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7 Simple Ways to Stay on Track at the BBQ

by admin | Sep 9, 2020 | Weight Loss Reviews

Backyard barbecues are a real minefield when you”;re trying to lose weight and stay healthy. First, most of them are a carnivore”;s delight–;lots of steak, burgers and bratwurst sizzling irresistibly on the grill. Second, cookouts redefine salad as “;something soaking in high-fat mayonnaise.”; And the desserts? Fuggedaboutit, even if you do have room after that outdoor feast.

But if you choose to step away from your diet plan to take in the festivities, you can till successfully stay on track at the BBQ by making good choices and doing a little prep. First, know which foods to stay away from (or at least to keep to a teeny tiny portion size). Click here to get our list of the 5 Worst Calorie Bombs at the BBQ. Then, be smart about the food choices you make while there. Here’s how to keep winning at weight loss without missing out on the fun:

1. Volunteer to Bring the Apps
If you don”;t want your only choice to be chips and high-calorie onion dip or a cheese and sausage tray, offer to bring a gorgeous cut veggie plate with low-fat dip, or baked chips with salsa or hummus.

How to Get Your Grill BBQ-Ready

2. BYOM (Bring Your Own Meat)
Easy enough to do when you”;re hosting and much appreciated by your hosts when you”;re not, since meat is the most expensive part of the meal. Check first that your host is okay with it. If he or she is planning a gourmet feast of kobe beef or individual quail, you may just want to exercise portion control. But it”;s just as easy to throw a turkey or veggie burger or hot dog on the grill when the grillmaster is cooking regular burgers and brats. Friends are usually happy to accommodate you.

If you have the choice, go for grilled chicken, fish or lean beef. Even a regular hot dog is less fatty and calorie-laden than other kinds of sausage. Save a load of calories and carbs by saying no to the bun and cheese. Avoid mayo. Stick to mustard, dill relish or a little ketchup (just a little since it”;s full of sugar which can stimulate your appetite).

3. Take a Small Scoop of Coleslaw
Even if it”;s made with high-fat mayonnaise, one serving (around three ounces) is only about 172 calories and has two grams of fiber (thank you cabbage!), according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Better yet, make your own–;just substitute low-cal mayo for the regular or do a vinegar-based dressing and you can cut the calories by as much a two-thirds.

4. Have Some Baked Beans
Stick to half a cup or less because they”;re high in calories. One cup has more than 300 of them, depending on the brand. But they”;re high in satisfying fiber–;half a cup of Bush”;s Original, for example, has five grams of fiber for only 150 calories.* Be sure to opt for low-sodium varieties if you’re the bean-bringer.

5. Load Up on Green Salad
This time of year, produce is abundant. Bring your own green salad (add lots of low-cal veggies) to share as well as bottle of low-cal dressing. Or, opt for grilled veggie kebabs, which are full of fiber and go light on calories.

6. Have Whole Wheat Pasta Salad
The chances of someone making this? Pretty slim. But you don”;t have to be much of a cook to throw together an awesome pasta salad. Pick a fun shape, like corkscrew (fusilli), wagon wheels, bowties or gemelli. Add some veggies, like halved cherry tomatoes, fresh peas, snapbeans (blanched a little to soften them), grated carrots, edamame (soybeans), corn, scallions, peppers, onions or whatever you have fresh. Punch up the flavor with fresh herbs, like basil, oregano or mint or even shavings of ginger with a light dressing of olive oil and balsamic or flavored vinegar with a touch of Dijon mustard to bind it. A sprinkling of fat-free feta adds some protein with very few calories.

7. For Dessert, Think Fresh or Frozen
End your meal with a slice of watermelon, a scoop of fruit salad or fruity sorbet, or a healthier frozen fruit bar like Outshine brand*, which has 60-80 calories, depending on the flavor, and contains no high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener research suggests may put you at risk for obesity and diabetes.

The post 7 Simple Ways to Stay on Track at the BBQ appeared first on The Leaf.

Read more: leaf.nutrisystem.com

Win BIG with Our September Social Giveaways

by admin | Sep 5, 2020 | Weight Loss Reviews

Summer may be coming to an end but our social giveaways are just getting started! Win big this September with fun contests by Nutrisystem. We’re giving back to our amazing community by doing two separate giveaways in the month of September. Be sure to follow us on social media for a chance to win!

Win big with our end of summer social media giveaways! Check out our September schedule below to participate:
1. Nutrisystem Slim Down Superlatives Giveaway

When is it? This giveaway will kick off on September 4, 2020. All entries must be submitted by September 27, 2020.

Where do I go to enter? You can participate on the Nutrisystem Facebook page. Be sure to like our page so that you can stay updated!

How do I enter?

This giveaway will consist of three separate Facebook posts with three different opportunities to win.
Each post will ask you to comment with the Nutrisystem menu item that you feel best matches the post description (Most likely to succeed at curbing a sweet craving, etc.).
We will randomly select one comment on each post to win.
All entries must be submitted by September 27, 2020.

What can I win? Each winner will receive a $50 gift card. Winners will be contacted through Facebook messenger by September 28, 2020. We will also update this article with the list of winners on or about October 5, 2020.

Click here to like our page on Facebook! >

Check out the official giveaway rules here! >

10 Ways Following the Nutrisystem Facebook Page Will Help You Lose Weight

2. Nutrisystem Healthy Hydration Giveaway

When is it? This giveaway will kick off on September 4, 2020. All entries must be submitted by September 11, 2020.

Where do I go to enter? You can participate on the Nutrisystem Instagram page.

How do I enter? To participate in the giveaway, you must complete these four tasks:

Follow us on Instagram (@Nutrisystem).
“Like” our giveaway post on Instagram.
Comment with your best tip for drinking enough water.
Tag three friends.

What can I win? You’ll have the chance to win an ergonomic water bottle! The winner will be selected by September 14, 2020 and will be contacted through direct message on Instagram. We will also update this article with the winner by September 16, 2020.

Click here to follow us on Instagram! >

Check out the official giveaway rules here! >

The post Win BIG with Our September Social Giveaways appeared first on The Leaf.

Read more: leaf.nutrisystem.com

Weight Loss and Age: 10 Tips for Losing Weight in Your 60s and 70s

by admin | Aug 27, 2020 | Weight Loss Reviews

People are living longer. Those in their 60s and 70s are enjoying a late “;middle age”; rather than settling in as senior citizens. They want to look and feel good as they take advantage of the increase in free time and decrease in family and work responsibilities that come with retirement. That”;s why so many people in their 60s and 70s are trying to lose weight. But as our bodies change with age, so does weight loss. That’s why our nutrition experts have put together a list of weight loss tips for those living in their golden years.

Achieving a healthy weight is very important for older adults because there are many risks associated with belly fat, says Current Obesity Reports. However, they explain, “approaches to weight loss must be considered critically given the dangers of sarcopenia (a condition that occurs when muscle mass and quality is lost), the increase risk of hip fracture with weight loss, and the association between reduced mortality and increased BMI in older adults.” Always speak with your doctor before starting a new diet, exercise routine or weight loss plan.

10 Ways to Boost a Slowing Metabolism

Here are 10 tips for losing weight in your 60s and 70s:
1. Go to sleep.

If you”;ve been rising early for work or staying up late watching TV for most of your adult life, you might find it hard to spend more time in bed. However, don’t underestimate the power of sleep. According to Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, lack of sleep disrupts your metabolism and interferes with the natural production of the hormones that regulate hunger and appetite. Plus, it increases the body”;s production of cortisol, a stress hormone. Many studies have demonstrated that chronic lack of sleep significantly increases your risk of obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

2. Stay hydrated.

As you get older, you might move less and perspire less throughout the day. However, your need for hydration doesn”;t go away. According to Cleveland Clinic, sense of thirst “diminishes” with age. That means that you can be dehydrated without even feeling thirsty.

Dehydration can slow down your metabolism so that you burn fewer calories. “Staying hydrated also helps your body eliminate waste more efficiently, keeps your temperature in a normal range, lubricates and cushions your joints and protects your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues in your body,” says Carilion Clinic.

On Nutrisystem, we recommend drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily. A good rule of thumb is to try to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water spread out throughout the day. If you get bored of plain water, you can enjoy sodium-free seltzer with fresh lemon or lime juice for the same benefits.

3. Limit your coffee.

Plain black coffee is calorie-free, so it can be a fine choice when you”;re trying to lose weight. Just make sure to avoid added sugar, sweet syrups and high-fat creamers, which load you up with extra calories.

We also recommend sticking with decaffeinated coffee varieties. According to AmericanBoneHealth.org, “Some studies link caffeine consumption with negative effects on calcium metabolism, possibly related to caffeine increasing loss of calcium in the urine, and decreasing calcium absorption in the body.” This could eventually lead to bone loss. Calcium is an essential mineral for maintaining bone strength as you get older and it plays a key role in regulating your metabolism.

10 Simple Hacks to Help You Drink More Water

4. Choose nutrient-dense foods.

With your metabolism naturally slowing with age, you may need fewer calories than you did in your younger years. But don’t be fooled: Less calories doesn’t mean less nutrition. You still need to get the vitamins and minerals your body relies on to stay healthy.

The solution is to focus on eating nutrient-dense ingredients: Foods that are packed with nutrition, not calories. The Nutrisystem Grocery Guide is filled with healthy options to choose from. Stock up on lean sources of protein (PowerFuels), such as chicken breast and fish. Fill up your pantry with high-fiber carbohydrates (SmartCarbs), which include whole grain rice, pasta and cereals. Make sure to also grab some fresh, frozen or canned produce to get in your fruits and veggies. Nutrient dense foods like these deliver more benefit per bite as you age.

5. Eat more often.

It may seem counter-intuitive but skipping meals can actually hamper your efforts at weight loss, says Women’s Health. That”;s because when your body is deprived of food, your metabolism slows down, something you’re already dealing with as you age. Instead of skipping meals, try eating healthy between-meal snacks every three hours. The best snacks contain lean protein for energy and fiber to help you feel full long after you finish eating.

How to Cut 700+ Calories without Skipping Meals

6. Beware of empty carbs.

According to the American Diabetes Association, over 25 percent of Americans over 65 years old have diabetes. Your lifestyle and diet can play a major role in the prevention of this disease. In addition to physical activity and weight loss, Mayo Clinic recommends filling up on fiber and sticking with whole grain products.

Many of the most popular snack foods are simple carbohydrates that are full of calories yet low in fiber and other valuable nutrients. We”;re talking about chips, crackers and other salty snacks, as well as baked goods, candies and sweets. Nutrisystem offers a wide selection of delicious and perfectly balanced snacks that are healthier alternatives. You’ll love our Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cheese Puffs and Butter Popcorn. Not only are they delicious but they’re absolutely packed with fiber and protein. Yum!

7. Dine out wisely.

People in their 60s and 70s often have free time and the financial resources to socialize while eating at restaurants. Meeting up with friends is healthy at any age, but restaurant meals tend to be high in fat and salt. Not to mention the oversized portions!

To stay on track with your healthy diet, consider sharing an entrée with a friend or family member. You can also ask to substitute an extra serving of vegetables in place of the greasy French fries or other unhealthy sides. And do yourself a favor and skip dessert! (Grab a Nutrisystem dessert instead!) Get some tips and tricks for dining out while on a diet in The Nutrisystem Dining Out Guide! >

10 Tips for Dining Out on Nutrisystem

8. Go outside.

According to the Central European Journal of Immunology, vitamin D deficiency is associated with obesity. Low vitamin D levels may also lead to higher amounts of belly fat, says Medical News Today. If that’s not enough reason to get your daily dose of the sunshine vitamin, remember that it’s essential for proper bone health.

“Vitamin D is provided by skin synthesis by UVB-irradiation from summer sunshine and to a small extent by absorption from food. However, these processes become less efficient with age,” says the peer-reviewed journal Aging and Disease. Stock up on ingredients that contain the nutrient, such as wild oily fish, egg yolk and fortified foods like orange juice, milk and some breakfast cereals. You should also make a habit of spending a little time outdoors during midday to soak up some sun.

If you think you may be at risk of a vitamin D deficiency, you should consult your physician, who may order a blood test to check your levels or may recommend supplementation.

Are you getting enough vitamin D? Click here to learn more! >

9. Build muscle.

As we get older, we gradually lose some of our muscle mass and gain fat mass, says Current Obesity Reports. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “;Age-related muscle loss, called sarcopenia, is a natural part of aging.” After age 30, people can lose three to five percent of their muscle mass for every decade of life. Less lean muscle means fewer calories burned.

Walking is a healthy, low-impact form of exercise that you can do every day to keep your metabolism active. You also want to do some strength-building exercise to help maintain as much of your muscle mass as possible. If you don”;t belong to a gym where you can lift small weights, you can pick up basic ankle and hand weights at a sporting goods store or online. You can even use cans of food or water bottles!

“To build muscle, the exercises must be challenging, but they shouldn’t be stressful,” says Harvard Health Publishing. “The idea is to lift a weight you can comfortably manage for eight repetitions and try to keep going until you reach 15 repetitions.” Always speak with your doctor before starting an exercise routine.

10. Get personalized.

You can lose weight and look your best even when you”;re past your 60th birthday. However, your body and its needs are very different than those of younger people. All-new personalized weight loss plans from Nutrisystem create a diet tailored to you and your unique metabolism. We take your age, body type, gender and other factors into account to give you a surefire path to the healthiest, happiest version of you.

How We Create Your Personalized Diet Plan

The post Weight Loss and Age: 10 Tips for Losing Weight in Your 60s and 70s appeared first on The Leaf.

Read more: leaf.nutrisystem.com

15 Self-Improvement Tips for a Successful September

by admin | Aug 19, 2020 | Weight Loss Reviews

September is all about new beginnings. It’s a new season and many people begin new routines that will carry them through the rest of the year. Plus, September has been officially designated as Self-Improvement Month. We can’t think of a better time to start anew and better yourself! It’s time to think of every day as an opportunity to take simple steps that will help you look, feel and live better. To get you started, we”;ve gathered this list of hints that you can use to build a happier and healthier you this September.

6 Reasons Fall is the Best Time for Weight Loss

Here are 15 self-improvement tips for a successful September:
1. Reset your habits.

We make lots of choices every day. However, we also do many things without thinking, simply because they”;ve become habits. The good news is that not all habits are harmful. There are many healthy habits that can turn your September into a successful start to a new season. Even better, research shows that it can take as little as 66 days to build a new habit that”;s good for you, says University College London. This can include drinking more water, starting a new exercise routine, getting more sleep or even cutting down on screen time.

Not sure where to start? Check out these 10 workday habits of healthy people! >

2. Practice positivity.

You have more control of your inner dialogue than you realize. By making a concentrated effort to think positive thoughts, you can improve your mood and your health. “;People with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive outlook were one-third less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event within five to 25 years than those with a more negative outlook,”; says Johns Hopkins Medicine. They also explain that smiling reduces heart rate and blood pressure during stressful situations, even if it’s a fake smile. You really can fake it ’til you make it!

3. Give yourself goals.

Every achievement, big or small, starts with a goal. The goals you are most likely to reach are specific and attainable. Simply saying you want to lose weight or stay in touch with old friends, for example, makes it easy to keep putting those things off. Instead, define your goals as “;fitting into my favorite dress for a wedding”; or “;calling one friend every week.”; Click the link below for tips on writing your own goals!

Reach All Your Goals–;Every Time!

4. Accept setbacks.

No matter how motivated and focused we are, sometimes forces beyond our control prevent us from reaching our goals. Too often, that makes us feel like giving up, as if we”;ll never succeed. However, progress rarely goes in a straight line. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that even when we go two steps forward and one step back, we have moved closer to our goal.

5. Try mentoring.

People with experience in careers, parenting and life skills have invaluable knowledge to share with those just starting out. Mentoring can be rewarding for both sides–;mature people get to pass along their well-earned wisdom and younger folks get help in overcoming obstacles. Plus, when one teaches, two learn! Check out The National Mentoring Partnership: They have a “;connector”; database that matches mentors with people who want to be mentored.

6. Widen your circle.

If you have a few close friends, you are fortunate. However, regular contact with a broader range of people is also good for your mental health as you get older. According to research, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, “;The midlife wellbeing of both men and women seems to depend on having a wide circle of friends whom they see regularly,”; says ScienceDaily.

Are Your Friends Dooming Your Diet?

7. Make time to read.

We all spend more time than ever looking at the screens of electronics. It’s time to put down your smart phone and pick up a good old book! Taking time to read books helps both our bodies and our minds: Research shows that reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68 percent, says the University of Minnesota. Whether you enjoy inspirational self-help, biographies or fantasy fiction, there’s a book out there for everyone. Audio books are also a great option when you”;re on the go! Listen to them on your commute, your daily jog or while you’re cooking up a healthy meal.

8. Try new apps.

Our phones and tablets bring the world to our fingertips and can make our lives easier. You can try apps that help you work on your memory skills, learn new vocabulary, pursue creative ideas, manage your finances, try new workouts and so much more. Want to lose weight this September? Check out the FREE NuMi app from Nutrisystem, available for both Apple and Android devices! It’s the ultimate app for weight loss because it makes it easy for you to track your progress and provides daily information and inspiration. Learn more here! >

9. Learn a second language.

Being able to speak two languages not only allows us to communicate with a wider variety of people but it”;s also good for our brains. According to Annual Review of Linguistics, “research in recent decades has demonstrated that experience with two (or more) languages confers a bilingual advantage in executive functions and may delay the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.” You can learn a new language using one of the many online courses or apps. Solidify your skills by practicing with native speakers whenever possible.

7 Simple Ways to Practice Self Care at Home

10. Fix your posture.

Sitting all day and staring at a screen can cause poor posture. This can damage your spine, cause neck and back pain, decrease flexibility and impact breathing, says MedlinePlus. You can avoid these problems by bearing in mind the basics of good posture throughout the day: Harvard Health Publishing recommends keeping your chin parallel to the floor and your shoulders even. You should have a “neutral spine” with your arms at your sides. Be sure to keep your hips level, knees and feet pointing forward and your body weight distributed evenly. Run down that list when you”;re sitting and standing to re-balance yourself and prevent the slumping that pushes us out of alignment.

11. Meditate daily.

Taking a little time each day to clear your mind of your daily cares and concerns can help you enjoy a stress-free September. According to Mayo Clinic, meditation has been shown to decrease the symptoms of high-blood pressure, chronic pain, anxiety, headaches, sleep problems and more. You can find many apps and online videos to help you get started. However, the basics are simple: sit in a comfortable position in a location that”;s free from distractions. Focus on the rhythm of your breathing and let any thoughts or worries that enter your mind drift away. All you need is 10 minutes to get the benefits of this little break from the rush of daily life.

12. Cook often.

When you prepare your own food, you pay attention to the ingredients and can avoid unhealthy additives like salt and sweeteners. If you don”;t have much experience cooking, start off simple and practice your skills before you take on more elaborate dishes. Don”;t know where to begin? Check out The Leaf Weight Loss Blog for thousands of easy and delicious recipes that fit into your healthy diet! You can also pick up a copy of the book How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman. It covers all the basics and shares the little tips and secrets that great home cooks learn after years in the kitchen.

12 Fall Snack Recipes Under 200 Calories

13. Sleep more.

You might not think of sleeping as a way to improve your life. However, so many of us are chronically tired that it actually harms our mental and physical health. Lack of sleep even increases our chances of overeating and makes it harder for us to lose excess weight, says Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. Try your best to stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule. If you find yourself tired in the middle of the day, taking a 20-minute nap can refresh you without disrupting your night-time sleep.

Learn more about the importance of getting good sleep! >

14. Lose weight.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, being overweight or obese can lead to a wide range of health concerns, such as diabetes and heart disease. Losing the excess weight can reduce your risk of these problems, as well as promote positive feelings, a sense of accomplishment and better self-image. To help you reach a healthy weight, consider trying a convenient meal delivery service that fits into your new September schedule. The all-new Nutrisystem program provides you with a personalized weight loss experience and perfectly portioned meals delivered to your door. You take a quiz and we provide you with a plan that’s tailored to you. Click here to learn more! >

15. Be grateful, be happy.

Simply being thankful for the most basic things that we have in our lives–;food and shelter, health and safety, family and friends–;improves our sense of well-being. Practicing gratitude is associated with “greater life satisfaction,” according to research, published in the medical journal Psychiatry. What better way to improve ourselves this September than to be happier about all the good things we have? Try starting a gratitude journal and reflect on what you’re thankful for throughout the month. It’s a great way to start your day with a positive mind.

7 Reasons Nutrisystem Is the Perfect Fall Weight Loss Plan

The post 15 Self-Improvement Tips for a Successful September appeared first on The Leaf.

Read more: leaf.nutrisystem.com

Eco-Friendly: Go Green With Our New Biodegradable Boxes

by admin | Aug 15, 2020 | Weight Loss Reviews

You know that eating healthy and losing excess weight are good for your well-being. But did you also know that your healthy diet happens to be the eco-friendly choice?

That”;s right–;your Nutrisystem weight loss plan can help to conserve our natural resources and protect our planet. From properly portioned meals and home delivery to our new and improved “fresh frozen” coolers, our program is a great start to a sustainable lifestyle. We’re taking a big step to help you go green and do even more to help the environment. There”;s only one earth and it”;s up to us to take care of it. We’re all in this together!

5 Reasons Nutrisystem is the Best Diet Plan to Become Your Best You

Go green with Nutrisystem! Here are seven ways you can live more sustainably on our program:
1. New Biodegradable Boxes

Packaging and containers accounted for more than 80 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2017, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This was about 30 percent of the trash that ended up in landfills.

Nutrisystem is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our products so that we can help to decrease this shocking percentage. That’s why we’ve developed new biodegradable boxes that are more sustainable than ever!

Designed to reduce the impact of your daily diet on the waste stream, these new “;fresh frozen”; coolers still bring your favorite Nutrisystem foods directly to your door in a strong, secure package. Groundbreaking technology allowed us to create an eco-friendly cooler with the same look, feel and functionality you”;ve come to know and trust from Nutrisystem.

The boxes are made with thermally robust and environmentally-friendly materials, making them great to reuse and repurpose. Use them for storage, gardening or fishing gear. Take them on beach trips, picnics and sports games for your cold foods and beverages. Many places also accept them as donations, such as animal shelters, churches, local shelters and food banks.

These biodegradable boxes are also recyclable, if that”;s the better choice where you live. You can recycle them with polystyrene products at your local recycling plant.

If you don’t have a need for these coolers in your home, you can also dispose of them worry-free. Our new eco-friendly containers are also biodegradable,* so you have the option to put them in the regular trash can and nature will safely break them down at the landfill.

We want you feel good about choosing Nutrisystem for your weight loss goals. Our new eco-friendly “fresh frozen” coolers can help you decrease your waste and live sustainably. Help the planet become a healthier place while you become a healthier you!

2. Home Delivery

Shopping online for at-home delivery of your food rather than driving to the grocery store can help reduce pollution and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The EPA estimates that weekly trips to the grocery store generate 17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in the environment. Efficient delivery routes can cut emissions dramatically, the agency reports.

Stocking up on meals and snacks from Nutrisystem will save you many trips to the store while simultaneously decreasing your carbon footprint. We make healthier versions of all your favorite foods, including pasta, burgers, grilled chicken and even pizza. You can also skip that late-night snack run, as we offer plenty of snack options to satisfy your midnight cravings. From our sweet cookies and cupcakes to our popcorn and cheese puffs, you’re sure to find a new favorite treat!

5 Ways a Meal Delivery Service Can Improve Your Life

3. Seasonal Shopping

Supermarket produce shelves are loaded with a staggering variety of choices all year long. However, many items are transported thousands of miles before they get to the store, says the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture. When you pick fruits and vegetables that are in season in your region, they don”;t have to travel as far before you eat them, saving resources and protecting the environment. Even better, produce harvested closer to home tends to be fresher, tastier and more nutritious than items that were picked weeks before they to get to you.

You’ll be eating at least four servings of non-starchy vegetables each day on Nutrisystem. You can also add in fresh fruit as your fiber-rich SmartCarbs! Don”;t know what”;s in season where you are? Check out this article for some shopping tips! SeasonalFoodGuide.org also has state-by-state listings so you can find out what to buy in your region at any time of the year.

4. Easy Meal Planning

Thinking ahead about what you want to eat each week is a smart weight loss strategy. Meal planning helps you avoid impulsive decisions to eat unhealthy food when you”;re famished and you don”;t have good choices available to you. It”;s also an eco-friendly way to eat: Just like a home delivery, planning and stocking up on the supplies you need reduces the number of trips you make to the grocery store each week.

With your Nutrisystem program, we send you a simple and easy-to-follow meal plan to refer too. This meal plan will lay out what a typical day looks like and provides a detailed view of what you will need to pick up for the week. You can stock up on pantry and freezer staples that you know you will always go back to, such as frozen or canned produce, nuts, beans and more. Print out our comprehensive Grocery Guide and highlight your top picks to streamline your shopping trip. Make sure to also download NuMi, our FREE online tracking app that makes meal planning a breeze.

5. Eat Greener

With your Nutrisystem weight loss plan, you”;re enjoying lots of vegetables and fruits, beans and legumes, nuts and whole grains. You should be adding in at least four servings of non-starchy vegetables each day. These ingredients are naturally high in nutrients but low in calories and saturated fats. They are also packed with fiber, making them a satisfying choice when you’re feeling hungry. Add unlimited quantities of to your Nutrisystem meals, eat them as snacks and enjoy unlimited fresh salads and steamed veggies as side dishes.

In addition to being nutritious and delicious, plant-based foods like vegetables are also the most eco-friendly ingredients on your plate. By making plants like non-starchy veggies the bulk of your dish, your meal will be a more sustainable choice: They require less water, land and energy to produce and transport than meat and dairy products.

For tons of tempting plant-based recipes filled with fresh fruits and veggies, check out the Recipe section right here on The Leaf Weight Loss Blog! Nutrisystem even has a Vegetarian program that’s filled with delicious meatless meals.

What the Heck Are Non-Starchy Veggies, Anyway?

6. Portion Control

Between 30 to 40 percent of the United States food supply goes to waste, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration. That”;s more than 40 million tons of food that ends up in the trash each year, along with all of the resources that went into producing and delivering it.

Planning your meals with just the right portions for you can help you cut down on your food waste and be more eco-friendly. Managing your own portion sizes is also one of the smartest strategies for cutting down on your own waist; that”;s a win-win for you and the environment! Nutrisystem sends you perfectly portioned versions of your favorite meals and snacks. We also teach you how to build your own healthy Flex meals using proper portion sizes.

7. Look for Local

On Nutrisystem, you will add in some groceries like fresh veggies, fruits, eggs and beans. You can reduce your “;food miles”; even further and help preserve farmland and other open spaces in your area by purchasing these grocery additions from local growers. Buying directly from farmers is an eco-friendly choice, helping them to keep their land in productive use and protecting it from development. “Shopping at the farmers market, maintaining a home garden, or participating in a CSA are wonderful ways to support a local food system,” says the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture.

Whether you shop at a farmer”;s market or a roadside stand at an individual farm, you also can ask questions and get recipe ideas about the items you”;re buying from the growers who know their products best. Of course, the fresh-picked food from farms will be at its peak of flavor and nutrition. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains a listing of farmer”;s markets you can search by zip code on their website.

Lose weight, reduce your waste and make the world a better place! Learn more about Nutrisystem programs >

*Foam breaks down up to 92% in four years.