Obesity is difficult to handle and tolerate. Losing weight needs a lot of physical and mental effort. But a balanced diet is more important than physical activity for losing weight.
However, there are only so many online programs offering calorie-controlled diets for weight loss. And both Herbalife and Nutrisystem are big names in weight loss programs.
That’s why facing Herbalife vs Nutrisystem choice puzzles us. So, which is the best one between the two?
Herbalife has been around since 1940. It mostly offers meal replacement shakes and dietary supplements. Herbalife is popular for weight loss but is expensive and not suitable for all. On the other hand, Nutrisystem offers prepackaged food. But it offers real food instead of shakes and bars.
Let’s dive into the details.
Table of Content
Herbalife vs Nutrisystem: All You Need to Know
Weight loss programs are becoming the talk of the town. This is mainly because they are effective and quick. These programs offer calorie-controlled food along with the plan to consume their food.
But both Herbalife and Nutrisystem have downsides as well. Such as expense and health issues because they mostly offer processed food. So, if you have any underlying health conditions, you better watch out before consuming them.
Products
First we will see their products and what they offer. Then we will move forward.
Herbalife Products
In terms of the weight loss program, Herbalife is offering herbalife meal replacements and protein shakes. It means that you have to skip some meals and maintain herbalife diet instead. Let us see these products at a glance.
- Formula 1 Select Meal Replacement Shakes
- Formula 2 and 3 Supplements (Consists of Multivitamins and Antioxidant Capsules)
- Protein Powders
- Protein Bars
- Herbal Tea (for weight loss)
- Aloe items
- Fiber and Probiotic Supplements
- Sports Supplements
- Skin Care Products
You may ask which herbalife product is best for weight loss? The most popular product is Formula 1 Select Meal Replacement Shakes. Not to mention that they come in different flavors.
Nutrisystem Products
In terms of the weight loss program, Nutrisystem offers a variety of products. These include prepackaged meals and snacks, shakes, and food consisting of lean proteins, carbs and vegetables. Let us see the list.
- Double Chocolate Muffins
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
- Pizza
- Nutrisystem Meal Bars
- NutriCrush (Shake)
- Turbo Shakes
- Meat
- Seafood
- Poultry
- Low Fat Dairy
- Nuts
- Grains (oatmeal, wheat bread, grain pasta)
- Beans (black beans, kidney beans)
- Fruits (Banana, Orange, Apple)
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Lettuce
- Green beans
- Cucumbers
- Asparagus
- Tomatoes
Beside the products above, Nutrisystem also offers seasonings, desserts, extra and beverages.
Brand Reputation
Herbalife has a poor reputation with the FTC. Furthermore, Herbalife doesn’t have properly trained nutritionists or registered dietitians. Not to mention the accusation of not providing fairer compensation.
In terms of reputation, Nutrisystem is better than Herbalife. But is nutrisystem really good for you?
Nutrisystem was ranked 20th in overall best diets by World Report and US News. We can compare the nutrisystem diet and find out the answer.
The Diet Process
For the Herbalife diet, you have to simply skip 2 meals. They have mainly three weight loss programs. You can try these programs to check does herbalife nutritions really works.
Quick Start Program
This program consists of one container which has the following.
- Formula 1 Select meal-replacement shake
- Formula 2 multivitamins
- Formula 3 Cell Activator antioxidant capsules,
- powdered Herbal Tea
Advanced Program
Herbalife’s Advanced Programs have everything from quickstart programs. It includes two more supplements as follows.
- Cell-U-Loss (reduce fluid retention);
- Total Control (Boost metabolism and energy levels)
Ultimate Program
Herbalife’s Ultimate Program has everything that its Advanced Program has. Besides that, it has two more supplements as follows.
- Snack Defense (for blood sugar)
- Aminogen (for digestion)
So, which herbalife is best for weight loss? Herbalife plan is simple. Purchase a program from a distributor and start maintaining the diet. There are no official dietary restrictions. And no restrictions on how long you should use the plan.
On the other hand, Nutrisystem offers a variety of diets. And you can follow it in your own way as well. As an example, we have listed a 3-day diet plan.
| Days | Food to consume |
| Day 1 | Cinnamon rollAlmonds Creamy tomato soup Side Salad Pretzel nuggets White chicken Ranch pizza Vanilla ice cream sandwich |
| Day 2 | Apple walnut oatmealLow-fat yogurtGrilled chicken sandwichLow-fat string cheese Merlot beef with root vegetables |
| Day 3 | TurkeySausageEgg muffinGrapefruit Shake Meatball parmesan melt Carrots Apple slices with almond butter Grain-crusted pollock with vegetables Whole-grain toast |
Remember that this was an example and you can follow your own course plan. When maintaining your diet, you need to remember what body fat percentage is maintainable on a diet.
Expense
Weight loss programs are a quick fix for obesity but they come at a cost. Let’s look at the probable cost.
Herbalife Expense
The main three programs that Herbalife offers can cost from 125$ up to 250$. Let us look at the cost of some major weight loss products of Herbalife.
| Herbalife Product | Herbalife Product Cost |
| Formula 1 Select meal replacement shake | 44$ (30 servings) |
| Formula 2 Capsules | 27$ (30 days) |
| Protein Drink Mix | 54$ (30 servings) |
| Herbal Aloe Concentrate | 122$ (1.89 liters) |
| Protein Bar Deluxe | 28$ (14 Bars) |
Herbalife monthly programs cost is as followed:
- QuickStart: 125$ (per month)
- Advanced Program: 190$ (per month)
- Ultimate Program: 240$ (per month)
Nutrisystem Expense
Nutrisystem weight loss programs are more expensive compared to Herbalife. The programs of Nutrisystem cost start from 250$ and can go up to 350$. And If you opt for a Nutrisystem delivery option then the cost will only rise.
Not to mention the cost of additional food with a Nutrisystem diet. And if you opted for a per month one-time delivery then it will cost you up to 710$.
Nutrisystem has three plans. They also offer nutrisystem for women. Let us have a look at them.
| Plan | For Men | For Women |
| Basic | $10.58 per day $68.39 per week $296.36 per month | $9.08 per day $58.70 per week $254.35 per month |
| Uniquely Yours | $11.85 per day, $76.57 per week $331.81 per month | $10.71 per day $69.23 per week $299.99 per month |
| Uniquely Your Max Plus | $13.31 per day $86.01 per week $372.72 per month | $12.34 per day $79.72 per week $345.45 per month |
Herbalife Vs Nutrisystems-[Pros and Cons]
Let us check their pros and cons of Herbalife and Nutrisystem to choose the best option.
Herbalife Pros
Below is the list of Herbalife pros and benefits.
- Very simple to follow
- Variety for every individual’s taste
- Known to improve cardiovascular health
Herbalife Cons
Herbalife weight loss program is of course not without its downside. They have their own series of disadvantages.
Highly Processed Shakes
Herbalife shakes are made of ingredients that are highly processed food. Not to mention the variety of vitamins and minerals. For instance Formula 1 shake is high in sugar, mainly fructose.
According to WHO, one should only consume 15% of daily calories from sugar. Because sugar and caffeine may be worse for you when losing weight.
Low in Calories
If you’re wondering, does Herbalife diet work? It’s true that Herbalife weight loss meals are low in calories but they are too low. However, throughout the day you feel hungry and sticking with the diet may seem as difficult.
Expensive
Even with skipping two meals you might think you are saving on groceries. But they’re not significant enough.
Herbalife two shakes per day can alone cost you 87$ per month. Not to mention additional groceries and supplement expenses.
Liver Damage
Herbalife supplements are not tested for effectiveness and are not regulated by any agency for purity.
There are several reports of liver damage with Herbalife weight loss supplements. Furthermore, some products may cause an overgrowth of bacteria called B. Subtilis. This has a link to liver damage.
But the complete research has not yet been conducted. So, it would be wise to consult your healthcare professional before consumption.
Nutrisystem Pros
Below are the pros of Nutrisystem weight loss programs.
Saves Time
Most Nutrisystem food is frozen or maybe shelf-stable. So, you don’t need to go grocery shopping or cooking.
Not to mention that your time on doing dishes is also saved. It’s quick and easy to follow, just select the menu and start consuming.
Promote Weight Loss
Nutrisystem offers a low-calorie diet. And that’s the most needed thing in a weight loss plan.
A recent study found that compared to a controlled calorie diet, Nutrisystem leads to 3.8% more weight loss.
Improve Blood Sugar Control
Nutrisystem has portion-controlled diets best suited for managing your blood sugar levels. Furthermore, its program can be customized for low carbs.
Not to mention their specific meal plans for people with type 2 diabetes. This plan includes food that is high in protein and low in carbs.
Nutrisystem Cons
Let us see what is the downside of consuming a Nutrisystem weight loss program.
Processed Food
Just like Herbalife, Nutrisystem food is also highly processed. Most of their meals are low in fiber and high in refined grains and oils.
Expensive
Even the cheapest plan of a Nutrisystem is more than the average monthly cost of groceries.
Metabolic Syndrome
The meals of the Nutrisystem are frozen and pre-processed foods. They may lead to health issues like metabolic syndrome for some.
Final Verdict
The comparison of Herbalife and Nutrisystem clearly favors NutriSystem. Herbalife is more expensive but Nutrisystem has varieties and relatively safer options.
In addition to that for quick results, both would work just fine. If you are willing to spend some bucks, I would suggest Nutrisystem.
FAQs
Do Herbalife and Nutrisystem weight loss programs really work to lose weight?
In terms of weight loss, both Herbalife and Nutrisystem will cause short term weight loss. These programs work by offering pre-packaged low calories foods. And taking a low-calorie intake is vital to a weight loss plan.
Do doctors recommend Herbalife for weight loss?
Simply no. There is not enough research regarding the health benefits or downsides of Herbalife weight loss programs. So specifically any supplements that you take should be with the advice and consultation of physician certified dietitians.
Does Herbalife weight loss program damage kidneys?
Researches show that there are some health damages but no certain information has been reported. However, people with impaired kidneys or any underlying kidney complication may first consult a doctor. You should not use weight loss supplements without recommendation.
Conclusion
So when facing the choice of Herbalife vs Nutrisystem, you now know what to choose. Generally, both are effective for short term weight loss. Nutrisystem is more expensive than Herbalife but offers a great variety of food.
Also, Nutrisystem is a safer option as compared to Herbalife. Herbalife has more adverse side effects than Nutrisystem.
Still, you should consult a health care professional if you have any underlying health conditions.
