Week 1 Diet Update

Happy New Year and happy New You! I started Nutrisystem on Monday, December 26. Here’s an update on how it’s going.

Unsplash image by Total Shape

Starting weight: 167
Current weight: 164
Goal weight: 130

Exercise: The first week on the plan I chose is very calorie-limited, and you’re not supposed to do much in the way of exercise. I was happy to oblige. I did some walking, but that’s about it.

The Food: As I tried a variety of Nutrisystem’s food this week, I took notes, and I’ve broken this week’s foods into categories. There are my faves, which I will definitely purchase again. There are the ones that were meh, which weren’t terrible but I didn’t love them, and may or may not choose them again. And finally, there are the ones that were not faves, which I definitely will not purchase again.

Note: Everyone’s tastes are different, and you should know that I’m somewhat of a picky eater. Okay, I’m super extremely very picky. Now, to start any diet food program, I think you need to get into the right mindset first. You need to forget how all the delicious food at your favorite restaurants tastes, and really lower your expectations. That way, you will be pleasantly surprised, like I was. Seriously, overall, I have been impressed with the variety and the flavors of the Nutrisystem food (and no one is paying me to say that). That being said, let’s get to my category list.

My Faves

Breakfast:
Cinnamon roll (mmmm!)
Cherry cheese roll
Double chocolate muffin
Lunch:
Pepperoni melt
Classic hamburger
Dinner:
Bistro-style toasted ravioli (absolute fave!)
Snacks:
Cream-filled chocolate cupcake
Chocolate pretzels
Mint ice cream sandwich
Chocolate cheesecake (delish!)
Chocolate chip cookies
Chocolatey pretzel bar
Chocolatey fudge bar
Note: I like chocolate.

Meh

Breakfast:
Turkey ham & cheese omelet
Turkey sausage & egg muffin
Lunch:
Bacon cheddar stuffed chicken stick
Dinner:
Chicken pasta parmesan
Salisbury steak with mac & cheese
Chipotle chicken & bacon flatbread
BBQ chicken mac & cheese
Snacks:
Chocolate chunk cookie

Not Faves

Breakfast:
Blueberry muffin (I actually wrote “yuck” in my notes)
Homestyle pancakes (I couldn’t bear to finish this one)
Lunch:
White cheddar mac & cheese (couldn’t finish this one either)
Snacks:
Chocolate protein shake

Obviously, there are more dishes I loved than didn’t love, and obviously I’m more fond of the sweet items, but overall, it was a pretty good first week. Full discolure: On Saturday night, I decided not to deprive myself of our traditional New Year’s Eve chili and cornbread, and I made a cherry crumble dessert, and yes, I indulged. However, it was still a good first week on Nutrisystem, and I would recommend it to those who want a nutrition program to help them lose weight and get healthy. Nutrisystem will give you and me both $30 off if you join using my link, too.

Next Steps

My daily calorie goal is increasing to 1,483, and I will be able to add lean proteins and healthy fats, and whole grains, beans, fruits, and starchy veggies (on top of the unlimited non-starchy veggies). And I will make a concerted effort to exercise every day.

I’ll keep you posted!