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We reviewed three weight loss services
There are numerous benefits to weight loss, some being reduced blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and reduced risk of cardiovascular events. We all know that losing weight can be beneficial to overall health, but we also know that it is difficult to achieve. We have reviewed three meal delivery plans whose main focus is to help you lose weight in the most painless way possible. It’s inevitable that each includes both pros and cons, but the key is choosing which plan will work best for you in starting your individual weight loss journey. Here’s what we found (Harvard Heart Letter, 2019):
- Nutrisystem. This plan allows you to ditch counting your calories or carbs, as it includes both delicious microwaveable meals and packed snacks with carefully chosen portion sizes. Daily allotted meals and snacks contain about 2,000 mg of sodium total per day, noted to be a good level for the majority of the population. The downside is that these meals are made to be shelf-stable, meaning they tend to be highly processed and include additives that preserve the meal for longer periods of time. Many people suggest adding fresh fruits and vegetables to the meal as well, but this takes away from the convenience of the plan and requires a trip to the grocery store.
- South Beach Diet. This plan is convenient with its pre-packed foods, and is known to have less carbohydrates and more lean protein and vegetables. In addition, focus is given to lower levels of saturated fat and increase levels of whole grains. With takeout dinners and unhealthy snacks being so hard to resist, this plan provides three meals and two to three snacks daily to help beat the temptations. One downside includes the price level, which is about $300 per month per person. Other common complaints include the lack of excitement with the pre-packaged meals, and the lack of long term knowledge gained in regards to incorporation of healthier foods into your diet should you want to do so on your own.
- Blue Apron. This company recently partnered with Weight Watchers to provide meal plans with fresh foods and a “SmartPoints” system that encourage a healthier diet without the dread. The ingredients are sent weekly, but are pre-portioned and insulated. Both photos and step-by-step instructions are included for each meal which take about 20-40 minutes each to prepare. Budget-wise, these meals cost about $10-12 each. With this plan, snacks are excluded.
We hope that one of these plans may appeal to you, good luck on your weight loss journey!
This article reviewed by Dr. Jim Liu, MD and Ms. Deb Dooley, APRN.
There’s nothing more important than our good health – that’s our principal capital asset.
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