Learn the Lingo: 10 Nutrisystem Terms You Need to Know

The Nutrisystem weight loss program is highly effective for so many people because it teaches a healthful new way to think about eating. When you embark on your personalized plan, you’ll also become acquainted with key Nutrisystem terms that will empower you to make informed choices aligned with your goals.

To ensure your comfort and familiarity with the Nutrisystem philosophy, we have compiled a user-friendly glossary of essential terms. Utilize these Nutrisystem terms as a compass to guide you towards achieving your ideal weight and optimal well-being.

1. PowerFuels

Lean proteins and healthy fats can make any weight loss plan more satisfying, delicious and easy to stick to. We call them PowerFuels. These grocery add-ins are often the stars of our dinner plates and make the best smart and filling snacks.

PowerFuel grocery add-ins consist of healthy fats and high-quality proteins. They provide energy, keep you satisfied and help maintain muscle. They include items like meat, fish, dairy, nuts, seeds and avocados.

2. SmartCarbs

Did you know that you can still drop pounds and get healthy while enjoying carbs like bread, crackers and pasta? The key is selecting nutrient-rich carbohydrates that contain fiber and sticking to proper portion sizes. We call these nutritious carbs SmartCarbs.

SmartCarb grocery add-ins are carbohydrates that contain fiber and typically register lower on the Glycemic Index. That means they are digested more slowly, helping you feel fuller longer. They include items like brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, beans, fruit and starchy vegetables like potatoes.

3. Non-Starchy Vegetables

Packed with fiber and nutrients, non-starchy vegetables are a low-calorie way to stay full and satisfied while you lose weight. Add these veggies to your Nutrisystem meals, Flex meals or snacks!

Since non-starchy veggies are packed with nutrition and low in calories, they are unlimited on Nutrisystem. However, we do recommend that you eat at least 4 servings per day. This includes familiar staples like leafy greens, broccoli, onions and tomatoes.

Note: Starchy vegetables like corn, potatoes and peas are higher in carbs and calories, so they count as SmartCarbs.

4. Extras

Adding flavor to your food can pile on calories without you even realizing it. To help you become more aware of this, Nutrisystem categorizes such foods as Extras. You can use these optional add-ins to spice up your meals or to make them more satisfying.

Extras can make your meals and snacks more sweet, savory, spicy or satisfying. They include ingredients like coffee creamer, salad dressing, honey and condiments like ketchup and mayonnaise. You are limited to 3 Extras per day.

5. Free Foods

Just because you’re eating to lose weight, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor. Many ingredients that crank up the satisfaction in your meals are considered Free Foods on your Nutrisystem plan, so you can enjoy as much of them as your taste buds desire.

Free Foods contain less calories than Extras but still provide major flavor. They include spices, herbs, lemon juice, hot sauce, low-sodium broth, and certain condiments and beverages. They have less than 10 calories per serving. Because these foods are so low in calories, they are unlimited on your Nutrisystem plan.

View the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide for ideas and serving sizes of each add-in category! >

6. Flex Meals

We don’t just teach you how to lose weight. We also teach you how to keep it off. Most Nutrisystem plans include Flex meals—meals and snacks that you create using the easy guidelines we provide.

As you lose today, you are learning a new way to eat and to prepare food for yourself. Flex meals let you practice your new knowledge about healthy ingredients and portion sizes. They help you get ready for a lifetime of eating well and maintaining your healthy weight. And they couldn’t be more simple! All it takes is choosing from the grocery add-ins: PowerFuels, SmartCarbs, Vegetables, Extras and Free Foods

Nutrisystem plans allow you to choose the number of days’ worth of Nutrisystem food you receive each month. Plans that provide less than 7 days’ worth of Nutrisystem food include Flex meals.

If you opted for a Nutrisystem plan that includes 7 days of food each week, you don’t have to worry about Flexing. Just stick to your Nutrisystem foods for each meal occasion! If you do decide to eat out or cook a meal at home, be sure to follow the Flex meal guidelines to stay on plan.

Does your plan include 7 in 7 for your first week? You’ll start adding in Flex meals in week 2, unless you are on a plan with 7 days of Nutrisystem food each week.

Click here for the full details on Flex meals!>

7. The Nutrisystem App

Keeping a food diary makes a significant difference in your chances of achieving weight loss success. The official Nutrisystem app makes it easy for you to track your daily food and water intake, weight loss progress and physical activity.

The free app, available for iPhone or Android, is simple to use and offers lots of other fun and helpful features, such as daily meal reminders, lists of favorite foods and syncing with fitness devices to capture valuable health data.

8. My Daily 3

Physical activity stimulates your metabolism and tones your muscles, helping you to burn calories and shed pounds. That’s why Nutrisystem’s experts recommend that you are active for at least 150 minutes each week. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to spend hours exercising every day. My Daily 3 is an easy way to integrate physical activity into your life.

In three quick, 10-minute sessions, you can reap the benefits of regular exercise, without making a commitment to a rigid, 30-minute workout routine. You can get in 10 minutes of activity before you start your day, 10 minutes at lunch and 10 minutes in the evening if you so choose. Feel free to fit the sessions into any times that work with your schedule! A brisk walk is the simplest of ways to get active, but you can also do yardwork, house work, go for a bike ride, climb stairs, stretch, do yoga or even dance. Just keep moving and feel yourself getting healthier.

Really hate exercise? Get some suggestions here! >

9. The Leaf

Your source for information and inspiration, The Leaf is the online destination for everyone on a weight loss journey. It’s the official Nutrisystem weight loss blog filled with tips, recipes and guides to help you succeed.

• Articles – Learn how to live healthy and lose weight with science-backed articles centered around diet, nutrition, lifestyle and fitness. Plus, stay motivated on the way to your goal with inspirational success stories from real people who had real results on Nutrisystem.
• Recipes – Access thousands of nutritious and delicious Flex Meal and Snack recipes for every occasion
• Guides – Get set for weight loss success with our Grocery Guide, Dining Out Guide, Sample Meal Plans and videos designed specifically for the Nutrisystem plan. Head to our “For Customer” section to check them out!

10. 7 in 7

Included with the Nutrisystem Complete plan, 7 in 7 is a specially selected first week created by dietitians to help you lose up to 7 pounds in your first 7 days* – because when you get off to a fast start, you’re more likely to reach your goal!

Designed to prime your body for steady weight loss, 7 in 7 features Hunger Control Shakes and Fat Burning Bars, plus delicious meals and snacks hand selected by nutritionists.

Your Hunger Control Shakes and Fat Burning Bars are designed to help you feel fuller. You can also eat as many non-starchy veggies as you’d like to fill up!

To learn more about this first week, check out the 7 in 7 Guide! This guide is filled with important information, advice and tools to help you have a successful first week. Be sure to also check out the 7 in 7 Recipe Book for healthy recipes and fresh ideas designed to support your first week of weight loss.

*In a study, average weight loss was 5.1 pounds in the first 7 days.