Diet
plans can be confusing, frustrating, and expensive. There are a host of
providers on the market, all competing for your attention.
How do you know which program is right for you? The answer depends a lot on what your goals are.
We
reviewed 3 prominent Diet Programs:
eDiets,
NutriSystem, and Weight Watchers.
| eDiets |
NutriSystem |
Weight Watchers | |
|
Program Basics |
eDiets was specifically created just for the online weight loss market. Unlike some competitors, its not an adaptation of a traditional offering.
eDiets offers emphasizes convenience and personalization. A program is created for you that meets your goals but has flexibility to help you adapt to your preferences. |
Available both online and offline, NutriSystem has been available for more than 30 years.
Program is based upon balanced nutrition which come from the meals NutriSystem provides to its members. |
The original program that's recently added an online offering.
Traditional program is focused on in-person meetings and support from diet coaches and other members.
Fundamentals of the program involve assigning and counting Points to food selections. |
|
Online program available? |
Yes. In fact, its only available online. |
Yes. Online and traditional programs. |
Yes. Online and traditional programs. Online program does not transfer to offline. |
|
Target Market |
Working professionals. Those who don't necessarily have time or desire to attend in-person meetings. |
Affluent, professionals. NutriSystem is targeting the market of customers too busy to attend in-person meetings but wanting a diet plan that's directly provided to them.
Because all its Meals are pre-packaged and must be purchased from NutriSystem, this program is primarily intended at the affluent or those with considerable time constraints. |
Fairly broad targeting of both at-home and working individuals.
Because the program focuses on in-person meetings and attendance, this may not appeal to everyone or offer the flexibility its online focused competitors provide. |
| Personal Profile / Plan? | Yes. A personal profile
is created and updated. Extremely flexible plans. Focuses on individual preferences, education, and realistic expectations. |
Yes. A personal plan is
created. Plans can be selected and meals from NutriSystems own menu. Flexibility is not a strength of this plan however compared to some other competitors. |
A plan is created based upon the 'Points' system. While not specifically personalized, it does all the individual to choose what to eat as long as they keep track of their Points. |
|
Meals |
Menu is open-ended.
eDiets does not require you to prepare all your own meals or purchase their own proprietary selections.
eDiets provides you access to build your compliant menu from standard supermarket food selections: Over 12,000 choices. |
Menu is restricted.
NutriSystem program is based on balanced selections from NutriSystem's pre-packaged meals.
Because of the cost of using pre-packaged meals, the menu is broad but for much of the program must be purchased directly through Nutrisystem. |
Menu is fairly open-ended.
Weight Watchers provides a wealth of information for members to prepare and cook their own meals (recipe sharing)
Support for off-the shelf items is also available. |
|
Meetings & Support |
24/7 online support, newsgroups, chat support, personal assistant support
Virtual fitness instructor |
24/7 online support |
Weekly meetings, counseling sessions in-person reviews.
Online variety does offer 24/7 online support |
|
Alternative Plans |
Yes.
Atkins diet plans and detailed program info.
The 'Zone Diet' program as well. |
No.
|
No.
|
| User Reviews / Feedback | Our reviews and customer responses have been uniformly positive. | NutriSystem's program does have a loyal following. For those interested in home-delivered meals and where cost is not a primary concern, NutriSystem's plan is an excellent choice. | Primarily good feedback for those that can commit to the time commitments and occasionally inconvenient meeting schedules. |
|
Cost |
$3.99/week ongoing |
$239.88 (28-days, ongoing. Includes meals and shipping) |
Online version: $45/mth ongoing |
| More Information |
Comments and Suggestions:
Finding a diet program that is best for you can be a challenge. The 3 programs listed here, eDiets, NutriSystem, and Weight Watchers are among the most prominent on the market today. All have had good feedback and if adhered to are likely to help provide you with a structured plan to lose weight and keep it off.
Based on our findings, we would recommend staying away from gimmicks and quick 'miracle 24-hour diet' programs. The results are highly questionable and likelihood of keeping the weight off is remote.
Final comments and our Recommendations:
For those looking for an in-depth interactive online diet program, its hard to beat eDiets.
The program itself was specifically designed to work online--the only one of the 3 that's intended
to be used and leveraged online.
With the most open-ended menu and program offerings, plus the latest information and support plans
for traditional diet programs (comparable to NutriSystems or Weight Watchers) but also in-depth information
and program support for the popular Atkins or Zone diet alternatives. eDiets offers great support, flexibility,
and convenience.
If you're looking for the convenience of food delivered right to your door and don't mind paying a bit
extra, you can get a customized meal program shipped directly to you without having to count points or
track your way as some of its competitors do. Otherwise, we would recommend the less expensive and
more flexible program offered by eDiets.
Weight Watchers
Still a reasonable choice if you want on-hands support and direct meetings. Their online
program is more expensive than their competitors however, and doesn't offer a
focus on some of the most
popular contemporary diet options in the market.
Pendragon Express is an eDiets Affiliate
copyright 2003, Pendragon Express, Inc.