Nutrisystem PowerFuels are your weight loss superheroes. These lean proteins and healthy fats work hard to keep you feeling full while supporting a healthy metabolism.
You might be used to reaching for meat, eggs or dairy to satisfy this food group, but have you thought about plant-based options? They’re not just great for variety – they also have some great health benefits.
Here’s a quick look at why they’re worth considering and how to include them in your plan.
A growing body of research suggests that incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet, as opposed to animal-based foods, offers significant health benefits. Here are a few:
Protect Health. Plant-based proteins are rich in fiber, which aids satiety, supports gut health and assists in regulating blood sugar levels. Studies suggest swapping animal products for plant-based alternatives can lower your risk of developing heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Support Weight Loss. Plant-based foods, such as nuts and seeds, are rich in healthier unsaturated fats known to be anti-inflammatory.
Improve Diet Quality. Plant-based foods contain essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support overall health. People who shift to a plant-centered diet tend to eat more of these beneficial nutrients.
It’s a myth that animal-based products are a better source of protein than plant-based options. Both can satisfy your body’s protein needs.
The debate around the quality of these protein sources centers on their amino acid content. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Your body uses them for many important jobs, including building and repairing muscles and making hormones.
Among the many amino acids, nine are essential, meaning your body can’t make them and must get them from the food in your diet. Animal proteins typically contain all nine essential amino acids, while plant-based sources may not.
For this reason, animal proteins are termed “complete,” while many plant-based proteins are labeled “incomplete.” However, this does not mean that plant proteins are inferior. The key to meeting all of your amino acid needs, regardless of protein source, is to include a variety of foods in your daily diet.
Below is a list of some of the best plant-based protein options to consider incorporating in your Nutrisystem plan to maximize the health impact of your PowerFuel choices.
Serving sizes listed count as 1 PowerFuel option on the Nutrisystem program.
Soy is one of the plant proteins considered a “complete” protein, as it contains all nine essential amino acids.
Nuts provide protein, healthy fats and health-boosting vitamins and minerals like magnesium, selenium, and Vitamins E, C and B6. Researchers have found people eating nuts regularly (about a handful per day) had an easier time managing their weight.
Like nuts, seeds are jam-packed with healthy fats and fiber to keep you on track with your goals. They’re also a quick grab-and-go option for boosting your protein intake – no cooking required.
Plant-based oils add flavor, boost meal satisfaction and have anti-inflammatory properties to support your overall health.
Including a few more plant-based options in your diet can make a big difference to your health, even if you don’t go entirely plant-based. Below are some ideas and inspiration to get you started.
Discover the health benefits of incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet with Nutrisystem. Make smart choices for weight loss by enriching your meals with plant-based PowerFuels and pre-made vegetarian options. Enjoy unlimited non-starchy veggies , aiming for at least four servings daily to fuel your body with essential nutrients while effectively managing your weight.