Beef Tacos - NutriSystem

Dinner Time – 220 Calories

I just ordered more!

Scale (1-10) = 9

I’m giving it a “9” because they’re really good!  I was all ready to shun the Tacos, but on a whim, I decided to have them tonight.  I’m glad I did – and in fact, I immediately changed the “0” to “2” for my next delivery (shipping 2/19).

They are packaged so that the 3 round tacos do not get broken.  You mix the dehydrated contents with ½ cup of water and after letting it sit for 2 minutes to soak-up, you nuke it for 90 seconds.  Then I spread the mix onto the 3 shells and waited about 45 seconds.  Crunchy and flavorful!  And by waiting the 45 seconds, the shells softened just enough so as to not shatter when bitten.  These guys really impressed me!

Hearty Minestrone Soup

Lunch Time – 180 Calories

What makes it “hearty”?

Scale (1-10) = 6

It’s got some pasta, beans, peas, lentils and such, but I wouldn’t call it “hearty”.  It’s ok, but it’s soup.  It’s not on my favorites list.

NutriCinnamon Squares Cereal

Breakfast Time – 120 Calories

I eat it dry!

Scale (1-10) = 8

Crunchy and flavorful, this little bag of what looks like Chex Mix with cinnamon flavor is really pretty good.  I’m not a fan of no-fat milk, so I eat this dry.  Definitely one to keep on the delivery list!

Hearty Beef Stew

Dinner Time – 180Calories

I’m disappointed.

Scale (1-10) = 5

I had it with a piece of Pepperidge Farm’s Natural German Dark Wheat bread.  It was very o.k..   It was thin, not hearty.  And I looked at one of the pieces of “beef” when I stirred it before microwaving it.  I wish I hadn’t.  So far, the beef in the other entrées was much better.

Nacho Crisps

Dessert Time – 100 Calories

I like ‘em!

Scale (1-10) = 9

I gave them a “9” only because for dessert, I like the “candy bars” better.  But these are really good.  They’re soy-based chips that really crunch, and they do have a strong cheesy flavor. 

Chocolaty Nougat Bar with Peanuts & Caramel

Dessert Time – 170 Calories

Forget this one!

Scale (1-10) = 1

Sawdust with grit.  Your personal preference may differ, but I just zeroed-out this item for my next delivery.  (I bumped up the Blueberry-Lemon bar instead!)

Wedged Potatoes with Sliced Beef Steak

Dinner Time – 220Calories

Pretty Damn Good!

Dinner Entre scale (1-10) = 10

I had it with a piece of Pepperidge Farm’s Natural German Dark Wheat bread.  It was very good.   Hearty, solid, real c hunks of steak!  A hint of tomato richness coupled with vegetables makes this a complete meal.  I have add a few to my next order!

Noodles with Chicken and Vegetables

Lunch Time – 150 Calories

Almost a stew!

Scale (1-10) = 8

Decent chunks of chicken with peas, carrots and noodles in a thick sauce.  It’s very much like Chicken Pot Pie without the crust!  Needs a bit of no-sodium Mrs. Dash.

Cranberry Orange Pastry

Breakfast Time – 130 Calories

You have to be hungry.

Breakfast  scale (1-10) = 5

It's o.k. - Maybe dunking it in coffee would improve it.  If you're a big guy, this is 2 bites, maybe 3.  But it's better than nothing, and it's not quite as dry as the scones!

Vegetable Beef Soup

Lunch Time – 160 Calories

As good as Grandma’s!

Lunch  scale (1-10) = 9

I just wish there was more than 7½ ounces.   This is a really thick and rich soup – it’s almost a stew.  There’s vegetables and beef that you can actually see, chew, and taste.  Add a slice of German Dark bread (100 cal) and you’re almost in heaven!

WRONG! - Day 10 – “Has it been only 10 days?”

(Updated 2/13/2009) - It was really day 16! – My head was not screwed on tight.   Sorry Nutrisystem, I DO have all of the meal items I should have.

As of yesterday, I’ve lost 6½ pounds!  (I’m weighing in only on Mondays)  When I looked at the month-view, I realized that today is only my 10th day on Nutrisystem®.

What I wish I had known:

1. Check the box: The hype says you get 7 days of free food.  I can’t find it.  I’m on day 10.  I didn’t eat any “extra” breakfasts, but I only have 20 left.  I should have 25.  I have 20 Lunches left.  28 + 7 = 35.  The invoice says they packed 35 Lunches.  9 (no lunch today yet) + 20 = 29.  Plus, last week I didn’t eat Thursday’s, so I should have 35-8=25.  I’m 5 short.  (see above)
   Lesson – When the box arrives, match the contents to the packing slip.
2. Keep a journal.  Make the decision, and adjust your mental attitude from the beginning, that this IS going to work for you.  And as such, you want to shape the program to what you want.  You CAN choose what food they send – even on the initial order.  The problem is that you don’t know what’s good.  For instance, “Pasta Parmesan With Broccoli” sounds great!  I had it for my very first lunch.  Some noodles in a yellow paste, with flecks of green.  And it sucked – big time.  And I have 3 more servings just waiting for me.
   Some people must like it or they wouldn’t have it on the menu – but for me, it’s the first item that I removed from my upcoming order.
   Lesson – Use the ability to customize your order!
3. Stock up on Splenda®  A whole cup of Fat Free Cottage Cheese (so far Kroger brand is best) sprinkled with a spoonful of Splenda is only 160 calories.
4. Use the on-line tools!  You can record everything you ingest to ensure you stay below your daily caloric goals.

Zesty Herb Snack Mix

Dessert Time – 120 Calories

It’s NOT Chex Mix!

Dessert  scale (1-10) = 8

Crunchy and flavorful, this little bag of what looks like Chex Mix actually tastes better than some of the bowls of crunch one finds around the holidays.  This snack mix helps satisfy the cravings for both salt, and crunch!  Definitely one to keep on the delivery list!

Blueberry Lemon Bar

Dessert Time – 160 Calories

A blue explosion in your mouth!

Dessert  scale (1-10) = 10

These are good – if you like blueberry & lemon!  They are definitely a dessert item, and for me, they satisfy that craving for something sweet.

Pasta Fagioli

Dinner Time – 260 Calories

Pretty Damn Good!

Dinner Entre scale (1-10) = 9

I had it with a piece of Pepperidge Farm’s Natural German Dark Wheat bread.  It was very good.   Hearty, solid, beefy tomato taste.  I will definitely add it to my next order!