Nutrisystem vs. Optavia: Which Meal Plan Would I Recommend?

Losing weight is no easy task, with boring diets and repetitive workouts that drain your motivation.

The overwhelming array of calorie trackers, meal planners, and workout apps on the market makes it even harder to decide what’s right and what’s wrong.

As someone with deep roots in nutrition and wellness, I’ve seen countless people struggle with these frustrations. As a result, I’m constantly on the lookout for solutions that can ease their journey.

This led me to explore two reputable subscription weight loss meal plans – Nutrisystem and Optavia. I decided to understand firsthand what these plans have to offer and share my experiences in this review. 

Nutrisystem vs. Optavia: Which Is a Better Weight Loss Program?

Nutrisystem and Optavia are both popular weight loss programs offering structured meal plans. But rather than looking for a better diet program, weight loss is more about finding the right fit. 

For instance, if your daily life is a whirlwind of commitment and busy schedules, Nutrisystem might be a better option since they mainly offer pre-packaged meals. 

On the other hand, if your goal is losing weight and learning culinary skills as you go, consider going with Optavia. 

What Is Nutrisystem?

Nutrisystem is a subscription weight loss program that sends you pre-made, pre-portioned meals so you don’t have to stress about what to eat.

When signing up, you will be asked to enter your height and weight. Once that’s done, the system suggests meal plan options based on your daily calorie requirement. You have the flexibility to choose from a variety of options, including vegetarian-friendly meals and those designed for diabetes management.

Essentially, you will be eating around 4–6 times a day, but you can also decide the frequency and what meals you would like to have. Nutrisystem offers over 150 items, including pancakes, pasta, pizza, and even brownies.

One thing I liked about Nutrisystem is how it allowed me to add extras to my own meals, like protein shakes, in case I feel extra hungry. My weight loss program also included a lot of fruits, veggies, and nuts.

According to Nutrisystem, their meals are about balance and nutrition. Most meals are protein-rich and have a lower glycemic index (don’t cause blood glucose spikes). Such meals are effective in helping people shed pounds by keeping them satiated for longer.

What Is Optavia?

Optavia is a program that takes a two-pronged approach to help people lead healthier lives. First, they give you diet programs, and second, they educate you on how to build healthy habits.

When it comes to the diet part, Optavia offers two weight loss programs and one maintenance program. These plans focus on low-calorie, low-carb meals and include a wide array of options, including meal replacements and “Fuelings” or mini-meals for when you are extra hungry.

Beyond pre-packaged foods, Optavia also provides easy homemade Lean and Green meal recipes. Depending on your plan, you’ll make at least one or more balanced meals by yourself every day. The idea is to gradually equip you with the skills to prepare healthy, balanced meals.

The educational aspect has two pillars – personal coaches and a community forum. Soon after you sign up for a program, Optavia matches you with a coach who will then offer you one-on-one guidance. One thing to note here is that these coaches aren’t certified professionals but previous Optavia clients who get paid on how well you do.

Similarities Between Nutrisystem and Optavia

While comparing the two subscription meal plans, I found that Optavia and Nutrisystem have three factors in common.

1. Both brands deliver meals right to your doorstep.
2. They have got a lot of positive reviews from customers.
3. They offer healthy snacks that can save you from midday hunger meltdowns.

Main Differences Between Nutrisystem and Optavia

When analyzing how these subscription meal plans stacked against each other, the first thing I noticed was how Nutrisystem focuses mostly on pre-packaged meals, while Optavia encourages users to eat home-cooked meals.

But that isn’t all. Here is the real scoop on Nutrisystem vs. Optavia.

Meal plans and variety

Nutrisystem spoils you with over 160 choices and features special diet programs for vegetarians, people with diabetes, and more. The menu includes international food choices and boasts chef-inspired flavors. It is also budget-friendly and structured.

Optavia is more modest, with just over 60 meal options. It serves a decent number of cuisines, ranging from American classics to Asian, Italian, and even Latin American dishes.

Since the focus is mainly on teaching users to cook balanced meals, Optavia’s Lean and Green meals recipes are simpler and include lean protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy veggies. This brand also allows you to filter the menu for meals that don’t contain specific ingredients like nuts or shellfish.

Meal personalization

Nutrisystem has special diet plans for people with diabetes and those who follow a vegetarian diet. In addition, they offer gender-specific weight loss programs, and you can also choose the meal frequency and meal replacements like shakes and bars for your plan.

Perhaps the only downside is that they don’t have a certified gluten-free meal plan.

Optavia, on the other hand, features a filtering system. It lets you pick kosher, soy-free, low-fat, or heart-healthy meals. You can also chat with the coach appointed to you after signing up to seek advice on how to customize your program.

Nonetheless, Optavia’s coaches aren’t certified medical professionals and are commissioned.

Service

Signing up for Optavia and Nutrisystem is hassle-free and quick. With both brands, you choose a plan and meals that fit your preferences. If you need a tailor-made meal plan, you can always contact their customer service.

When it comes to shipping, Optavia ships to more regions than Nutrisystem, which ships only to the continental US. Optavia sends its pre-packaged meals to Alaska, Hawaii, and other territories besides the continental US.

Nutrisystem and Optavia ship ready-to-heat (arrives first) and frozen foods separately. The former lays out the shipping process on their website, while the latter makes you do some detective work to get the necessary details.

Customer support and coaching

Nutrisystem is definitely the winner when it comes to accessibility. They have a live chat, plus you can always call or email them. Optavia’s customer support can be reached through phone or email, but they skipped the live chat option.

When it comes to coaching, Optavia does it better. Optavia offers you a personal coach right after you sign up for a program. The coach will guide your diet, meal plan, and exercise. In addition, there is a huge community you can engage with.

With Nutrisystem, weight loss coaching is available on demand 7 days a week. But instead of having them on speed dial, you will need to reach out for guidance.

Nevertheless, remember that neither program’s coaches are certified dietitians. So, if you need medical advice, it is best to talk to healthcare professionals.

Cost

The price for Nutrisystem programs ranges from $300 to $407 per month. This includes shipping, and most of the time, they run promotions and deals.

Optavia diet is relatively more expensive, setting you back $379–423 per month. Shipping is on the house, but only for orders over $250. 

Now, here’s another catch. The price for Optavia doesn’t cover the ingredients for your green meals. You will have to shop for them yourself. So, you will definitely be paying a higher price for Optavia’s meal plans in the long run.

	Nutrisystem	Optavia
Price range (per month)	$300–407	$379–423
Shipping	Free	Free for orders above $250
Additional considerations	Runs frequent promotions	Added expense of ingredients for the home-cooked green meal
Overall comparison	Competitive pricing	Potentially expensive in the long run

Best in the Weight Loss Category

How I Compared Nutrisystem and Optavia

I did a lot of research on these brands because I wanted to know what I was getting myself into. While doing so and after subscribing to their program, I had a few criteria in mind to ensure my final verdict was in no way biased. So, let me tell you what these criteria were.

Quality

I looked into the quality of their meals. Are they tasty? Are they made with quality ingredients? Are they nutritious?

Quality matters when it comes to meal plans. If the food doesn’t appeal to your taste buds while supplying your body with essential nutrients, you will most likely not stick with it.

I can say for sure that Optavia and Nutrisystem appealed to my taste buds. They were also made with quality ingredients.

Effectiveness

For effectiveness, I first looked at what these brands put into their meals. Optavia and Nutrisystem meals include proteins, minerals, nutrients, and even probiotics.

I also researched whether these programs actually helped people lose weight and get healthier. Weight loss isn’t just about losing numbers on the scale, it’s also about improving overall health. I think both Nutrisystem and Optavia scored well in terms of real, lasting results.

Price

Not everyone can afford expensive meal plans. And while some people may find both products reasonably priced for what they offer, they are still expensive and even come with additional costs. However, there are no hidden fees, and the programs often include free shipping.

Brand reputation

The last criterion, and perhaps the most important one on my list, was brand reputation. Are Nutrisystem and Optavia known for delivering what they promise?

From what I saw, they have a good history of satisfied customers. This user on Reddit reports losing around 6 pounds in a week with Nutrisystem, and this user lost as much as 75 pounds in 6 months with Optavia.

FAQs

A Word From Our MD

Final Verdict: Should You Consider the Products?

Nutrisystem is known for its extensive meal varieties. Their food is pre-packaged, nutritious, and delicious. So, it is a great choice for anyone who leads a busier life and craves diverse flavors. It is also more budget-friendly and structured compared to Optavia.

On the other hand, Optavia focuses on coaching and community support alongside its meal plans. Though the menu isn’t as extensive, it offers a decent range of options.

Both Nutrisystem and Optavia have a loyal fan base. Ultimately, the right plan for you comes down to what you value most. Is it a wide array of meal choices, coaching, and community or budget-friendliness?

Lastly, remember that whichever path you choose, the most important thing is your commitment. So, work hard for your goals, and you will soon be successful.