No Think Dieting For The Average Joe On-The-Go

When it comes to dieting, often what presents an obstacle is all the planning, shopping, cooking and counting. Enter the latest diet trend that lives up to our hectic lifestyles: the “No-Think Diet.”

Meal delivery companies have revolutionized convenience dieting, including Nu-Kitchen and NutriSystem. Additionally, frozen super market meals also make dieting a no brainer.

MORE INFO AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Nu-Kitchen
Type of food: Gourmet, fresh food - It's Like having a personal chef; The menu changes daily with various options for meals each day
Ordering: Each week, customers select their food and can also make changes or cancellations up to 2 days prior
Delivery: Daily - Arrives every morning at your doorstep
Portion: Comes in the calorie amount you specify (1200 calories - 2500); All the food you need for the day is included - 3 meals and 2 snacks
Price: Highest price point - around $1,200 a month
Prep: No cooking at all - Simply heat (unless intended to serve cold) and eat.
Bonus: They offer a specific dieting program option with nutritional counseling
Programs: Offers various programs - vegetarian, nu-moms, At work, lifestyle, and diet specific
Info: www.nu-kitchen.com or 212.582.1144

NutriSystem
Type of food: Monthly bulk delivery of pre-packaged food - NutriSystem food is individually packaged, shelf-stable and requires no refrigeration or freezing; You choose the foods you'd like to eat from more than 120 great-tasting, prepackaged entrees, snacks and desserts.
Ordering: Orders are placed at the beginning of the month
Portion: 1200 calories for women, 1500 calories for men, extra customization is provided for those who need to lose more than 100 calories or very active.
Price: Around $300 a month
Prep: Users just need to pick up fruit, veggies and low fat dairy to accompany the meals; Most of the NutriSystem foods can be prepared in the microwave or on the stovetop. Some simply require the addition of hot water, and others are ready to eat as-delivered (bars and snacks).
Bonus: Call anytime for nutritional counseling
Programs: Offers 7 programs to tailor to your goals (vegetarian, diabetic, etc.)

Frozen Meals From The Grocery Store
Type of food: Frozen and offer everything from breakfasts to sandwiches and pizzas (ideal for lunch) to chicken and pasta dishes (ideal for dinner). Also come in dessert and snack options. For people who don't have room to store a month's worth of meals or want to shop just daily or weekly for their pre-packages food
Portion: Meals are approximately 200-300 calories each. May need to supplement with side salad or cooked veggies.
Price: Variety of price points, but most meals/dessert packs are between $3 and $7
Prep: Microwave
Bonus: Easy to store at work, Easy to buy for other members of the family to eat as well; Good for people who like to cook healthy, but occasionally don't have time

Diet Sabotagers
There are a few things to be weary of with no-think diets.
100 calorie packs - Be sure not to over do it - because the amount is small doesn't mean you can have 2 or 3 packs.
Frozen meals - Frozen meals can be high in sodium, so look for ones that are low and drink plenty of water
Meal replacement bars - These seem great to grab and go, but they can be high in sugar and low in fiber. Kashi makes a great one
Fruit smoothies - Fruit smoothies may sound like a great option but can easily be about 300-400 calories. Better off eating fruit.
Portion: Keep in mind that snacks should be about 150-250 calories.