By sam

April 14, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

I tried NutriSystem. I would have stuck with it had the meals been complete. They expected you to supply the fruits and veggies.

By todd

April 14, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

I tried Fit n’ Fresh for a few months. I am a picky eater and only like beef once a week and no fish. with FnF you get the menu they plan without options. So for me I ended up throwing out a lot of meals and going off the plan. If I could of just ordered the meals I wanted it would of been fine. The price however was not bad and the food that I liked was good. Todd

By Todd

April 14, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

I tried Fit n’ Fresh for a few months. I am a picky eater and only like beef once a week and no fish. with FnF you get the menu they plan without options. So for me I ended up throwing out a lot of meals and going off the plan. If I could of just ordered the meals I wanted it would of been fine. The price however was not bad and the food that I liked was good. Todd

By Todd

April 14, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

I tried Fit n’ Fresh for a few months. I am a picky eater and only like beef once a week and no fish. with FnF you get the menu they plan without options. So for me I ended up throwing out a lot of meals and going off the plan. If I could of just ordered the meals I wanted it would of been fine. The price however was not bad and the food that I liked was good. Todd

By Jen

April 14, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

I am currently doing Nutrisystem. I started March 1 and I’ve lost 20 lbs. I have 50 more to go…60 if I want to be ambitious. And I might be once I shed that 50.

Please forgive the following long story (personal info dump)…

I didn’t grow up with weight problems. I was trim and fit up until about 8 years ago. Then my thyroid failed completely. Before it was diagnosed I rapidly gained 30 lbs without changing my lifestyle. I though I was going crazy.

Once I was diagnosed and began treatment I lost 20 of that 30 lbs.

Then I became pregnant. I only gained 30 lbs during pregnancy. However, after my son was born I was unable to go back to my active lifestyle because we were poor and trying to finish graduate school. So, I had time for baby and school but not soccer or the gym as before. By my son’s 1st birthday I’d gained 15lbs.

Then we moved to Georgia so my husband could get a higher degree. I was finished school but could not find a job of 4 months. Looking back I guess the stress of moving to a place where I had no family or friends, with my husband getting a graduate degree and thus prioritizing that over everything else, with no job/income, etc, I started drinking more, eating more, and generally lost sight of living well.

Fast forward 4 years. This past August I was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome - classic hormone problems, especially insulin resistance and high testosterone.

Things in my life have improved in the other areas of my life since we moved here - I’ve made some good friends, my husband finished school and got a good job, I also had a good job. I was just fat! From 135lbs to 217lbs in 8 years!

With that diagnosis I began taking hormones to counter the testosterone, which was exacerbating the insulin resistance. I began walking to and from work (3.5 miles, ~1 hour each way), starting with 1 day a week and working up to 3-4 days a week.

I went from 217lbs to 210 in 5 months. Pretty dismal results, I would say.

So, in February I decided to order Nutrisystem. I figured I’d lost the ability to determine good portion sizes, etc. It’s something I never had to think about in my youth, young adult, and post-grad years.

I ordered the Diabetic Woman program, which would focus on high fiber and low sugar. I can eat unlimited green vegetables and squash (steamed, of course, with salt and pepper).

Since it cost $300/month I decided I would not sabotage things with my bottle-of-wine-a-night (500-600 calories - YIKES!) drinking habit and waste all that money. So, once my food came in and I went and bought the necessary fresh fruits, veggies, and extra protein I simply stopped drinking. It hasn’t been hard, especially since I’ve lost 20lbs in 6 weeks!

Granted, I can’t necessarily say it’s the Nutrisystem or cessation of booze that’s doing it. Probably a combination of both.

And I’ve graduated from walking to/from work 3 days a week to biking 5 days a week. I look ridiculous on a bike - the bike is too big because it’s my husband’s, I’m wearing work clothes, I’m still fat so I look like a pig on a stick. But…I’m in pretty good shape!

The Nutrisytem foods are palatable, and some are even tasty. It’s given me a nice wake-up call in regards to portion sizes! I think I can maintain this once I reach my goal weight and transition onto regular foods.

The previous poster mentioned how you have to buy other foods. I find this to be a good thing. For one, it means you still get to eat real whole fresh foods. For two, it means half your meals are foods you prepare for yourself, thus teaching you how to prepare real world food in the proper portions!

My program involves a breakfast, mid-morning meal, lunch, afternoon meal, dinner, and “dessert”. The breakfast and lunch are about 200-250 calories each. The two in-between meals are about 180 calories each. Dinner is about 300-350 calories and the dessert is 100-150 calories.

Nutrisystem provides you with part of the breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. You supplement these with your own protein or veggies/fruits. Nutrisystem also provides you with the dessert.

But you provide the two in-between meals. And it sort of teaches you how to prepare proper portions so I value that.

I am confident that once I reach my goal weight I will be able to transition off of Nutrisystem completely and maintain my weight loss.

Perhaps none of this is necessary. Perhaps some people can make all the lifestyle changes I have without paying $300/month. But spending that money sure helps with motivation!

Good luck to all and I don’t blame you if you didn’t read all of this long post!

By muffin

April 14, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

I’m wondering how much freezer space I’d need for nutrisystem. If I sign up both myselfand my husbandwouldnt I need a separate freezer for all the food?

By Thirdwheel

April 14, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Hey Jen!

I am glad to see you are doing so well! This PCOS is a nightmare!!! I wish I could send you my email address so we can keep in touch…. You know what if you read this… email me at areuseriousomg@aol.com

By Jen

April 14, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

muffin - no freezer space, or fridge space, for the nutrisystem foods is needed. The meals are packaged like canned foods are (think Spaghettiohs only in containers that look like frozen food containers). So, you can just throw the boxes of food in the pantry/garage/whatever.

Thirdwheel - PCOS is a pain. Most women find out they have it because they can’t get pregnant. That wasn’t me. I think I will not be having more kids. I just went in complaining about weird symptoms that I thought were going to be chalked up to my hypothyroidism and find out I needed to up my thyroid hormones. The doc asked me a series of questions, ran a bunch of blood work, and voila! After researching it I find that it does explain a LOT, especially about my slow metabolism (which was once a fast metabolism).

By Jen

April 14, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

muffin - no freezer space, or fridge space, for the nutrisystem foods is needed. The meals are packaged like canned foods are (think Spaghettiohs only in containers that look like frozen food containers). So, you can just throw the boxes of food in the pantry/garage/whatever.

Thirdwheel - PCOS is a pain. Most women find out they have it because they can’t get pregnant. That wasn’t me. I think I will not be having more kids. I just went in complaining about weird symptoms that I thought were going to be chalked up to my hypothyroidism and find out I needed to up my thyroid hormones. The doc asked me a series of questions, ran a bunch of blood work, and voila! After researching it I find that it does explain a LOT, especially about my slow metabolism (which was once a fast metabolism).

By Jen

April 14, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Oops! My internet connection burped! Pardon me….

By Kit

April 16, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

I have tryed all of the plans Nutrisystem, Jenny, Good Measure, and Fresh & fit. I really would say that Good Measure and Fresh & Fit meals are much diffrent then the other plans due to the food being fresh vs. freeze dryed and/or frozen, which is really nice. When I was on Good Measure one thing that concerned me was the Sodium and sugar intake I don’t think they monitor or restrict those, and I was a little upset that they had products in the meals that were pre-pakaged like things i could have bought at the store myself for cheaper. Other then that it was okay. I am currently on Fresh & Fit, the meals are really tasty, of course there are things that one is not going to like but that will happen on any meal plan. To me the results of how I feel and look are far more important and worth picking out some carrots here and there. I have had the energy to play with my children and not be out of breath now, and that is great. I really like Fresh & Fit and wiil stay on it so I can have a more active life, and not to mention how great it feels when people say things like ‘you have kids’. Thank you Fresh & Fit.

By Glenn R. Parris MD

April 16, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

I really enjoy the variety.I recommend the 1200 calories meals for my arthritis patients that want to lose weight.

By Glenn R. Parris MD

April 16, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Fresh n Fit meals offer the best option for my patients that are trying to lose weight and/or trying to control their blood sugar. I personally eat Fresh n Fit on a daily basis in my office.

By Sharon Cheeks

April 16, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Moving to Georgia from Southern California it’s nice to see a program that is not only on the cutting edge of Nutrition, but style in their presentation, and tastebud consious. This Meal Program is exquisite and makes the hardest working individual feel like they have been served breadfast, lunch, and dinner by a private chef. And what woman wouldn’t want to be catered to.
Thanks Fresh-N-Fit Cusine.

By Sharon Cheeks

April 16, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Moving to Georgia from Southern California it’s nice to see a program that is not only on the cutting edge of Nutrition, but style in their presentation, and tastebud consious. This Meal Program is exquisite and makes the hardest working individual feel like they have been served breadfast, lunch, and dinner by a private chef. And what woman wouldn’t want to be catered to.
Thanks Fresh-N-Fit Cusine.

By tod

April 16, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

No selection stinks and you have to be very open in what you eat otherwise you will spend a good bit per meal and end up tossing many of them b/c they use ingredients many do not like.

Hey head chef….people do cook some foods w/o onions.

By Tammy

April 17, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

I have been eating Fresh ‘n Fit Cuisine meals for over a year now and have never thrown anything away or found them to use onions too often. I think the variety is great with over 5 weeks of different menu items before the rotation starts over. And, they keep it interesting by changing the recipes fairly often. I just love it and wouldn’t want to be without it!

By Alan

April 17, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Fresh n Fit Cuisine is tasty and filling. The spices offer a great alternative to unhealthy spices such as salt. I pick up my food in Stone Mountain

By BJ

April 17, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

As a Personal Chef, I am always concerned about the quality of food being served to my clients. This discussion reminded me to look at some of the menus offered by the leading diet system programs. The variety is incredible, yet I would be concerned about the additives in the food.
I also offer meal plans. Limited menus are made available to local clients and delivered to on a weekly basis. All of the food is made from scratch and there are no additives…no, corn syrup, MSG, margarines or partially hydrogenated oils. I personally believe the best food is the food prepared closest to its original form. These are plant based and organic and for the most part are not from a bag, box, can or jar. Good food cost money and we are worth it.

By Diane

April 17, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

I really enjoy the Fresh n Fit Cuisine Lawrenceville.. They are tasty and delicious.They are very easy to take to work. It really works for busy working working women. My health has improved considerably since my start. I recommend it highly.

By Tammie

April 17, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

I absolutely love FreshnFit!! The convenience, the variety, the portions—and to think it is all nutritous! If you are on the go all the time, eating out of your car or eating your meals from luncheon meetings, etc. chances are you are eating too much of something-sodium, sugar, etc. Take it from one who knows. The following meals are some of my favorites: chicken salad, turkey wrap, the breakfast bread—I could go on and on but don’t take my word for it-try it.

By Bill

April 17, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

I think it does a disservice to the readers to assign someone with odd food tastes to review a product intended for mainstream consumers. Normal people like onions, or at least recognize that they are a common natural seasoning.

I have been enjoying Fresh ‘n Fit Cuisine for the better part of a year now, and have found the menu items to be creative and tasty, the quality to be top-notch, the portions to be generous and the customer service to be excellent.

Yes, the menus are fixed, but I don’t want to spend extra money for a customized meal plan. I like trying different foods, and Fresh ‘n Fit offers me that opportunity. I have discovered new foods I’d otherwise have never tried, like edamame.

Next time, don’t let the onion bigots sully the good name of a fine product.

By John, Cumming

April 17, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

I have tried both good measure and Fresh n fit cuisine meals and I was STARVING on Good Measure, they just don’t have the same quality and portions that Fresh n fit cuisine does. I have been having Fresh n fit delivered for the last 5 months and I have never had a bad experience, as a matter of fact the service is awesome. Michelle is always on time and very careful with our food. I’ve lost 40 lbs thanks to this plan! I really enjoy the taste of the food and never noticed too many onions, but then again, I’m not some picky little girly man.

By Vicki

April 17, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

I can not comment on Fresh-n-Fit but I can on Good Measure (GM). I have been on GM since Mid-January 2008 and have lost 30 lbs thanks to GM and my work out progam 5-6 days per week. I have done Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers but this plan is the best for me. I have never had a bad meal. I am not a picky eater so I like to try everything and I have yet to throw away any part of the meals I have received. I look forward to my meals and being a busy professional GM really suits my lifestyle. I have been praising GM to all my family and friends. Also remember that the profits from GM go to help those people who are sick or elderly and unable to cook or keep up good nutrition on their own through Project Open Hand.

By Bri

April 20, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

I have done Good Measure meals for about 8 months. When I stick to the GM meals I lose weight and I’m not hungry, but I’m only on the 5 day plan so my husband and I go out to eat and fill in our other meals with the GM selections.

I think the service is great, the food is wonderful and varied, and I have very few meals I don’t enjoy. They also have a LOT of meals that are awesome—beef tenderloin, curry beef, turkey and mashed potatoes, tilapia…. I can’t imagine an easier way to have healthy, flavorful meals daily.I know I wouldn’t cook that way even if I had time to shop, cook and clean up.

When I don’t do GM I tend to eat a lot more food that is bad for me. Their portions are sane, real meal sized. I also like that the service benefits Project Open hand.

By indoor dog

April 20, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

I haven’t used any of the plans discussed so far, but have used a locally owned business, www.freshmealdelivery.com. It’s run by a chef and his wife. You can choose the number of entrees and sides you want per week, you can opt to have ingredients you don’t like left out and they will work with you to help accomodate a low carb or low fat diet as well. My husband and I just use these meals for dinner and I usually make side dishes myself to keep the cost down, but the entrees are worth the price.

By Dan

April 21, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I agree with BJ and Indoor Dog that you have to be concerned with what you’re getting on some of the meal plans. Obviously because of their national distribution, Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem can’t avoid having all the preservatives in their foods. Nutrisystem is especially bad because you receive 2 months of food all at once in the same box. After checking the local fresh meal plans, I went with Fresh ‘n Fit Cuisine. They are not only low in fat and sodium but don’t use any artificial flavors, colors, trans-fats or hydrogenated oils. The meals are still delicious because they use a variety of fresh herbs and spices and you don’t miss all the bad stuff.