight back on when he went
    off the diet.

    My impression was that it was a very expensive and somewhat gimmicky
    set-up; If you have to cook for other family members, I think this
    would be even harder.  I would rather go with a plan such as WW where
    you're taught to fit proper eating habits into your lifestyle.  

    Hope this helps!
    Beverly

    The way the Nutri/System works is like this.
    
    You have to eat only the food that you purchase from them.  This
    food puts your body into a state of "illness".  The condition is
    known as ketosis.  The basic mechanism of this approach involves
    suppressing the hunger drive by tricking the body into making
    adjustments usually brought on only by disease or starvation. 
    One of the first symptoms of illness is loss of appetite, which
    also occurs after several days of total deprivation of food.  The
    loss of appetite occurs because the body shifts to using its own
    fat to satisfy the requirements for energy and the subsequent
    production of ketones from the fat metabolism.  Low-carbohydrate,
    high-protein diets change the body's energy metabolism into a state
    of ketosis and suppress the appetite by taking advantage of these
    natural processes meant to be used only during times of duress.
    Nutri/System, the Atkins diet, the Stillman diet and the liquid
    protein diets all use this method.  These diets have serious side 
    effects which should discourage anyone from following them for even 
    temporary weight loss.
     
    So, while you may lose weight, there are side effects, and essentially
    you're putting your body into a state of "sickness or illness".  And
    that alone is unhealthy!  We spoke about weightloss in conjuction
    with total health in note 239??
    
    Glenn
                                   

    One more thought, do this....
    
    Call your local Nutri/System clinic and ask them if their program
    puts the body into a state of ketosis.  They will say yes!
    
    (Another example of the big business side, profit-seeking side of
     medicine at work!)
                      
    Glenn

    I did; about 4 years ago.  It is gimmicy.  The only food you can
    eat, besides lettuce, is the food they sell you (which doesn't taste
    very good anyway!).  It does put the body in a state of ketosis,
    they check you for this condition when you visit them (twice a week)
    and if you're not in ketosis they assume you're not following the
    program.
    
    I lost about 10 pounds on this diet (needed to loose 25) and plateau'ed
    for about 3 weeks, generally lost interest and changed over to a
    diet plan that helps me modify my food intake with real food in
    
    real situations.
    
    If you only have 10-15 pounds to loose, have no family to cook for,
    don't ever go out to lunch or dinner (you have to eat their foods
    ALL the time!) it might be worth the money; however, you'll need
    to understand how to KEEP off this weight with real food later on.
    
    Mary
    

    There seems to be a difference in the Nutrisystem Centers discussed
    up until now in this conference.  It appears to be geographical,
    and also now appears to be how long ago Nutrisystem was attended.
    From what I understand there have been major changes in their diet
    program since they first opened.
    
    Currently, I am on the Nutrisystem diet and find it to be a well
    balanced diet with vitamin supplements.  The food for your main
    meals such as dinner, cereals, snacks are purchased from them and
    they cost approximately $50.00 for a week's worth of meals.  Food
    purchased in the grocery store includes only fruits and vegetables
    which are required on a daily basis, and diet drinks, milk and juice.
    This is definitely not the diet for everyone, as the previous note
    mentions it is much easier if you live alone and not responsible
    for preparing food for others.
    
    One must visit the center once a week where you meet with the nurse
    who weighs you, goes over your diet for the past week and assures
    that you are choosing the right foods weekly to balance your diet.
    The nurse also takes your blood pressure every week.  AT NO TIME
    has anything been mentioned on putting the body into ketosis or
    testing for it!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    The diet is balanced, and is NOT a high-protein, low carbohydrate
    diet.  I am not saying that it is the best diet, or that it is perfect
    in every way, but I feel that it has received a bad rap so far in
    this conference, and needed to say that in Massachusetts and
    Connecticut the diet is not as presented in previous discussions.

    What is in the "prepackaged" foods?  Why MUST you buy it from them?
    
    Glenn

    The Nutrisystem meals contain the same types of ingredients found
    in most prepared food, they are similar to Lean Cuisinge and Weight
    Watchers meals in variety, Nutrisystem portions are smaller though.
    They are not frozen, but in retort (like a can) packages or
    freeze-dried.  
    
    Buying their food is part of the program, the thought of having
    premeasured portions at the start of any diet seemed like an added
    feature over Weight Watchers and worth the cost of the program.
    If not for the prepacked food, I would have joined Weight Watchers or done
    it on my own.  
    
    The Behavior Modification classes I attend weekly are small classes
    that teach better eating habits, membership includes maintenance
    support after reaching goal weight.  The ability to purchase the
    prepacked meals is for a limited time, after which maintenance and
    eating "normal" food begins.  
    
    Like I mentioned before, this is just one choice, a convinient choice
    for me and it really has worked.  There are not MAGIC ingredients
    in the foods, but small well balanced meals that are extremely
    convenient.
    
    I know this isn't the diet for everybody...and I don't intend to
    try to sell people on it or defend it, but just explain as it is.
    There are good and bad points to every diet, and regimented program,
    people just have to pick the one that feels right for them.  If
    your mind is made up to lose the weight and keep it off, then having
    a program like Nutrisystem, Diet Center, or Weight Watchers is just
    a tool to help you become the person you want to be.
    

    You haven't explained what the nutritional makeup of these prepackaged
    meals are.  Are they hi-fat, low-fat?  Are they hi-carb or low-carb.
    What about cholesterol, fiber, etc?   Please note that I'm not getting
    on your case, I just want to know what the nutritional makeup of
    the food is.  Is it a makeup specifically designed for Nutrisystem?
    
    Glenn

    Please note that I don't seem to have the answers to your questions.
    You mentioned you had a friend that was on the Nutrisystem diet,
    all the nutritional information for each product is on it's package,
    maybe that will help answer your questions.  It is specifically
    designed for Nutrisystem, during the portion of the program where
    you are eating their foods.

    THE NUTRISYSTEM DIET MAY NOT BE FOR EVERYONE BUT IF YOU DO CHOOSE
    IT AND STICK TO IT, YOU CAN LOSE MANY POUNDS BUT BEST OF ALL YOU
    LOSE INCHES. LIKE ALL OTHER DIETS IT IS IMPORTANT TO ATTEND THE
    MAINTANCE BEHAVIOR CLASSES ONCE YOU REACH YOUR GOAL. THE CLASSES
    EDUCATE YOU ON HOW TO GO BACK TO EATING REGULAR FOOD. THE MENU IS
    ALOT LIKE WW MEASURING AND WEIGHING PROTEIN,STARCH,FRUIT CHICKEN,
    FISH AND A LIMITED AMOUNT OF BEEF. THE MAINTANCE CLASSES ARE FREE
    AND THEY INCREASE YOUR PORTIONS OF FOOD UNTIL YOU ARE HAVING ABOUT
    1200 TO 1400 CAL. FOR WOMEN DAILY.
    
    BY THE WAY I DID NOT ATTEND THE CLASSES REGULARLY "THOOUGHT I COULD
    DO IT ON MY OWN" WELL I WAS WRONG . I DON'T BLAME THE DIET I CAN
    ONLY BLAME MYSELF.

    LOW FAT - LOW CARB. - HIGH PROTIEN.

    Well now I'm really confused.  In reply .5, we're told Nutri/System
    is "NOT a high protein, low carb" diet.  In reply .11 we're told
    it is a low carb, low fat, high protein diet.  I'm not going to
    push this any further, but whoever started note 241 probably has
    received his money's worth.
    
    Glenn

   
    Thanks a lot folks,
                    I really appreciate all the input and the time put
    into this note.  Obviously there are a lot of knowledgable DEC peo-
    ple out there, but like anywhere else, opinions differ.
    
                                               thanks
    
                                      (22 lbs. lighter and on the diet)

    I have just quit NUTRI-SYSTEMS because of the following reasons:
    
      1.  it's VERY expensive
      2.  some of the food tastes funny and made me sick 
          (headaches, stomach cramps)
    
    I thought I was getting sick the first few days on the program because
    my body was ridding itself of pollutants.  But, now that I've stopped
    eating their "processed" food, I feel like my body IS cleaning itself
    out.
    
    I joined to lose 70 lbs. and, in 4 months, have only lost 20 lbs.
    When I tried to get some of my LARGE money deposit back, the office
    manager gave me a speach about the refund policy being effective
    only until 5 days after you start (tell me, how can you really judge
    a food program in 5 days!!!).  Anyway, I didn't even mention to
    the office manager about getting any of my weekly food money back
    (about $62/week, along with the fruits, vegetables and milk I have
    to buy on my own).
    
    I feel like I've been taken advantaged of (ripped off)!  I'm sorry
    I got suckered in to signing up for the whole 70 lbs.---I should
    have just signed up for 20 lbs. or so and see how it went.
    
    I agree with "KASPER" of weightloss message #241.1, that Weight
    Watchers is the best I've found---balanced NATURAL food.  
    
    I think the biggest obstacle in loosing weight is the PATIENCE FACTOR.
    You have to be patient with your weight loss, which may be slow
    at times.  I have to KEEP GOING on with my plan to loose weight
    and not throw in the towel.  Obviously, there are times when we
    all "fall off the wagon", but we've got to get back into it and
    leave past failings behind us.  Sounds nice, but as we all know
    it's sometimes hard to do.
    
    PLEASE be careful when you sign up for something; make sure it's
    worth the time and money.  I made the mistake of being too gullible
    & naive about the "money grubers" at Nutri-Systems.
    
    I hope this doesn't seem too harsh; but, I feel the natural way
    is the best.  I asked the office manager if the food had fillers
    in it before I signed up and she said "no"---I DON'T believe that!
    
    Oh well, chalk it up to experience!                  
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    I thought I might put in my two cents. One of my best friends tried
    the nutri/system diet.  She lost weight on it because everything
    was prepared for her. Well, she learned you couldn't do that for
    the rest of your life. It was costing her $40+ a week. She put all
    the weight back on plus another 20.  The big drawback is that you
    never learn new eating habits and that is the basis for losing weight.
    We all have to learn to eat different foods, etc than what we learned
    as a child. My husband and I were brought up to clean your plate
    spotless because children were starving in the world. We were taught
    to eat, eat, eat.  Rewards were eating too. These type of diets
    never result in permenant loss of weight.
    
    Regards,
    Barbara
    

    I really wish I had seen this note before I tryed Nutri-System.
    I lasted a week before quiting. The food to me,  was absolutely
    disgusting.  I opened one of their pizza's and it smelled like acetone.
    I lost weight(3lbs) because I got nauseous just thinking about eating.
    I did get a refund but it still cost me $155 for 1 week in the program.
    I recommend to anyone who is even thinking of trying this to find
    someone who is on the diet and try some food first.  And take a
    couple bites because after looking at the stuff I was amazed it
    even tasted as good as it did.  But a few bites later I wasn't amazed
    anymore!  As you can probably tell I'm still a little bitter about
    the whole thing. I just got my refund today. I guess for my $155
    I got some motivation to do this on my own!
     
    

    I guess each of us has different likes and dislikes. I've been on
    the program since 8/1 and love it. There are some foods I don't
    like, but I just avoid them. Most of the foods are great! I like
    the whole concept of the program. When I first started I only signed
    up for 20lbs., when I hit that loss I signed up for the remaining
    amount. To me it's worth it all. On problem I'm having is that I
    love the convience and enjoy the food so I'm not looking forward
    to going off the diet.
    
    I would recommend that anyone interested in it try out the foods
    or talk with someone on the program. 
    
    nancy

    
    I was on the nutri-system about 5 yrs ago. I stayed on it for a
    long time and know alot about it........
    	The person who feels happy and is losing weight...sounds alot
    like I used to. When you're losing weight, you feel great, and you
    don't care how you do it...you just drink in the glory of being
    able to do it! But now that I have been away from it, for a long
    time, I can tell you candidly what I liked and didn't like.
    	I can't get over the feeling that the person who likes this
    system...was given the exact same info that I was. Because you are
    on the system and everything sounds logical..you are repeating what
    you have been told and like a record playing over and over again,
    you sound soooo familiar to me. 
    	The food is dogmeat! After 3 weeks and throwing up on the food
    from 2 cans...after trying to force it down. I also got sick from
    one can (does not make me feel good to hear others also got sick),
    I quit eating the food they make. Everyweek I bought it with good
    intentions of eating it...and just couldn't make myself eat something
    I wouldn't feed my dog!!! So I made up my own imitation meals and
    lost several lbs everyweek. I lost a total of 50lbs. So I know that
    it has nothing to do with the food they serve you...it is the limited
    quantity of it in those cans. I cheated...by not eating their food
    and by using their support system. When I got tired of paying money
    for food I was not eating and had learned my diet well enough to
    continue on my own...I quit and lost the remaining weight I wanted
    to lose. I limited myself to between 600-900 calories/day, and ate
    skinless chicken, brocolli, etc. normal everyday things in special
    limited quantities (what I thought was equal to the nutri-system
    portions) and it worked. I used fish,chicken,vegetables,and skim
    milk alot. So what is about the system that works so well for people??
    	Let me tell you....it's the money you're investing, and the
    fact that someone is checking up on you. It's extremely Psychological.
        
    	People dress up like nurses....They test your urine once a week
    for elevated sugar levels. I had a mixed drink that did not show
    up in the test and because I had recorded it on a chart, they acted
    surprised! It's a show, for you, the insecure dieter. You stand
    on a scale and you display success or failure...There is praise
    or encouragement...You seek the praise and promise to do better.
    You go to group sessions...which help keep you on track and are
    supposed to teach you how-to-eat ---but they don't because you are
    not eating regular food at the time ---so you can't relate this
    information to what you will do in the future. If they can get you 
    to come in enough times a month...they reap the benefits...your 
    interest and Your MONEY. After all...that's why they do it!!!
                 
    		It works if you need a support system to make your
    diet work. The food leaves much to be desired. Those things that
    I could eat, I ate because I could TOLERATE them --- I can't believe
    anyone actually likes the food. yuck!!!!
    
    		Well...I thought alot of the system a few years ago,
    now I read this notes file...I will begin again..but without
    nutri- because I want true success and do not wish to sacrifice
    $$$ for it.
    			Regards, Nancy
    
    In my opinion...it works temporarily
    A few years perhaps....
    
    		
                                                                   
                                                                   
                                                                   
                                   
    	

    re: .18
    
    It sounds to me as if you are describing a totally different program
    that what I am currently doing. If it's the same company I am quite
    sure that a great deal has changed within the last 5 years. I would
    agree with you, based on your description, I too would hate the
    program. But it sounds totally different than my program. There
    is no testing of urine, no canned foods. I think we are talking
    about 2 different products. I suggest you look into the program
    as it is being run today before you continue to bad mouth it.
    
    nancy

    re:  .18, .19
    
    I agree with .19.  I was on the Nutri-System program last year and
    was pleased with program and successful in losing (and keeping off)
    some 35 pounds.  The quality of the food varied, but then so do
    people's tastes.  I was easily able to find a number of items which
    I really liked--the retort pouches seemed to me to be better than
    the dehydrated stuff--and most was tasty.  I found the support groups
    helpful, but again, I suppose that depends on the staff at the
    particular location.  I stopped going because I didn't go often
    enough to be able to continue after my predetermined program (I
    didn't seem to want to go if I had not been perfect during the
    week--even in spite of many, many phone calls and outreach efforts
    by the staff).  In order to continue I would have had to pay more
    money and I couldn't afford it.  However, if my attendance had been
    better I could have kept on going until I reached my goal no matter
    how long it took.
    
    As far as cost is concerned, it is expensive, but they often have
    half price deals available.  The food didn't cost me any more than
    I normally spent on groceries--it ran about $50 per week.  I still
    had to buy fresh fruits & vegies and skim milk, but you can buy
    an awful lot of fresh vegetables for $10.  
    
    An increased level of exercise was encouraged.  Every week in the
    meetings, you discussed you progress and set a reasonable and
    attainable goal for the next week.  Often it was something like
    "I will exercise 20 minutes three times this week".  Over a period
    of time, most of the people in my class did increase their exercise
    levels and made it a part of their routine.
    
    All in all, it was a mixed success for me.  It probably would have
    worked better if I had focused more on self-affirmation and building
    self-esteem.  But everyone is different.  If you find something
    that works for you and it is a healthy program, then by all means,
    do it.  While Nutri-System doesn't work for everyone, I still recommend
    it based on my experience.  My brother-in-law has lost 65 pounds
    on the program and has maintained that loss for a year.  
    
    So, if it works, go for it.  (I do it one day at a time now).
    
    
    This conference is a great support--I'm glad you are all here,
    
    
    Pat
    
    

    re: .19 again
    
    I don't think you should criticize .18's reply! After all Nutri-system
    claims they have had an established program for 11 (or is it 13?)
    years. Apparently they don't think much as changed. I know they say
    they have improved the food but supposedly their diet techniques
    are the same. I happen to totally agree with .18 and I've tryed
    the diet within the last month. So!!!! let me bad mouth it!! I guess
    I just want to let people know that its not something you should
    <try>.  You either make your mind up to definitly do it or don't
    even attempt it. My reasons for saying this are: I tryed the program
    for a week and decided that it just made me ill and I couldn't keep
    it up. When I spoke with Nutri-system about it first they tryed
    to tell me I had a bug!! Then they told me to stop taking their
    vitamins and eat more veggies. I tryed their suggestions and when
    they didn't work I asked for a refund. Well, my first trip there
    they said they couldn't fill out the refund slip ( I charged it!)
    and I would have to come back tomorrow. No prob I humored them and
    came back the next day. They told me I came at the wrong time and
    that they were too busy(I was there at 9:00!!!). I started to get
    angry and finally they wrote out the credit slip, charging me for
    all sorts of services which I supposedly used. I finally decided to
    chalk it up to a lousy experience and left. Its been about 5 weeks
    and it took them a few days to send the charge to my visa and they
    never sent in the credit! My recommendations: Pay with a check so
    you can stop payment!!!
     
    I know people have varying opinions its just that I never heard
    the bad ones and I wish I did. I want others to know it may not
    be the answer for you and you should seriously consider it before
    you dive in!!! 
      
                         

	Any diet that requires you to purchase "special" foods is not 
    a diet that you can live with for life.
    
    	It is preferable to learn how to cook and eat common foods in
    a healthy way.  Then the lifestyle modifications are minimal and
    easier to stick to.
    
    -mike z

I also tried Nutri-System about 4 years ago in Colorado Springs.
I did very well for a while and got to 139.  But, as some others
have said, I didn't learn to eat "real" food and I put all my
weight back on plus (quite a lot) more.  One of the things I didn't
like was that I was preparing two meals all the time, one for me
and one for my husband - thank goodness there were only 2 of us.

One thing it did do for me was that I feel in order to spite them
I will get below 139 so have set my WW goal at 137.  (I only have
6 1/2 pounds to go!)

Liz

    I started on the Nutri/System program on 10/18.  So far to date
    I have lost about 18 lbs. in 2 and a half weeks.  I read everyones
    replys and read allot of critisizm.  Well, everyone is different
    so it's only natural for it not to work for everybody.  
    
    Surprisingly, the food is pretty good. Of course there is going
    to be some things that I don't like or that don't agree with me
    but, doesn't that happen with normal food also.  Granted there isn't
    as big a selection as the grocery store, but I'm trying to lose
    weight so I'll stick to there program and see what happens.  So
    far so good.  
    
    As previously said, this program is not for everyone.  It is expensive.
    A person just has to determine whether or not losing a certain amount
    of weight is worth it.  In the long run it will be for me.  After 6 
    months they give me a 25% refund if I keep the weight off, and then 
    another 25% refund when I keep it off for a year. 
    
    I guess all I want to say is that, the program is doing the job.
    
    good luck everyone
    
    jim

    Hi-
    
    I've looked at this note a couple of times, but I just couldn't
    help adding my own two cents' worth tonite ...
    
    I started NutriSystem back in June because I felt I needed to
    do something really drastic about my weight.  At 5'5" I was up to
    165 lbs, and since obesity runs in my family, I thought that if
    I didn't get a handle on it immediately, I might be 300 lbs before
    I knew it!!  I had gained at least 15 lbs in just one year; it was
    scary.
    
    I am happy to report that on as of Friday, I have lost 30 lbs!!!
    I signed up to lose 35, so I'm not "done" yet, but boy, am I glad
    I did it--I enthusiastically recommend the "new" NutriSystem to
    anyone who will listen.
    
    I, too, tried it twice before--once in college, where I lost 16
    lbs, which is all I wanted to lose at the time, and once a couple
    of years ago, when my heart wasn't really in it and I quit after
    about 2 weeks.  I have to admit that back then, it was horrible.
    The food was pretty disgusting; some of it I couldn't even choke
    down.  And it was terribly unhealthy back then--they DID used to
    put you in ketosis, and it was about 600 calories a day--actually
    starvation.  I'm surprised I was able to lose anything at all, 
    eating that little (given what we now know about how the body tries
    to conserve energy and hangs onto every little bit of food you give
    it when it thinks it's starving to death).
    
    But NOW--what a difference!!  They have some terrific new products--
    foods that I actually will miss when I'm off the diet.  It is no
    longer high-protein, but instead the much more healthy low-fat,
    high (complex) carbohydrate diet.  Calorie intake is now 1000-1100
    per day, similar to Wt Watchers.  There are no more blood tests,
    no more requirements for how many times/week you must go in to get
    weighed, and best of all, there is NO MORE TIME LIMIT on how soon
    you must lose the weight.  Before, you would pay for a certain number
    of days (whatever their computer told you you needed to get to your
    goal), and if you hadn't done it by then, too bad--if you wanted
    to continue, you had to pay more.  AND one of the incentives they
    use to get us to keep the weight off is MONEY--for every 3 months
    that you maintain your weight after finishing the program, you get
    1/4 of your joining fee back--now that's what I call incentive!!
    
    Gee, I should make a commercial for them--I can't say enough good
    things. :-)  I must say, though, that it IS pretty hard to fit this
    diet into your real life IF you insist on making eating out a part
    of your social life.  So far I have been able to avoid doing that
    quite well--the more I lose, the easier it has gotten.  (Imagine
    going to Kimball's at lunch with the people in your group and not
    getting anything!! :-))  I just have to be careful to eat before
    I go out.  
    
    One other thing I really like about the program is the convenience
    of the foods; a lot of them are "portable" (like the cereal, the
    protein candies, the soups and hot chocolate).  Most of the dinners
    take exactly 2 minutes in the microwave--and now they even come
    in microwaveable containers, so you don't even have to open up a
    pouch and transfer it to another dish first.  Talk about becoming
    spoiled!!  (I am single, so eating out of little plastic microwave
    dishes has always been a habit with me anyway ... if I had kids
    or others to cook for, it might be harder.)
    
    They now have things like hamburgers caramel popcorn, and these 
    things called nacho chips which are so much like potato chips
    that it's hard to just eat the allotted portion because they are
    so good.  (I have to admit I still can't stand either the eggs they
    have or the pancakes, but the variety of other stuff they have now
    is so big that it's possible to avoid those things completely.)
    You have to be willing to try lots of their foods; there will be
    a few yukky ones, but you can just stop buying those you don't
    like.  (Another change--there is no limit on how much food you can
    buy at one time anymore--they used to just let you have EXACTLY
    the right amount of portions to last you until you came in the
    next time.  So if you felt like "cheating", you'd actually have
    to go off the diet, whereas now, if I get the urge for something
    sweet, I just have a bag of caramel popcorn (or two or three ...))
    :-)  
    
    Anyway, I guess I have gone on long enough--needless to say, I am
    a big fan of NutriSystem at this point!  If anyone would like to
    talk more about it, please feel free to contact me.  One other good
    thing I forgot to mention that I think is important is that since
    they no longer have stupid things like blood/urine tests, it is
    possible to "cheat" occasionally and not have it mess you up at
    all.  (For instance, every few weeks I take a day and just eat
    whatever I feel like eating [in moderation], and so far it hasn't
    made me gain weight even once.)  Of course, it DOES slow down the
    rate of loss --I was supposed to technically be at my goal weight
    by August 18 if I had followed the diet perfectly -- but what the
    heck; I'm only 5 lbs from goal 6 weeks after that, and I haven't
    felt deprived at any time because I let myself have that little
    bit of freedom.
    
    So please don't be discouraged by earlier notes in this file from
    folks who tried the diet ages (or even just months) ago--it has
    CHANGED drastically--no kidding!!  (I go to the Chelmsford office;
    there is only one person there I really don't like--everyone else
    is great.  They realize that we're all human and that we can't
    be perfect all the time.)
    
    Sorry to be so long-winded; write if you want to talk about it!
    And good luck, everyone--
    
    Laurie
    
    p.s.  I must add that I have also increased the amount of exercise
    I do quite drastically since beginning this diet--starting with
    aerobics at LKG (thanks, Joe! :-) ) and now doing more walking
    than anything else, about 4 times a week for an hour or so. 
    It has helped a lot, and I have never felt like I wasn't getting
    enough to eat so that I couldn't exercise ... 

    I have already responded to the Nutrisystem Diet in this file,
    however having reached my goal weight there the first week in 
    April, I thought I would report that I have maintained my weight
    at 2 lbs. under my goal for over 7 months!!  I attribute this
    success to the Nutrisystem Maintenance Program.  This program 
    has taught me to maintain my weight by eating healthy balanced 
    meals and this is eating "normal" food.  After having lost 35 lbs.
    my motivation to keep the weight off, combined with the Maintenance
    Program at Nutrisystem has allowed me to eat "right" for the first
    time in my life.  
    
    The program has been excellent for me, I feel that they do teach
    you to eat right the same as Weight Watchers, it still is dependent
    on the individual attitudes of the dieter.  
    

    
    The food costs too much!  You can do it without their food! See
    what they have to say when you propose this? I did it behind their
    backs because I couldn't stand their food...so I know IT CAN BE
    DONE!! 

    Ya know, it's interesting.  I just added this conference today and
    this topic caught my eye (having been curious about various weight
    loss programs and the opinions of those having tried them) and one
    thing stood out; even when people have spoken positively about
    the this program they all referenced Weight Watchers as the benchmark
    of sound weight loss support.  I must say, that I too have heard
    of the benefits/costs of Nutri-Systems but of those that I have
    talked to, 9 out of 10 of them have regained their weight (plus more) 
    and lost a whole lot of money.  I have attended Weight Watchers
    for a few weeks and quit (my mistake).  I quit because I was about
    the only guy in the group and felt odd.  I have been thinking about
    taking up Nutri-Systems or some dramatic program that I could quickly
    lose the weight and begin to watch my weight from that point on
    to insure that I keep it in check.  It's obvious that there are
    serious consequences to programs such as Nutri-Systems and that
    there are NO QUICK FIXES to a problem that has taken ten years to
    mount up (muscle gone to fat, 55 lbs. overweight, and sedintary).
    Looks like the only solution that's a safe one is Weight Watchers
    for support (find a group that has a good balance of men and women),
    EXCERCISE at work and at home, and eating right (quantity and quality).
                             
    You know something else, the replies to this topic sound a lot like
    a bibical story of how Satan (the snake) tempted Eve with the apple
    from the tree of knowledge.  "If you eat of the fruit of the tree
    you shall surely have knowledge and be as God..."  Well the similarity
    is that if you take this program you shall lose weight quick and
    be as want to be....ah but what about the consequences...could it
    be that what tastes so sweet and seem so good could be poison to
    you and to your health, cause you financial woes and still put you
    back to square one, overweight and feeling miserable.   Nope not
    for me! I am going to take the long road.  It may take longer and
    require more effort but my physical and mental state sall profit
    and offer more stability.    
                             
                             
    

    To the HOG (I don't mean it that way - maybe I should have said
    razorback) in .28.
    
    Hey  you shuld have been a preacher. Your arguments sound real
    convincing. Not that I am the designated spokesman for the quickie
    methods but I do have to somewhat defend them since I am an Optifaster.
    
    My only reply is that one should chose whatever works. By your own
    notes entry, you acknowledge that WW has not yet worked for you.
    I myself have lost significant amounts of weight on WW and other
    programs only to put it and more back. Why then blame a method or
    program be it slow or quick for that delemma?
    
    I wish you motivation and success in reaching what ever goals you
    place for yourself by what ever method you choose to acheive those
    goals. If I might do a little preaching - May all who read this
    note be happier and healthier each suceeding day for the rest of
    their lives.
    
    Joel
    

I got thinking last night that if anyone really wanted to, they could
kind of turn WW into a Nutri-System-like diet.  You could do so by
purchasing only WW foods for all your meals and snacks.  The cost
would still be less than N-S.  I wouldn't do it 'cause I like real
food, but it's a thought.

    You would also get a whole lot of sodium in your diet!!!!

    re: .30
    
    I've thought of that myself.  It sounds so easy to just go out and
    buy 7 dinners, 7 lunches, 1/2 gallon WW milk and a box of unsweetened
    cereal for the week, and maybe a few snacks for variety.
    
    But WW recommends only having 4 frozen 'things' per week, whether
    they be dinners, snacks or whatever.  That is mainly because of
    the sodium used in the freezing process.  
    
    Also, you would not be learning the behaviors you need to make WW
    a success for a lifetime, like fixing and eating real food in controled
    portions and saying no to second helpings.
    
    Besides, something that sounds so easy just couldn't be good for
    you!  But it's a great thought!
    
    Susan 

    What is the right amount of sodium intake per day? I have been
    carefully screening these frozen, portion controlled, lite dinners
    and there are some that have what I feel is a reasonable nutritional
    profile. What is wrong with the Lite frozen that has 260 cals. 550
    Mg. Sodium, and 6 Gr. Fat (most of which is poly unsaturated)?

Re Susan, Interesting on the WW recommendation of 4 frozen things
per...uh...week was it??  I've never heard that in any of my meetings
but do plan to ask.

I agree, the sodium is a lot, and you are SO right, you wouldn't learn
anything about the behaiviours that are needed  (maybe this is why
most of us WW fans don't buy into the NS concept...).

Liz

    I am another defender of Nutri/System.  By the way, did anyone know
    that Nutri/System is a Digital client?  I made this discovery after
    writing a letter to the Nutri/System head quarters complaining about
    their poor business methods.  Then I thought, what an ideal opportunity
    for Digital to automate their system.  I called the Digital Philly
    office only to discover they were already a client.
    
    Anyway, what I want to say is that I've been on the program since
    the Monday after Thanksgiving and I've lost 24 pounds.  I recently
    went through a 2 month period of working many all-nighters for Digital
    and working all weekend on a school project.  I had no free time
    to exercise or worry about eating right.  Nutri/System "froze" my
    contract during this incredibly stressful period in my life and
    I am quite proud to report that I lost 2 pounds during that 6 weeks.
    I did some crazy eating, like cookies for dinner a few times.  I
    feel that I was successful during this time due to attending the
    weekly meetings.  I am now done with school and have finished my
    project at work and have re-started my Nutri/System program.
    
    What I have found encouraging for me on Nutri/System is that I seem
    to overcome my pitfalls by discussing them with the counselors.
    I have tried WW many times starting in about 4th grade.  Each time
    I lost 15-20 pounds and then gained 20-25 after about 3 months.
    WW is a healthy program, but it just hasn't worked for me.  I don't
    eat Nutri/System foods for all meals.  I deviate and I think that
    has helped me to stay on track.
    
    As for the food - I am not a quiet shy sort and have discussed the
    food at great length with other members.  My conclusion is that
    there are no bad foods - people just have different taste.  I refuse
    to eat their dinner entres and am on the vegetarian plan which repeats
    breakfast or lunch for dinner.  It is strange having spinach and
    pancakes for dinner, I will be the first to admit.  The food made
    me sick in the beginning too.  I can now eat the foods that I had
    suspected of bothering my delicate stomach.  Since those first few
    weeks my stomach has been in better shape than before I started.
    When I'm off the diet my stomach punishes me...  The vegetarian
    plan is $39.71 a week as opposed to the $54 for the regular plan.
    
    I joined Nutri/System because my sweet grandmother suggested it
    and is paying for much of the cost.  My doctor said that the program
    is good.  Nutri/System keeps their meal plan current with the
    governments new dietary guidelines.  Just this month alot of new
    foods were introduced.  Most of the new foods are a direct result
    of recent news that our diets should contain higher carbo and less
    protein than previously outlined.  Nutri/System was also advised
    to increase the fiber in the diet and they have.  I have 2 wonderful
    raisn bran muffins every morning.  I love chocolate and have their
    hot cocoa every mid-morning as a break.
    
    As for a previous comment about money grubbers - I almost didn't
    join at first because all the staff kept saying was "can we have
    your credit card".  I was offended by their attitude.  They are
    a greedy bunch for sure!
    
    A mistake I feel that I made was to sign up for the entire 46 pounds
    that I needed to lose.  You pay by the pound plus a non-refundable
    $60 assessment fee.  My plan cost about $700 plus the weekly food.
    To determine a goal weight, they measure your wrist, take your height
    and plug it into an IBM PC.  Out comes a goal weight.  I happen
    to be quite fit and have more muscle than most people.  If I were
    to obtain the goal weight that they set (and I paid for) I would
    be losing muscle.  I had a body fat test done by my athletic club
    and the goal I have with Nutri/System is 15 pounds too light.  But
    I've been over that weight since I was 18 and I'm now 33, so how
    could I know what weight would be best for me.  Nutri/System will
    allow me to alter my goal weight up, but will not refund the money
    for the improper goal weight.
    
    The computer spit out my goal date which was March some time.  That
    would mean about 3 pounds per week avg., and I didn't want to lose
    my weight that quickly.  Currenlty, the rules for obtaining the
    two 25 percent refunds for maintaining your goal weight are just
    sort of tied to the computers goal date.  After the goal date has
    passed, if I were to gain for 3 weeks in a row, I'd receive a warning.
    I think that warning lasts for 1 or 2 weeks.  If I continued to
    gain during that probation period, I would be placed on maintenance
    and would not be entitled to the rebate.  I don't know if I try
    harder since it's not my own money at stake or not.
    
    All in all, I would recommend Nutri/System to a friend.  I found
    that by taking advantage of the individual counseling sessions that
    they have helped me find solutions to my problems.  I have no doubt
    that it is a healthy program and I feel that I will keep the weight
    off once I obtain my goal.  I even think I'd buy stock in the company
    if it went public.  I would like to lose 16 more pounds and have
    every intention of meeting that goal.
    
    Just as a footnote - I was suffering with migraines more than half
    of the time before I joined Nutri/System.  I have only had 2 since
    then...  I suspect healthy eating and the good mind set that occurs
    from successfully losing weight has much to do with my improved
    health.  The amount of stress, exercise, etc. really didn't change
    during this time period.  When I joined I was on about 5 different
    drugs to help prevent the migraines, now all I take is the Nutri/System
    vitamin supplements.  
    
    From reading all of the previous notes in this conference it appears
    that Nutri/System has improved their program over the years and
    anyone soliciting friendly advice about the program should certainly
    get a "date-time stamp" on their information.  I am just so happy
    that it is working well for me despite a rocky time that I managed
    to get through.
                                  Sandy (soon to be thin!)

    Has anyone ever heard of the Nutri-system diet?  I have already
    tried Weight Watchers and failed (I lost interest after about a
    month).  I thought I would try to find out what this diet consists
    of.  I have gained approx. 60 lbs since 1985 and I just can't seem
    to get motivated and STAY motivated long enough to lose it.  I'll
    lose a few lbs., and then gain it back along with a few more.  I
    KNOW this is not good for me, but I just can't seem to help it.
    Then I feel guilty and I'll eat.  Any info would be appreciated.
    
    Virginia

Virginia, I didn't check out the note number, but there's a lengthy one
in here on Nutri System.  You might try DIR/TITLE=NUTRI to find it.

    Hi,
    
    I have tried NutriSystems - it does work if you stick to their regimen.
    You eat their food, and you're supposed to get regular exercise.  To me, 
    NutriSystem is expensive!  You pay an upfront price after they analyze
    how much you have to lose with their computer system (mine was over $300.00 
    for only losing about 15 lbs. - and then you spend approx. $50.00 - $70.00 
    per week for their food).
    
    I didn't think their maintenance program was anything to write home
    about.  Not a whole lot of info - and there wasn't any special 
    behavioral classes on "maintaining" your weight - I still had to
    attend the regular classes for people losing weight.  
    
    I didn't find their behavioral classes that beneficial either -
    everyone just went around the table talking about how "good" or how
    "bad" they did the preceding week.  The counselor didn't spend that
    much time lecturing.
    
    NutriSystems would work for you if you like "structured" menus - 
    but why not try Jenny Craig Weight Loss Centers?  They have the
    same structured menus - I think their food is probably alot tastier,
    and you would save alot more money.  Out here (California) I saw an
    add for Jenny Craig for about $119.00 for their program vs.
    Nutrisystems at $300.00 - $500.00 dollars.
    
    Nancy
                                

    re .1
    
    Thanks for the pointer.  I did a DIR/Keyword but didn't come up
    with anything.  I'm still in the learning process of notes!!  I
    read all the replies and the price does seem high.
    
    re .2
    
    That is a considerable price difference, but I don't think we have
    Jenny Craig here.  I couldn't find a listing in the phone book for
    it.  According to everyone's notes, I don't think I can afford
    Nutri-systems.  Looks like I'll go back to Weight Watchers.  Maybe
    this time I can stick to it.  Last time I had a lot of personal
    things on my mind and didn't really have my heart in it.  Hubby
    told me he would follow the WW plan with me if I wanted to do that.
    BTW, does anyone know if WW is planning on running a special anytime
    soon?  I'd hate to join for $25.00 this week and have it be $10.00
    next week.
    
    Virginia

Right now in Colorado Springs WW is offering 1/2 off the joining fee
plus you get 7 months of WW magazine.

Stick with us, we'll give you all the encouragement you can use! :-).

It REALLY does help if you have a spouse or SO to join with you.  My
husband joined with me and that made a real difference.

    re .4
    
    Too bad I don't live in Col. Spgs.!!!  That sounds like a great
    deal.  I wonder if it will move across the country.  I live in
    Memphis, Tn.  I called today and asked how much it was to join and
    they just said $25.00 and then $7.00 a week.  I really don't have
    $50.00 for both of us to join right now.  I'll check Sun.'s paper
    and see if there was a coupon or anything in there.  
    
    Virginia

    Try to remember Virginia that it is not forever!!!  When you look at the
    amount of time we are on this earth, a year (if that what it takes), is
    not a long time.  If lossing the weight gives you 5 more years for that
    one........I can't think of a better investment.
    
    like the sign I made, that hangs over my desk,  JUST DO IT!
    
    Robin
    

    
    Hello fellow noters,
             I'm the one that started this note over a year ago. My
    goal was to lose 65 lbs and I did!  (I ALSO LOST QUITE A BIT OF
    MONEY!)  To be exact, 600.00 to get into the program and an average
    of 45.00/wk for about 25 weeks ($1,125.00).  When you first get
    into the program, everyone does everything humanly possible to make
    sure you're doing well on the program. After several weeks, you're
    "one of the guys", and no longer need as much positive reinforcement.
    Unfortunatly, during the time I was in my program, I had about 6
    different nurses, 3 different counselors and a very uneasy feeling
    that once I went off of their very expensive food, I would start
    to gain weight again. WELL I DID GAIN WEIGHT, ALMOST ALL OF IT!
    Their maintenance program, as far as I'm concerned, is aimed at
    getting a little more money out of you're already strained wallet.
    My own personal feeling about this diet is this, I should have taken
    my money and joined a health club and invested the rest in penny
    stocks!  Those of you who are currently happy with the program,
    talk to me in a year!
    
    						Juan

    One thing that some folks never seem to realise is that with any diet
    you participate in, be it N/S, WW, Opti-Fast, or any others is that you
    have to continue to eat sensibly after you've reached your goal.  You
    CANNOT go back to your old eating habits just because you reached your
    goal of thinness.  If you're fat once, you've got a lifelong battle to
    maintain the thin you.... most people go back to their old eating
    habits as soon as they've reached their goal, and surprise surprise! 
    They're hefty folks again soon enough.  Thinking that just because
    you've lost 'all that weight' and you're thin now is some kind of
    miracle worker is silly.  You're just fooling yourself.  Like any
    relationship, be it with people/food/or anything else, you have to work
    at it to make it work.

    re: .44
    
    Well said, Kristy!
    
     -Amy.
    

    .44 says it all.
    
    15 months after Nutrisystem and still maintaining
    my goal weight.  
    It's how I have decided to change my eating habits,
    they couldn't do it for me...and I NEVER started
    the program expecting that. 

    
    I quit Nutri/Systems after 4 weeks. This is my story (music in
    background).
    
    Two years ago I was approx 250, I joined Weight Watchers in January of
    1988. I took off 50lbs on WW. I still have 40 left that I want to lose.
    I maintained the 50lb loss for about 1 1/2 years. I decided to give
    nutri/systems a try because I was bored with WW. The food they give you
    is just enough to keep you alive. On WW I felt hungry, but on N/S my
    hunger actually hurt. Some of the food was passable, but most was very
    spicy and not enough. The salad dressings were awful. They have a ranch
    dressing which has no resemblance other than the name. The MAIN thing
    that bothered me was that no-one that worked in the center that I went
    to, ever had a weight problem. Ok well maybe someone had to lose 5 or
    10 pounds, but not the amount of weight that I had to lose. The
    moderator of the behavior breakthrough class couldn't even relate to
    me. They only say what they are trained to say, what they teach is not
    from experience. I realize now how much better WW is. It allows you to
    be creative in cooking, go out to eat, learn to eat right and talk to
    people who can relate. One last thing that I will mention is that it
    seemed that there was a very high turnover rate at N/S.

    Gee,
    
    Throughout this whole topic, no one has discussed the food at all.
    I think the entree's are delicious.  I have lost 12 lbs. in 3 weeks.
    The tough part is getting over the Holidays, I will admit. I am
    not looking forward to Thanksgiving.  I joined because I knew 2
    very overweight folks who each lost 60 lbs. and were very pleased
    with the program, and have kept the weight off.  If you cannot
    discipline yourself to eat right afterwards, then what good did
    it all do for you?  
    
    I would like to hear more POSITIVE feedback from this file. I want
    to hear dif things you try with the food, etc. 
    
    Thanks,
    Anne

Has anyone heard or wondered why Joe Martelle from WROR's "Joe and Andy family"
has stopped talking about his NUTRISYSTEM diet that he was on a few month's 
back. Evidently, he lost some good weight(20lbs or so) and was raving about it 
at the time. For the past couple of months, he hasn't mentioned it. I'm just 
wondering if he put the weight back on. Not that I am wishing it on him, but I 
just believe that FAD diet scams like this one are nothing more than "QUICK 
BUCK" schemes(sp?).

     NutriSystem is reviewed in "Which?", the UK COnsumer Association
    magazine, this month.
    
    Their verdict: expensive way to count calories.

Since this is also NutriSystem related I thought I'd ask here.  In Colorado
Springs this past week they had an "imaging" machine where you could see what
you'd look like x-pounds thinner.  Has anyone tried this?  I wanted to but
didn't get to it.

    Just look at a picture of Christie Brinkley....:-)

    I am not sure about Joe, but WQBK has had people on over the
    last 6 months or so talking about Nutrasystem and how great
    there diet was going.  I got the impression that these and
    98.5 (can't think of the letters) were paid advertisements.
    Maybe part of the payment was these people got the
    diet free?  or discounted?
    
    Anyway, if there were advertisements, maybe nutrasystem 
    decided to stop paying for them?
    
    Amy
    
    BTW: sometimes Joe and Andy have the same guests as QBK right
    after eachoter, and they have the same car protection advertisements..
    Are these two station sister stations or something??
    

    Jim Colony and Bev Tilden (name?) on KISS are still talking about
    Nutrisystem.  First they had Jim doing the ads and recently they've
    added Bev.  I don't think they've been as frequent recently though.

    I've never tried the Nutri-System diet, so I can't comment on the
    diet itself - but they sure had one heck of a good advertising
    idea!  Apparently they offered all radio stations free membership
    (or at least a good deal) for their overweight personnel, in return
    for radio ads.  For months, every radio station I listen to, has
    a D.J. spouting about how much weight they've lost with Nutri-System.
    
    I'm sure the overweight D.J.'s jumped at the chance to get
    Nutri-System free (or at least close).  I know I would have.
    
    - Molly -
    
    Disclaimer - I have no idea what the actual advertising deal was
    - this is just my guess at it.

    Some of these programs are effective and really help people, but the
    bottom line is that they are businesses and have 'numbers to make'. 
    Carol sounds like she used a number of tried and true tricks designed
    to 'close a sale'.
    
    I think your decision to sleep on it is very wise.  I hope I always
    remember to do that.  I don't make great decisions under sales
    pressure, and I've learned that it's better to lose an opportunity than
    to make that kind of impulsive decision AND in many cases, the
    opportunity is still available the next day.
    
    I have a hard time when people only see those of us with weight
    problems are 'prospects'.  This is a disease (for me) and I don't want
    to line anyone's pockets as I seek to live with it.
    
    Holly

    You don't have to weigh your food on N/S.  All the food except for the
    veggies and fruit and milk are portioned for you.
    
    Which N/S did you go to (town)?  

    I went to the one in Leominster.  Last weekend a friend of mine told me
    that N/S was under investigation because of a death....  Anyone
    know/heard this?
    
    Linda

There have been several articles in the Colorado Springs paper about
this.  Apparently there have been several law suits filed.  If I
remember some have to do with people getting gall stones from this
particular program and then having surgery.  Sorry I don't remember
all the details.

    The problem is that those on the diet, after losing weight, evidently
    go back to their old eating habits of a "high fat" diet and then
    developed gall stones.  This is because the body hasn't had to try
    and break down high amounts of fat while on the diet.  I don't think
    this is exclusive to Nutri-System, it could happen on any diet.  Nutri-
    System was just targeted because those which developed the gall stones
    recently had just come off of the Nutri-System diet.  Though I haven't
    read the article I would assume that those people had also been on
    the diet for a significant amount of time or had lost a lot of weight
    and then decided, " I can now eat anything I want" and chose foods
    high in fat content.

    My husband and I just joined and we'll be buying the first week of food
    tonight.  We're doing it because I'm forever needing to loose weight
    and I couldn't deal with Weight Watchers constant measuring and
    rationing daily and weekly.  No matter what they say, I never got used
    to it...it did *not* become second nature.  I've got other things to do
    with my time and mental efforts.  My husband's overweight for the first
    time in his life and, so, it made sense for us to do this together for
    the next few months.  
    
    We went to the one in Merrimack, NH and there was no hard sell.  We
    knew, from my phone call to them, that there were two different
    programs.  We chose the introductory one for only $89, plus the food
    cost each week.  I figured, since I know Weight Watchers, we'd have a
    very good idea of how to go about maintaining our weight loss, i.e.
    right combo of foods and limited portions, after we had lost the
    weight.  NS will get us used to the limited portions without weighing
    it (we hope!).
    
    We saw their "supermarket" and I don't recall any canned foods.  Most
    are pouches or boxes.  We'll try a little of every main course and then
    just buy what tastes good, along with fresh veggies/fruit.  But, we
    need that initial discipline.  
    
    She, automatially, handed us a statement from NS regarding their gall
    stones claims.  The comment earlier about one's metabolism not being
    used to high fats and a person coming off a diet and going back to high
    fats makes sense.  We'll let you know what happens.
    
    -d

    I watched last night on CBS, Connie Chung interviewed the Nutri-System
    doctors and founders and they all gave her a run around.  
    
    I guess NS is having a big problem with Law suits regarding gall
    stones, there are many people men and woemen who have had to have many
    stones removed.
    
    As far as the Disc Jockey's, the company does indeed pay these people 
    for free advertising, Connie interviewed a DJ who had been on NS and
    had had stones removed, he also said that he's never been the same
    since.  
    
    Another thing the doctor said was that Nutri System was designed for
    the user to only loose 1 1/2 to 2 lbs a week, then Connie showed them
    advertisements giving perks "If you loose 20lbs in one month the
    membership only costs $X-amount"....
    
    I have never used it, but I thought people might like to know a litle
    about what reports have concluded before spending huge amounts of
    money.
    
    Happy dieting, 
    Steph

    Both I, my mother and my sister have used Nutri-system.  We all liked
    the food (most of it anyway) and we were all successful with losing
    the weight.  My sister has lost 70 pounds and maintained it for a 
    year.  I lost about 20 and then got pregnant so I had to go off the
    diet.  My mom lost 50 pounds...  
    
    I think it's a good diet.  The food isn't dogmeat like another person
    replied.  They have updated the foods to that they are actually pretty
    tasty and EASY to make.  Some things you can add a little flavor too
    by adding a little catsup or something.  Like the hamburgers... I added
    a little Mayo, lettuce and tomato and it was EXCELLENT!  It gave it
    that added zest!!  
    
    I think a lot of people have really bad-mouthed the diet.  To me it 
    sounds like they were either trying it a LONG TIME AGO, or are just
    very PICKY eaters.  I'll admit, it is expensive, but it works!!!!
    
    

    Last year I lost 30+ pounds on Nutrisystem.  I would agree that the
    food is not dogmeat, but I would not call it much better than OK. 
    Towards the end of my diet, they finally started adding some things
    that were not Mexican in flavor (pot roast and stuffed cabbage).  But
    while I was on their diet they discontinued the only lunch selection
    that I liked (taco spread) and one of the few desserts that I liked
    (stawberry bran bar).  

    Overall I think it is a workable and well-planned system, but I do have
    a few complaints.

    (1)  There is a heavy dependence on Nutrasweet.  I am not allergic to 
    it, but do find it to be (a) overpowering and (b) distasteful.  It 
    made now sense to me that the morning drink was sticky sweet with 
    sugar and the lunch-time yoghurt was overpowered by Nutrasweet.

    (2) (This one is probably unique to the center I went to.)  There was a
    heavy emphasis on 'head games'.  What motivated you to get fat?  What
    will motivate you to get thin?  This wouldn't have been so bad except
    they seemed to have canned answers that did not allow for deviation. 
    For example:  "One of the reasons you have a hard time losing weight is
    that you have an image of yourself as fat.  You have to change this
    image."  This did not apply to me.  My problem was I had a thin image
    and couldn't accept that I had gained way too much weight.  

    (3) (This one is definitely unique to the center.)  I came to have very
    little respect for their "nutritional specialists".  Week after week I
    would ask a question and get "I don't know, I'll look that up for you." 
    The next week I would ask the same counselor the same question and get
    "I don't know, I'll look that up for you."

    (4) Their maintenance program does not do enough.  There was very
    little information given about how to 'eat right'.  Even in their
    maintenance classes the emphasis was on head games.  And their
    maintenance program requires that you eat their food two days a week. 
    Then on your anniversary of 'goal achieved' you are sent off to figure
    out how to continue to maintain without their food two days a week.  

I haven't "graduated" yet, but I am currently in week 8 of the program, and
I definitely have some opinions.

- the food is decent.  not good but edible.  I have found many ways to 
  "spice it up" - putting veggies on the pizza and in the omelette, fruit
  in the puddings and pancakes, etc.

- the food is *easy*. This is why I joined and I *love* it.  I failed on
   weight watchers primarily because I couldn't keep up the motivation to
   work that hard.

- the program works, if your goal is to lose weight.  I've lost almost 18 
  pounds.  I am not doing maintainance (couldn't afford it - got the special
  deal: 16 weeks, no maintainance) but I think it is okay - I have looked at
  their maitainance book and I was Not Impressed.

I think you are right about their "pat answers".  yesterday we did the
section on "emotional eating" which I happen to be an expert on from
personal experience.  :-)  I think their approach is fine for people to
whom the whole concept of emotional eater never occured, and all they
have to do is think about it, realize what they are doing, and it will
stop.  For those of us who are compulsive eaters, know damn well what we
are doing and can't stop, their little platitudes are pretty useless.  and
the woman giving the class had never been heavy in her life!!  Her advice
was coming from a "theoretical" perspective.

And their nutritional specialists are *not*.  I know more about nutrition
through my reading and the infinite numer of diets I have been on than they
do.  I oten substitute foods, and she chastises me for it, saying the
program is optimally designed for weight loss, and any substitutions will
hurt the program - that's baloney, some of the things, like the rolls, are
just plain old ordinary rolls.

Also, they use sugar in EVERYTHING!  Just about ever single Nutrisystem item,
including the ones that use Nutrasweet, also have sugar in them.  I'm trying
to cut sugar out of my diet and it was very difficult - I finally opted to
only eat things that had sugar below the 5th ingredient or so, and even that
was hard.

Still, though, for all my complaints, I *am* losing weight, and I have found
it quite easy to stick to the program.

D!

    I probably sounded very anti-Nutrisystem.  I'm not.  Bottom line is it
    worked.  Guess I was just tried to air some grievances I had.

    One of the reasons I chose this program was the packaged foods.  My
    husband does most of the cooking in our home, and he as not willing to
    change his cooking habits just because I wanted to diet.  This was the
    compromise.  

    (He still won't change his habits.  A few nights ago he served:  frozen
    fried chicken, Lipton's rice & sauce and canned peas.  Since I have
    eliminated the option of doing the cooking myself, my solution is to
    start my "this is what I have eaten today" with supper.)