My 65 Pound Nutrisystem Adventure.
It is less than 25 days until summer do have the body you want this summer? If the answer is no I have a weight loss program that will give the results you want!! Have an extra 10lbs, 20lbs or more you want to loss? Well NutriSystem is the program you want to start now!!!
65 pounds gone with Nutrisystem
You may be asking does this weight loss program really work? Are the success stories on this program real? I am going to be the first to tell you YES! This program does work!! I am a real person that loss 65 pounds on their program successfully and I am one of NutriSystem’s success stories that was featured in Good Housekeeping’s April 2007 issue showcasing my weight loss story.
Before I joined this program I weighed 225 pounds and have been heavy most of my adult life. One day during my visit with my OBGYN she told me that I needed to lose weight otherwise I would become a diabetic just like my dad and that scared me. So I was researching different diet programs and believe me I tried them all from Atkins, South Beach, Slim Fast and others.
One night I was watching a NutriSystem infomercial and see all of these people that have lost weight successfully. I was excited and I joined the program in September 2005 determine to loss this weight for my health and before I turned 30 in September 2006. Many may ask what made you want to do NutriSystem instead of the other diet programs? Well these are my reasons:
- The program consisted of 28 breakfasts, 28 lunches, 28 dinners, and 28 desserts that were all pre-portioned for my convenience and all shipped to my front door every 4 weeks.
- The convenience of weighing in and talking to a weight loss consultant from the comfort of my own home at almost anytime of the day.
- The price was affordable. Only $290 approx. per month and free shipping.
- I only had to add in fresh fruits, vegetables, protein and dairy products of my own.
- The program also gives you many suggestions on what to add to their entrees to make your meals yummy.
- The support you get from people across the country on their support boards.
- Access to a food journal to track how much you eat, a fitness journal to see how much calories burned and a simple journal to write about your progress.
Now tell me if you could have all of that and lose weight would you want to join NutriSystem ASAP to get that summer body this summer? I know I would do it again in a heart beat. Ladies you will be able to wear that bikini and look fabulous and gentlemen you will be able to bare that chest with pride.
I remember each month on the program heaving milestone. The first month I lost 15lbs and I could not believe it!! The second month I lost 10 lbs. That’s twenty five pounds in 2 months! Third month came and I lost more weight 8 pounds and this was during the holidays and the worst time of the year people way say to lose weight. By Christmas I lost 32.5 pounds. Then the fourth month I loss 10 lbs and by May of 2006 I lost a total of 65 pounds, reaching my goal weight. I went from a size 18/20 to a size 8!!
And now a year later I have maintained my weight loss, I feel healthier, I love to exercise now, and I love shopping now that the clothes fit much better and I can shop anywhere I want. You can too. Your weight loss success is just a click away. Check out NutriSystemTODAY!
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Hi sister,
I don’t make a lot of money plus I have 4 children to feed, so I just want to know if this program really works. Did you gain the weight back after you stopped eating the packaged meals? How fast did you gain back the weight, and did you put back on twice what you had lost?
Sincerly
Your poor sister that really can’t afford to loose a week’s pay for nothing.
Hey girl,
I can understand that about not being able to afford to loose a week’s pay for nothing. That was my initial concern too when I first started too. But girl the program works!!!
I did not gain the weight after I stopped eating the packaged food. Now that I am thinking about the weight loss I am proud of myself. Why? Because I reach my goal weight of 160 back on May 2006 and I have been maintaining my weight now for over 1 year!! The great thing is with doing this program I learned how to eat correct portion sized food and that is how I transitioned myself off their foods, plus they help you along the way too.
Now, during the holidays I did gain 10 pounds, but that was my choice because I wanted to enjoy myself and take a break, but as soon as the holidays was over I got back to healthy eating and exercise routine which is key to successful weight loss and keeping it off for life. Now I lost most of that gain with the exception of 3 little pounds to this day that will be gone this month!! that’s right, 3 pounds and I can’t wait until they are gone!!! it’s swimsuit season girl, and I have never worn a bikini before and this summer I will. Stay tuned, i will be posting picture of my progress to the bikini.
So, saying all of that this programs is FANTABULOUS and I love it and I recommend it to everyone!! Let me know if you decide to start Nutrisystem. I love to keep up with you and your weight loss progress.
Thank you so much for visiting my Blog and I hope to hear from you again.
Best wishes!!!
Natasha
Oh yeah if you sign up and create a profile on Nurtisystem’s website you can visit me there too. My profile name is nhop1976!
Hi Natasha,
I was wondering if you still have been able to keep the weight off and did you get paid to come out in the Good Housekeeping issue back in April?
Hi Sandra!!
Thanks for visiting my blog!!
In answer to your question, you bet!! Yes, I have kept the weight off since then. However my weight fluctuates from 160-165 from time to time. They way I maintain my weight is to eat healthy portions of food, exercise with cardio and weight lifting, and drink plenty of water. That’s the key. You should visit my home page which is http://www.my-weightloss-journey.com. You will see the I post almost everyday my success and challenges I go through to maintain or new goals I give myself from time to time.
Yes, I was compensated for the photo shoot for my time and my weight loss success story. I was glad to do it because I can share my story and help inspire others too at the same time.
feel free to visit here as much as your want. I blog about nutrition tips, fitness, and other fun things too.
Great pix but I love the smile.
Hello Natasha,
I ordered the Nutrisystem diet last night and now I am worried. I have started reading reviews weher people say the food is salty and terrible. Also that they would get substitutes on their order and things often came in damaged. Did you ever run into any of these complications? Also did you start working out as soon as you started the Nutrisystem plan or have you just started to maintain your weightloss. Also congrats on your success.
Sincerly,
I don’t think I can take another weightloss disapointment!
Hi Katrina,
Well as you see I did not have as many of the issues you have seen the other people had. I eat their food for over 8 months and I was fine. Now, you may come across some food you will not like and that is with any diet program. However, the great thing NS does is allowing you to exchange the food you don’t like for food you do like. On top of that you can customize your order too. So, don’t get to worried. As far as exercise I did walk 3 days a week when I first started and I still exercise to this day and watch my portions too. That is the secret to keeping the weight off long term.
Best wishes to you
Thank you for the inspiration and advice!
I have tried everything and nothing has worked. Approximately 5 years ago I was 125 - 130 lbs then I became pregnant with my son who is now 4. While pregnant I went up to 183 lbs. After he was born I was able to get to the 150 range, which was still more than I was used to. The first of December 2007 I quit smoking and I have gained another 10 lbs. I have done everythingg to loose this weight and nothing helps. I take diet pills to help boost my metabolism, I drink protein shakes for breakfast, I eat fruit and crackers for snacks, soup or salad for lunch and for dinner I eat either a Lean Cusine or a Weightwatchers dinner. Needless to say I do not eat bad and I do exercise 4-5 nights a week. I need something to get me back to the 130 range. I guess what I am trying to get at is, does this really work? You look all over the place at people that lost weight with Nutrisystem and all of the pictures say results not typical. Did you ever try any othre diets before this one?
Sincerely,
Nothing has worked, this is the last HOPE!
Hi Stacey!!
Yes I have tried other diets in the past from Atkins, Jenny, and many more. Yes I did do NS and it does work! The reason many weight loss companies place “results not typical” is because everyone loses weight at a different pace. For example, I lost 65 pound in 8 months, but it may take someone a year to lose the same amount of weight, so that’s why many companies say result not typical because everyone loses weight at a different pace.
It looks like you have a plan together. When you exercise how long do you exercise? Typically 30 minutes of good cardio is a start to loss weight. Also incorporate 15-30 minutes of weight training too will help you burn fat and build lean muscle. How much water are you drinking each day? It is suggested to drink 64 ounces of water day for weight loss. Then how many calories are you consuming each day? Between 1200-1500 calories a day is suggested for loss. So if you are eating too many calories a day along with exercise you are just maintaining and not in weight loss mode.
My typical day of eating after using NS looks like this:
Breakfast: oatmeal, orange, and Canadian bacon
Lunch: Lean cuisine, salad
Snack: String cheese, apple(or other fruit)
Dinner: Tuna steak, green beans, salad or sweet potato
Dessert: Low fat yogurt or {weight watchers brownie or 100 calories packs pf something)
So take a look at what you are eating and also calculate the calories too see if you are eating too much or too little and if that is the case you should start seeing some results. Otherwise, go for it!! NS is easy to learn portion sizes and lose weight!!!
Best Wishes
Hello!
I just read all of the questions and responses posted here and I wanted to say thank you to all of you! Your questions and responses are such an inspiration to me. I’ve been battling my weight all my life. I always set my goals too high - 800 calories a day, or run and do tae bo every day - and I end up falling off the wagon. I’m going to try this! It sounds do-able and I can’t wait to get healthy!
Thank you again for the inspiration!
Hi Rita!!
Thanks for visiting my site!! you are going to love this program because it will teach you how to eat and with the exercise you can not go wrong!!
Best wishes and please visit anytime.
P.S. When you start your weight loss journey my advice to you would be start a blog. So, that you can document your progress and building a support system from fellow people going through the same thing you are.
Hey, I was just wondering, would you compare the meals to say Weight Watchers meals? I am looking for something that I have eaten to compare it to, so I can figure out if I’ll like it or not.
Also…great job!!!!
I started the Nutrisystem program yesterday and I have already lost 2.2 lbs. I think that this program is very easy. I would like to lose 15lbs. I am encouraged that by the 28th day I will meet my goal. I think my biggest problem was portion size.
Angela!!
Congradulations on your weight loss this far! Doesn’t it feel great to see the scale move in the right direction? That was my problem too. Portion sizes. Good luck and you will get that 15lbs gone fast!!!
Angela!!
Congratulations on your weight loss this far! Doesn’t it feel great to see the scale move in the right direction? That was my problem too. Portion sizes. Good luck and you will get that 15lbs gone fast!!!
Jessica,
It is hard to compare on diet to the next. Nutrisystem is unique like WW is. I have eaten NS and WW’s and they both taste great!! It’s hard to decides for sure.
Good luck with narrowing this done.
Natasha,
Thank you for your feedback. I know that Weight Watchers Works as far as the program, the food is okay, but I need the simplicity….that’s why I’m looking at Nutrisystem. Thanks for letting me know that the food is similar at least in taste.
You can accomplish the same thing by purchasing frozen entrees such as Smart Ones, Lean Cuisine, etc. On Nutrisystem you have to add in fresh fruit, dairy, etc. I have found that I can do the frozen dinners at my market for about 1/2 the price but everyone to their own. This may not work for everyone but I’ve lost 44 pounds so am please with it for myself.
Sue congrats!!! That is awesome results and you should be proud of yourself. You are absolutely right. What I learned it is all about the right portion of food and a healthy balance of fruits and veggies.
Quick question…
You mention that you need to “add in fresh fruits, vegetables, protein and dairy products of my own”?
I’m wondering what nutrition you are getting from the meals if you have to constantly suppliment with other purchased foods. Fruits and veggies I can see … but always buying protein to add in makes me think I should just be cooking to begin with?
Can you advise? Thanks!!
Hi Tracey!!
Thanks for visiting. Great question. I am not a licensed dietitian, but all diets you will go on or just eating healthy in general you will need to add in those additional items. They help in the digestive part and metabolism. Most diets you purchase can not add those to your meal plan because those on perishable items. If that makes any sense.
The food on any diet you try will be nutritious but use will still need to add veggies, protein/dairy and fruits. If your really do not want to cook, I would totally suggest trying the zone chief diet. They prepare all of your meals for each day and delivery them to your home daily, but you will pay for that type of service which is usually approx $35 per day. Ouch!! Expensive, but if I could afford that I would totally do it out of convenience.
I hope this helps and good luck in your weight loss journey
Hey,
I started Nutrisystem on 1/23 and have lost 4 lbs thus far. Have you heard of Hoodia ? I heard that it helps by tricking you mine to think you are full. I will let you know about my weight loss journey. I was so inspired when I read your story.
[...] Author: Natasha Hopkins fought a life long battle in being overweight until losing 65 pounds with Nutrisystem. To get more weight loss information and see her inspirational story, visit [...]
hi,
i was thinking about the nutrisystem commercials and how convenient it looks to have my meals prepared. so i was wonderin’…am i supposed to just keep eating nutrisystem until i lose my goal weight? or can i eat it eternally?
all of your success stories and questions inspire me to better myself. wish me luck in the future!
Hi Jess!!
Thanks for visiting!! It is entirely up to you. I ate nutrisystem all the way to my goal weight and after that I slowly started to add back in my own meals slowly and then when i was comfortable to do it on my own I did and I love it. Because I can enjoy food, but I am mindful of my portion sizes.
Good luck to you
Congrats on your weightloss. I just ordered nutrisystem. I’m excited and a bit nervous. I’ve tried everything and desperately want this to work. I pray that I will be as successful as you! You’ve inspired me!
I started Nutri-system on 1/23 and as of today I have lost 16 lbs. I have even cheated a few times. I am now at 145.8. I feel so much better. I would like to lose 10 more lbs. I think this program is so easy.
Hi Jessica,
Congratulations on your success! I hope to follow soon. I have NOT been overweight my whole adult life…in fact, I was quite trim (not thin) up until about age 26 when my endocrine system seemed to implode after having my son. I am hypothyroid, high testosterone, and insulin resistant. Since then I have gained probably 70 lbs…
So, I started Nutrisystem 2 days ago. Here’s how I find things - I STARVE all morning and then dinner is just too much food!
My favorite thing to eat is mushroom, zuchini, and yellow squash - steamed with sea salt and pepper. I’m confused by the information on the Nutrisystem website regarding vegetables. I was thinking I might bring a large serving, such as 4 cups, of these veggies, to work to stave off the morning hunger because it seems like the info from Nutrisystem that you can eat these kind of non-starchy veggies in almost unlimited quantities…but I don’t want to misunderstand and end up undermining my efforts!
Since you lost a similar amount as I need to lose I thought I could ask you about your opinion regarding “unlimited vegetables”.
Again, congratulations very much! I am glad you beat the Demon! It gives me hope…
Jen
Hi Jen!!
Thanks for visiting my blog. I am so glad my story inspires you to gain back you health. You keep at it. Yes you will starve a bit because your body was used to eating unlimited amounts of food and now you are reducing your intake. That is normal. As far as the unlimited veggies, you will still have to be careful because they have calories too that can add up fast. Good luck with you weight loss and keep us posted on how your progress goes.
have a great day
Natasha
I am currently at 143.4. I started my weight loss journey on 1/23.Then I was 162. I got down to 142, but started craving sugar and started eating too many desserts and fast food again. I do exercise at least 5 times a week for an hour. I bought a size 6 jeans on Sunday. I was wearing a size 12. I am hopeful that I will lose 4 more pounds in 2 weeks.
Hi Natasha,
I just ordered NS today and I’m extremely excited to try it! I’ve heard great success stories just like yours that have inspired me to do something about my weight. I do have one question pertaining to the additional fruits and veggies that you need in your meals. Can you describe a typical NS meal where you had to use supplement foods? I just want to gather an idea of what a typical day would be like. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions!
Amy,
Congrats on your decision on getting healthy and in shape. You are going to love NS just like I do. A typical meal can be:
NS frosted O’s cereal
half banana
3 slices of oscar myer canadian bacon for 60 cals
So, that would be an example of the meal. I hope that helps and if I can help please come back by and visit again!!
have a great day
Angela!!
Way to go on your success so far!! Size 6 is definitely exciting news!! Your 4 pounds seems to be a very realistic number to reach. Keep up the great work!
hugs,
natasha
i just started this diet on 04/01/08 and i lost 1.5 lbs i know its only been 3 days but its an awsome start. the food really is not that bad, i just keep thinking on what i will look like when my 40 pounds come off. thanks natasha you are my inspiration
HEY NATASHA. I AM STARTING MY NS PLAN TOMORROW. I HAVE BEEN HEAVY FOR ABOUT 10 YEARS NOW AND I AM SO TIRED OF MAKING EXCUSES. THE FOOD LOOKS GREAT ND I CANT WAIT TO TRY IT. IT SEEMS EXPENSIVE, BUT I CAN SPEND $7 A POP AT ANY DRIVE THRU FOR ONE MEAL ONLY!! YOUR PICS ARE GREAT AND I AM ALSO ON THE NS COMMUNITY LIST (BILLIEW164) WRITE ME SOMETIME, I HAVE A FELLING IM GOING TO NEED A LOT OF SUPPORT!! WISH ME LUCK
BILLIE
hey natasha,
do you recommend the nutrisystem for guys like me.
i need to lose 30 pounds for basketball season?!
thanks, ian
Hi Ian!!
thanks for visiting!! Of course you can use Nutrisystem! have you seen the latest ads with Dan Marino and the other football guys that have used NS? They look awesome and it does work for men too. A few of my guys friends that I have met through NS have very great success with the program and you will too.
Best wishes!!
Hi ya’ll-
My name is Dawn and I actually started the flex plan on Friday. I was soooo nervous because I too had heard how awfull the food was. Not true I have found that I like it so far. Even the cookie was chewey not hard and crumbly. I hope to be as sucessfull as you were Natasha. I have three kids and I would like to lose 90-100 pds. Same scenerio as you too my dad has died of diabeties and I am at risk and its scary. My other sisters are thin and feminine - something I used to be before kids. I cant wait to get back to my Diva self. Hopefully this time next year
Thanks for you story its great - just what I was looking for!!
Ms. Natasha,
Ok your post did it for me, after so many negative reviews about NS I was very skeptical but your post has convinced me. I am currently on a low carb diet now but I cannot possible eat any more meat. Wish me luck
Hi Ketenna!!
Thanks for visiting! I am so glad that my post has motivated you to give NS a shot. You are going to be so glad you did it. You have got to keep me posted on your progress and if you have any questions please let me know.
Best wishes
Natasha
Hi! my name is Kathy and I started NS on May 6th 2008–so far I have enjoyed the food-it seems like I’m always eating-I would like to lose 60 -70 lbs-and was happy to read you did it within a year!! I will keep you posted on my progress–thanks for the motivation!!!
Hi just wanted to say you look great.I am thinking about trying NS I really need to loose weight. Just a few questions for you. I see now that NS have the advance meals. What is the difference between the advance and the regular meals? When you have a meal do you need to add in fruits and veggies and how long were you on NS.
Hi Kathy and welcome to NS!! You are going to love the results you will have with this program and the new and healthier you to come. I am so glad that you will keep me posted on your progress and if you create a profile on NS let me know your profile name and I will check up on you from time to time.
Congrats!!
Natasha
Hi Kathy!
Thanks for visiting! I was on NS for 8 months and lost 65 pounds. Now I am not too sure what the difference between their advance program vs. the original one. I am sure it is much better and improved. Yes, you will have to add in fruits and veggies to certain meals to keep your body balanced and full. I know love many fruits and veggies since being on NS. If you decided to go for it be creative in your choices of fruits and veggies so that you will not get bored because that happened to the best of us.
Good luck,
Natasha
Success is something I will dress for when I get there, and not until.
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http://alanareeserv.easyjournal.com
[...] Hopkins fought a life long battle in being overweight until losing 65 pounds with Nutrisystem. To get more weight loss information and see her inspirational story, visit [...]
Congratulations Natasha! you look beautiful. I just started Nutrisystem last week. I just had my second child and need to lose about 60lbs. My concern is I’m not able to exercise for a few weeks due to a back injury after delivery. Do you still think I’ll be able to lose weight? Also, did you drink diet soda at all while on NS? I’m drinking 2 diet cokes a day but I’m wondering if that will slow the weight loss process even though it says unlimited diet soda allowed. Thanks for sharing your story.
Hey girl! I see you are using the Jari Love DVD’s! How are they working for you? What have been your results? I kinda fell off the wagon and I blamed “life” for it, but I’m back and I have new pictures on my site and a “Subscibe To My Site” and I’ll be sending out updates to everyone on my list! Just wanted to invite you to join and keep me accountable. I keep looking at your site ALL THE TIME! I want some new pics of you girl! LOL BTW, I bought the Muscle Milk. Are you using it as a meal replacement? Tell me how you’re using it. Okay… Well, I was just stopping by to drop some love and invite you to my NEW and improved site!
Take care!
Kim,
Thanks for visiting!! I did drink diet soda of NS, but not all the time. even now, I really don’t drink much soda at all.
Best wishes on your weight loss,
Natasha
Hello Nastasha,
I am 5’10 and weigh 247lbs, says my scale at home (my doctor’s scale reads 253, conspiracy!!!) . My aim is to lose 75lbs by Christmas. I just ordered NS and your story, along with my years of weight struggle, was the impetus for this endeavor. I tried the Atkins diet three years ago and lost 50 lbs, which I have since gained back. The idea of having meals at the ready should make this diet less arduous. I am looking forward to mirroring your weight loss achievement. Thank you for this blog and a BIG thank you for your inspiration!!!
Kudos!
Kadian
Her, i’m 17 years old and i’m 5′4 and weigh about 210 lbs. I’m a junior in high school. I just started the program and i’m going to mexico soon and i want to look good. From the day i started to the day i leave for mexico is only about 25 days. Do you think i will look any different by then?
Thanks so much
Jen
babycakes1991@comcast.net
Hi Jen,
Congrads on starting NS!!! I think should see 7-10lbs gone which is average weight loss for the first month. I lost 14 pounds my 1st month with NS which appeared to most that I went down one dress size.
Good luck and you will have to let me know your results and how Mexico was too.
Have a great week
Hi Natasha!
I am 20 years old.. i have been trying for a long long long time to lose weight… I LOVE FOOD. ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. haha I did weight watchers but got stressed that i had to keep track of points and measure food etc… I want to lose weight while im still young… i dont want to look back 10 years from now and say “why didn’t i try harder when i was younger” Just like anyone im looking for a snap of the fingers the weight is gone kinda of thing. And i know its impossible.. but i been reading about nutrisystem and it seems so perfect. I have the will-power… like if i have a set food that is all ready for me then i can stick to it. my problem here at home is portions.. and time of eating. I dont really know how to portion my food. i just eat all the time. even if im not hungry! But with this all the food is already portioned.. and if i do it long enough my stomach will get smaller and i will get used to not eating ALL the time. Do you think this is it? Do you think this is the time im actually gonna break through and lose the weight i been wanting to for a LONGGG time?! Thanks for everything!
Cassandra!
Thanks for visiting and you are welcomed. I hope that my story helps you get to your goals soon. Just remember to be patient and in time you will reach your goals!
have a great day
Hi Natasha,
I started NS about 7 weeks ago and have only lost 15 pounds. I thought that I would have lost more by now. I am trying to eat all the allotted food, drink more than enough water and I am walking everyday. Is there something that I am doing wrong? Please give me some tips to help me loose more weight.
Thank you,
Stephanie
HI Stephanie!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Don’t be so hard on yourself. You are actually doing AWesome!! 15 pounds in less then 2 month is great. You just need to keep in mind that many different people lose weight at different paces because all of our bodies are different.
You are not doing anything thing wrong. Just try to be patient with yourself. The only thing I can say is increase your exercise activity.
Have a great day and keep on losing!!
Natasha
Hi Natasha,
Thanks for answering so quickly. I spoke with one of the NS reps and she told me that I was walking too much and I should not walk everyday. She said with the NS program I should only be walking 30 minutes 3 times a week. Which make that only 90 minutes a week of exercise. I am confused. I want the program to work for me so I am trying to follow it by the book. Please HELP.
Thank you,
Stephanie
Hi Natasha
Thank you for answering so quickly.
I am confused I spoke with one of the NS reps and she told me that I was walking too much. I walk 20-30 minutes in the morning and 20-30 minutes in the evening everyday. The rep said since I am on NS and trying to loose weight I should only walk 30 minutes 3 days of week. I thought the more I exercise the more weight I loose. PLEASE HELP.
Thank you,
Stephanie
The rep is right in a way for average weight loss. Just keep in mind your body is different for others and you will lose at a different pace. When I was on the program I started working 3 days a week, but 4 months into it I increase my workouts to 4-5 days a week for 45 minutes to an hour. Doing this did help me lose more weight, but at the most I lost 2 pounds per week.
So I guess what I will say is that you have to test yourself and see what you body can do. Maybe on week workout 4 days a week. Try walking faster or even try jogging. Or try a new exercise DVD to give your body something different to do. Then at the end of the week so what you results are. Sometimes your body gets used to working out at the same intensity all the time which in some cases can cause the body to plateau if you don’t increase the intensity of your workouts. You kind of understand? Give it a try and let me know.
Happy 4th
Natasha