Battle of the Bulge: My First NutriSystem Shipment

Phew. Am I overwhelmed! My NutriSystem shipment arrived today. And, my goodness, was there a LOT of it! There were 35 breakfasts, 35 lunches, 35 dinners and 35 desserts. Right now, NutriSystem is offering a pretty good deal where you get 7 extra breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts. Plus, if you order the auto-ship option (which you can cancel at any time), you get free shipping. So, instead of it being over $300, the total is actually just under $294. Originally, I thought it was just 28 days's worth of food for $10.49 per day. instead, it actually averages out to $8.40 per day. Not too bed, especially for people like me that constantly go out to eat.

My shipment came in one big box. The big box was filled with smaller boxes, all of which contained the food for my next month on the NutriSystem plan. It was so overwhelming that my husband helped me sort through everything. We separated everything according to when you are supposed to eat the meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. It took us nearly a half an hour to go through everything.

Upon first glance, I don't know what to think of the packages of food. There are so many of them. Some look good and some look downright gross. For example, I'm really not too excited about the Ham and Bean soup. Sounds kind of nasty, if you ask me. But, I may be proven wrong when I make it. (Needless to say, however, I'm going to save it for one of those days when I'm really not that hungru-- just in case.) The pizza and tacos look pretty decent, as does the chili and some other soups. I'm excited to try the oriental dinner entrees and pancakes, though.

My biggest problem with diets is the carbs. I am a carbohydrate addict. I love my cookies and pizza. Ooh-- And cake. And sandwiches. That's why I do so poorly on other diets. I go on the carb wagon, for diets like the South Beach Diet or Atkins, and then I crash. HARD. I was on South Beach, and then I ate and entire box of Entemann's Chocolate Chip Cookies in about 20 minutes with a carton of skim milk. I am not kidding you, dear reader. But, with NutriSystem, I got a couple of packages of cookies, caramel popcorn, cakes, and even chocolate. I'm stoked!

My husband's interest was even a little piqued. He is a very picky eater, but was impressed with some of the selections that we unpacked. Of course, he was grossed out by quite a bit of the selections, but NutriSystem offers a plan where you can customize what foods are sent to you. Plus, there is a completely different plan for men to follow. I told him that he can sample the foods that I get. Maybe he'll want to join me in my NutriSystem diet.

Along with the food, NutriSystem encloses your packing list, welcome sheet, Fuel Your Mind pamphlet, Nourish Your Body exercise guide, and the NutriSystem Nourish Program Meal Planner. This is included with every shipment of NutriSystem. There is also a 1-800 number to call before you get started. It isn't necessary to call, but it certainly is a nice motivational speech about and from people who have had success with NutriSystem.

The Welcome Sheet
The welcome sheet included with your shipment is just that: a sheet welcoming you to NutriSystem. It is a double-sided sheet with three frequently asked questions, four steps to starting NutriSystem, five pictures of people who have had success with NutriSystem (results not typical, of course), a phone number for questions and counseling, two start up tips, and the different menus that men and women should follow. It also tells you to make sure that you "drink at least 8, 8-ounce glasses of water each day for maximum weight loss results". Since we have a water cooler in our house, I have no problem doing that.

Nourish Your Body Exercise Guide
This is the NutriSystem exercise guide, which is actually a thin, 32-page book that has a multitude of items. A welcome letter in on the first two pages. On the next two pages, you get to take a quiz to find out if you should follow the advanced or beginner Body Nourish programs. If you score 6 - 16, you are a beginner. If you score 17 or above, you are instructed to go with the advanced program. Fortunately, I scored a 14. I hate exercising. So, I will follow the beginner program, which is on pages 7 - 22. The advanced program runs from pages 23 - 33 (the inside back cover). The beginner program is 30 minutes and the advanced program is 60 minutes. Each exercise has pictures to make sure that you are doing the exercises correctly.

Nourish Your Mind
Okay, I'm trying really hard to be open to everything that NutriSystem has to offer. Truly. But, this "Mind Nourish" pamphlet seems like a bunch of hooey to me. I'm just not one of those people that can do the whole "mind over matter" thing. Seriously. This pamphlet has a nice letter from Dr. James Rouse, a naturopathic physician and direcrot of coordinated care and complementart medicine at the Phoenix Center for Health Excellence. He has been working with patients who want to lose weight for years. He designed this program to "foster increased weight loss through positive mental awareness." That's why Weight Watchers didn't work for me-- I never went to the meetings. I don't need people to cheer me on or tell me what I should and shouldn't do. It stresses me out. I know I'm fat. I know I need to lose weight. My entire life, people in my family have been on me about my weight, regardless of if I were too thin or too heavy. I'm losing weight for myself. This psychological BS just isn't my cup of tea. Perhaps it helps others. If it didn't, it probably wouldn't be a part of the NutriSystem program. I'll do it. It's going to take me longer than other people, I'm sure, but I promise I'll do it.

NutriSystem Nourish Meal Planner
This is your NutriSystem Bible. It has the plan that you are supposed to follow, whether you are a man or a woman. (I will get into specific meals as my diet goes on... I'm starting on Saturday, 4/21/07.) There are 28 daily diary entries, where you can check off everything that you have had throughout the day. This makes certain that you follow exactly what you are supposed to eat. Both men and women have supplements tht they are supposed to add to each meal, including dairy, fruit, vegetables and even fat. Men are instructed to add a Low GI Carb to most meals. There are also slots for you to fill in your weight, if you exercised and how many minutes you exercised. On page 35, you will find a serving guide that lets you know the different items that you are allowed to have as your serving additions, and the amount that you should have. The Dining Out Guide portion of the Meal Planner gives suggestions of what to and not to eat for virtually any cuisine you can think of. There is even a section for supplements which, of course, encourage you to purchase the NutriSystem vitamin supplements. (Since I've got a lot of Pre-Natal vitamins, I'll pass on this. But, you do get a $15 coupon toward your first order.)

I admit it; I'm a skeptic. Perhaps this isn't the best attitude to have when going into any diet, but it's the truth. I can't change it. Do I want to lose weight? Yes. Do I think I can do it? Absolutely. Do I have the will-power? Not really, but I'm sure as heck going to try.