Re: nutrisystem

[Guest guest]

Deb, You ask " what else " about negatives.

I've known people that had serious negative reactions to the foods - later

the patient told me it was the high chemicals/additives that turned out to be

the problem, and couldn't get her nearly $1000 spent back. . .

Just one anecdote, since you asked.

I have NOT reviewd their foods to see if they are 'healthy' ingredients or

not.

Jan Patenaude, RD

In a message dated 8/2/2006 10:16:16 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time,

cohmart@... writes:

I agree with Kathy. Some patients need this type of " mindless " system

because, let's face it, they can't control their intake or even think how to

plan a

reasonable menu. Nor do they want to. How many times have we all

heard..... " just give me some menus to go by. " It could be a great stepping

stone for

some, and I repeat, some patients. No one plan fits all patients. I see myself

a

facilitator for my patients. I never have a diet ready when they walk in the

door. Usually my first question is, " Why are you here? " and my second is

" What have you done in the past? What worked and what didn't and why? " I work

with what they want and what is realistic to them. This gives them buy in and

are much more open to my suggestions to " tweak " the plan.

Cece Ohmart, R.D., L.D.

Director of Nutrition Services

Maine Coast Memorial Hospital

50 Union Street

Ellsworth, Maine 04605

nutrisystem

Good morning -

A physician called me with questions about nutri system. He thinks

it would be a good program for overweight patients. He thinks that

it is simple to follow (you just eat the foods they send).

I told him that the negatives are:

1. don't learn how to make healthy choices

2. not adaptable - what if people travel for business and do not

want to eat the meals - etc

3. no research that documents success of program

4. they had to pay big fines to FTC for false advertising

am I missing anything?

I am not sure about the meals themselves..I am not sure about the me

do they eat? (and is it too low to sustain) are the meals loaded

with preservatives and such? I know that you are to add fresh

fruits and veggies.

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Deb Boardley

University of Toledo

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Kathy Link M.B.A., M.S., R.D., L.D.N

Nutrients 1st, Portions 2nd for a Healthier You! ©

www.nutritionmakescwww.nutr

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Jan Patenaude, RD

Director of Medical Nutrition

Signet Diagnostic Corporation

_www.nowleap.com_ (http://www.nowleap.com/)

(toll free)

Fax:

DineRight4@...

Disease Management Programs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Migraine and

Fibromyalgia caused by Food Sensitivity

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[Guest guest]

I think people don't look at the long term - they look at the short term. As

long as they lose the weight they are happy (only while they are losing). A few

years ago the in thing at work was the Atkins diet - everyone was losing BUT

they have all put the weight back on.

Personally, I don't think the Nutrisystem is bad just for the reasons you state

it wouldn't be top of my list. I have come to a conclusion after many years is

that Americans have NOT turned the corner on obesity because it is too easy to

overeat (be you poor or wealthy and everywhere in between). Maybe this sounds

negative but I think we can talk until we are blue in the face but obesity won't

change no matter who gives the advice until society changes...that is why I am

for taking sodas out of schools and other such measures!

Check Nutrition at:

Nutrition.teach-nology.com

Ortiz, RD

nrord@...

nutrisystem

Good morning -

A physician called me with questions about nutri system. He thinks

it would be a good program for overweight patients. He thinks that

it is simple to follow (you just eat the foods they send).

I told him that the negatives are:

1. don't learn how to make healthy choices

2. not adaptable - what if people travel for business and do not

want to eat the meals - etc

3. no research that documents success of program

4. they had to pay big fines to FTC for false advertising

am I missing anything?

I am not sure about the meals themselves... how many calories a day

do they eat? (and is it too low to sustain) are the meals loaded

with preservatives and such? I know that you are to add fresh

fruits and veggies.

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Deb Boardley

University of Toledo

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Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.10.5/405 - Release Date: 8/1/2006

[Guest guest]

Deb,

In order to be completely unbiased and objective, some of the advantages of

Nutrisystem, or any other pre-prepared meals weight loss/control program,

should have been given to the physician. I would like to offer some of

those as well. My experience with the program was personal, not

professional, and I also raised as many or more objections when my husband,

a physician, decided to use the program for himself in order to lose about

30lbs he was carrying. He was very successful w/the program, lost the

weight at the rate of 2lbs per week, and did not suffer hunger. I'm sure

the short-term use of this program did not compromise him nutritionally and

he followed their instructions to the letter.

The meals provide only the entree. The literature accompanying them

includes instructions for additional foods to be eaten alongside the meals,

and the amounts, such as non-fat milk, fresh produce and fruits, and

wholegrain products such as breads. He liked them and was satiated with the

meals and snacks, and stuck to the regimen for the first 20 lbs, then

skipped it on weekends for the other 10lbs, not losing any of the momentum

and going down to goal within a reasonable amount of time. From what I

read, most of the meals and guidelines are based on eating low glycemic

foods, controlling the portions, and lowering fat and sodium. He was given

1500-1600 calories and from my calculations it was what he would need for wt

loss based on height, sex, age, etc. and not wanting to spend 8 to 10

months on the weight loss struggle.

I tasted many of them, and some evenings made them my own meals since I get

home from work and exercise after 8:30 or 9PM most nights; too tired to

think of cooking. I found them tasty although I would have soon become

tired of so much pasta, but that was his choice, and would have missed rice

which is my daily staple, but that was his choice also and he was allowed to

add some brown rice to the diet. The bonus for me was not having to worry

about preparing any food. I prepared enough food on weekends or just had

veggies (I plant my own) and rice for dinner, or a bowl of soup, as I said

occassionally having one of his dinners (they send extras with each

shipment). They are expensive. His were $280 a month and he purchased a 3

month supply of which he still has some due to the extras. I took a bunch

to work for those days when I don't take anything from home and am too busy

to go out and get lunch, or just don't feel like bothering thinking about

what to eat. Even with my large capacity for eating, I find that one entree

is enough for me.

I tend to agree with the physician that contacted you. The program is easy

to follow, and most people who spend that much money will most probably

stick with it, at least for a while. If accompanied by nutrition counseling

by an RD, I believe it would benefit many people who do not know what to do

to lose/control weight. My husband has me for that (although I know

sometimes he doubts my expertise since I'm so close to home...), and I think

he learned more about nutrition as it relates to weight loss and gain from

our discussions about his food and food choices and the instructions

provided to him with the plan.

I have no interest in Nutrisystem, financial or otherwise, and have never

worked for them.

Digna Cassens, MHA, RD

http://groups.msn.com/RDForum

Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are

doing the impossible. St. Francis Assis

nutrisystem

> Good morning -

> A physician called me with questions about nutri system. He thinks

> it would be a good program for overweight patients. He thinks that

> it is simple to follow (you just eat the foods they send).

>

> I told him that the negatives are:

> 1. don't learn how to make healthy choices

> 2. not adaptable - what if people travel for business and do not

> want to eat the meals - etc

> 3. no research that documents success of program

> 4. they had to pay big fines to FTC for false advertising

>

> am I missing anything?

> I am not sure about the meals themselves... how many calories a day

> do they eat? (and is it too low to sustain) are the meals loaded

> with preservatives and such? I know that you are to add fresh

> fruits and veggies.

> Any information would be greatly appreciated

>

> Thanks

> Deb Boardley

> University of Toledo

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Being objective. Most people only listen to the first 3 words. So listing the

negatives off first will stop any potential relationship. No one likes to hear

to " No " . So ask some questions and then from that state the pros/cons of nutri

system. IE if his object is to have something easy and mindless for the client

to follow, then yes it'll work. If the object to start easy/mindless and then

educate via an RD yes it will work. Our goal is to educate, but that's not

everyone's goal. Some docs think over eating is like treating ETOH. They treat

the behavior not the reason the person is consuming ETOH.

" Ortiz, R.D. " wrote: I think people don't

look at the long term - they look at the short term. As long as they lose the

weight they are happy (only while they are losing). A few years ago the in thing

at work was the Atkins diet - everyone was losing BUT they have all put the

weight back on.

Personally, I don't think the Nutrisystem is bad just for the reasons you state

it wouldn't be top of my list. I have come to a conclusion after many years is

that Americans have NOT turned the corner on obesity because it is too easy to

overeat (be you poor or wealthy and everywhere in between). Maybe this sounds

negative but I think we can talk until we are blue in the face but obesity won't

change no matter who gives the advice until society changes...that is why I am

for taking sodas out of schools and other such measures!

Check Nutrition at:

Nutrition.teach-nology.com

Ortiz, RD

nrord@...

nutrisystem

Good morning -

A physician called me with questions about nutri system. He thinks

it would be a good program for overweight patients. He thinks that

it is simple to follow (you just eat the foods they send).

I told him that the negatives are:

1. don't learn how to make healthy choices

2. not adaptable - what if people travel for business and do not

want to eat the meals - etc

3. no research that documents success of program

4. they had to pay big fines to FTC for false advertising

am I missing anything?

I am not sure about the meals themselves... how many calories a day

do they eat? (and is it too low to sustain) are the meals loaded

with preservatives and such? I know that you are to add fresh

fruits and veggies.

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Deb Boardley

University of Toledo

----------------------------------------------------------

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Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.10.5/405 - Release Date: 8/1/2006

[Guest guest]

I agree with Kathy. Some patients need this type of " mindless " system because,

let's face it, they can't control their intake or even think how to plan a

reasonable menu. Nor do they want to. How many times have we all heard..... " just

give me some menus to go by. " It could be a great stepping stone for some, and

I repeat, some patients. No one plan fits all patients. I see myself a

facilitator for my patients. I never have a diet ready when they walk in the

door. Usually my first question is, " Why are you here? " and my second is " What

have you done in the past? What worked and what didn't and why? " I work with

what they want and what is realistic to them. This gives them buy in and are

much more open to my suggestions to " tweak " the plan.

Cece Ohmart, R.D., L.D.

Director of Nutrition Services

Maine Coast Memorial Hospital

50 Union Street

Ellsworth, Maine 04605

nutrisystem

Good morning -

A physician called me with questions about nutri system. He thinks

it would be a good program for overweight patients. He thinks that

it is simple to follow (you just eat the foods they send).

I told him that the negatives are:

1. don't learn how to make healthy choices

2. not adaptable - what if people travel for business and do not

want to eat the meals - etc

3. no research that documents success of program

4. they had to pay big fines to FTC for false advertising

am I missing anything?

I am not sure about the meals themselves... how many calories a day

do they eat? (and is it too low to sustain) are the meals loaded

with preservatives and such? I know that you are to add fresh

fruits and veggies.

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Deb Boardley

University of Toledo

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Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.10.5/405 - Release Date: 8/1/2006

[Guest guest]

I know someone who's boyfriend (an MD... mind you) used that.

He lost the wt, the food was great, and he is a very upscale eater. Another

thing - he said it showed him portion control and that's a big plus.

To my understanding - the food is prepared in a cook-chill system, delivered

frozen daily. I am not so sure, but not knowledgeable, of use of preservatives

ect. I don't see why, but everything possible.

It is not different from Craig, I think.

the only problem I see with that - what happens when they stop.......and that's

exactly what happened.

You can't offer that to pts b/c of money issue ( and liability as someone

mentioned) - is expensive. Even Opera Winpry had her ups and down with special

chefs & dietitians. And she could afford it for as long as she wanted.

But at the same time - I don't think it is our role to " block " it from them. We

should tell them that its available, tell the consequences (financially and

post-diet). Most people think they can handle that when they stop.

nutrisystem

Good morning -

A physician called me with questions about nutri system. He thinks

it would be a good program for overweight patients. He thinks that

it is simple to follow (you just eat the foods they send).

I told him that the negatives are:

1. don't learn how to make healthy choices

2. not adaptable - what if people travel for business and do not

want to eat the meals - etc

3. no research that documents success of program

4. they had to pay big fines to FTC for false advertising

am I missing anything?

I am not sure about the meals themselves..I am not sure about the me

do they eat? (and is it too low to sustain) are the meals loaded

with preservatives and such? I know that you are to add fresh

fruits and veggies.

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Deb Boardley

University of Toledo

----------------------------------------------------------

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.10.5/405 - Release Date: 8/1/2006

[Guest guest]

NutriSystem food is steripacked in sealed containers held at room

temperature. It looks very much like frozen food with much sturdier plastics

to ensure air tight seal and prevent deterioration. It is delivered monthly

or more at one time (my husband chose the 3 months delivery system). It

must have some preservatives and they're listed on the box. Asian cultures

have been using this packaging method for years and years, and I have

purchased many of them in Japan and Hong-Kong in the past.

Ingredients lists include (out of 4 different packages) in addition to the

main ingredient s such as beef, chicken, etc. The packages have a hotdog, a

bbq chicken filet, NutriCinnamon squares breakfast cereal, rotinin

wmeatballs and tomato sauce.

NIacin, Ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, ribflavin, folic acid,

evaporated cane juice, spices, soy flower (TVP), caramel color, soybean oil,

partially hydrogenated soybean oil with TBHQ and citric acid, color (caramel

and turmeric) vinegar, malt flavoring, baking soda, color (caramel and

turmeric) molasses, salt, natural flavors, liquid smoke (water, natural

hickory smoke flavor) splenda (water, sucralose) oleoresin paprika, *2% or

less of potassium lactate, sodium diacetate, natural smoke flavor, sodium

erithorbate, dextrose, sodium nitrate * (these last with * are on the hotdog

lunch, but none of the others.

I don't know, but these don't look too dangerous to me! I expect those of

you who have expertise in food chemistry or preservatives will tell me. In

any case, I had one for lunch today bc I haven't been eating much lately and

the portions are small and since the food is saucy easy to eat fast. (the

not eating much dt backaches, not dieting, and yes, I've had unintended

weight loss!)

Merav, you're correct that the portions are small, and it's a good way to

learn to eat less and survive. As I said in a previous post, my husband was

never hungry while on it. He's decided to keep a backup stock for days I

don't cook, to eat at work instead of high fat outside food (which I am

doing also), and as a reminder in case he starts to gain the weight again,

he can use these. It did teach him portion control and to help him along on

days I do prepare meals I portion his instead of letting him serve himself,

which he appreciates. I also put all food away first so there are no second

portions visible.

Digna Cassens, MHA, RD

http://groups.msn.com/RDForum

Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are

doing the impossible. St. Francis Assis

nutrisystem

Good morning -

A physician called me with questions about nutri system. He thinks

it would be a good program for overweight patients. He thinks that

it is simple to follow (you just eat the foods they send).

I told him that the negatives are:

1. don't learn how to make healthy choices

2. not adaptable - what if people travel for business and do not

want to eat the meals - etc

3. no research that documents success of program

4. they had to pay big fines to FTC for false advertising

am I missing anything?

I am not sure about the meals themselves..I am not sure about the me

do they eat? (and is it too low to sustain) are the meals loaded

with preservatives and such? I know that you are to add fresh

fruits and veggies.

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Deb Boardley

University of Toledo

----------------------------------------------------------

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.10.5/405 - Release Date: 8/1/2006